Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day is just around the corner and for many people that means one of two things: staying in and watching your favorite movies by yourself or going out a nice romantic date with your significant other. If you happen to be one of the people that happens to have that special someone, you'll also know that it gets expensive. You start with a box of chocolates and a card, which evolves into a movie, then a fancy dinner, then by the end of the night you're completely broke. To help avoid that situation, here are 10 cheap Valentine's Day activities that won't break your budget.
1. Stay in and Get Takeout
Of course, check with your roommate first and make sure your partner is OK with this. Order some Chinese food and throw on a movie. You'll get some quality time with each other while avoiding lines, overpriced popcorn and you don't have to travel. Plus, you get your choice of movie. Sure, it might not be a recent release, but the movie you watch should be special, not just because it's Valentine's Day
2. Cook your own meal
When you go to a restaurant, you're not just paying for the food. You're paying for the waitstaff, the cook, the manager, the electricity, everything. Decide on a meal and cook it by yourself. Go to Target and pick up ingredients. Don't worry about getting the super fancy food. Target brand pasta tastes like just about any other pasta. You'll end up paying less, and you get to put an extra labor of love into cooking the meal.
3. Play Board Games
Look, Valentine's Day isn't always going to be this glamorous day where you can be extravagant. Sometimes you have to get simple, and you'll still have a good time. Choose a game that won't cause a fight (**HINT: Not Monopoly***) and play. Trivia games can be fun, and remember to not play too competitively!4. See a Broadway Show (Yes, Seriously)
As anybody who has seen Broadway shows knows, tickets are super expensive. Thankfully, many shows have lotteries, student rush, or super discounted tickets. Sure, lotteries aren't a guarantee, but it's worth a shot. Even the hottest shows (Including "Hamilton") have lottery tickets. Many of these are digital and are easily found. Plus, you can visit the TKTS Booth in New York to get discounted tickets (No show is more than $47)(NOTE: Hot shows are not normally on TKTS, but the classics are, such as "Phantom of the Opera"). For a bit of help, here's the list of Student Rush and lottery information from Playbill.com
5. People Watch
Humans are, fundamentally, very judgmental. So take advantage of this and go to the mall and watch all the other couples walking around spending their money. Sure, it's not the most romantic idea, but if you're both down for it, it'll save you a nice chunk of money.
6. Experiment in the Bedroom
Take advantage of one of our most primal desires-sex. Of course, make sure it's consensual. But most of the time sex is just sex. Try spicing it up. Look up ideas online and write them on a piece of paper. Put that paper in a hat and pick out an idea. If you're both down, do it! Nobody is forced to do anything, and the only money you need to spend is on protection.
7. Arts & Crafts
Grab some crayons or paint or pencils or macaroni and glue. Make art and work together. The best part is you'll have a keepsake to remind you of the day. It doesn't have to be good or belong in the MET. What matters is that you work together and make art.
8. Listen to Music
Music is the universal language and there are so many beautiful songs that just cuddling with that special someone and listening to music can be great. Don't do it all day, but it's certainly a nice chance to unwind.
9. Binge Netflix
I already said you could watch a movie, but why not binge a show (or a season of a show)? Choose something you both enjoy and just keep watching. Sure, you can get takeout too. The night is up to you.
10. Nothing
Look, the only reason Valentine's Day is important is because society says so. Go against the grain and don't do anything. It doesn't mean you can't hang out with your significant other, but don't give in to Valentine's Day. It is just another day in the year and we don't need a day to tell us to love our partner!
And there you have it. Enjoy your Valentine's Day whether you're celebrating with that certain someone or you're spending the night alone.
