Easy (and cheap!) Valentine's Date Ideas

Each year the “Hallmark holiday” comes around, I struggle to come up with cute (and cheap) date ideas. I love the idea of dressing up and going to a nice dinner (wearing pink and/or red, of course); however, I think there’s more room for creativity. This year, I’ve come up with some easy, affordable date night activities (applicable to GAL-entines date nights, too)!

Plan a Progressive Dinner! I’m a huge fan of progressive dinners. Instead of sitting in one place for drinks + food, make a night of culinary tours! Grab (a themed) cocktail from your favorite cocktail bar, move to your next spot for appetizers, REPEAT! Sometimes at the end of the progressive dinner, I don’t even need an entree because I’ve eaten so much. If you can’t decide on your next destination … play rock-paper-scissors to decide the move! BUDGET TIP: Grab cocktails + an app from your favorite places and then pick up a pizza to enjoy at home!
Make something from scratch. We made homemade pasta over the holidays and it proved to be an afternoon activity, we learned a new skill AND it was a DELICIOUS meal! It was some of the best pasta I’ve ever eaten. Make sugar cookies and decorate them with pink or red icing, bake a cake (strawberry or chocolate and strawberries?!). The options are endless.
Concoct a Valentine’s themed cocktail. Like this fun sangria recipe (rose, vodka, strawberries), a pink senorita (tequila + lemonade), or this fabulous looking love potion martini! Shaken, stirred, however you like it!
The Penny Game. Let fate decide your date night! All you need for this activity is a penny. Flip the coin - heads you go left - tails you go right. And see where the night takes you!
Go on a hike. George and I put together some New Year’s resolutions as a couple and one of them was to become more active! AKA: choose an afternoon hike over a day at the brewery (although we enjoy both). Hop in the car and find your nearest park. Pack a picnic so you can sit and relax once you reach the best views!
Coffee Date. Reverse the day and make a morning of it! Meet at your favorite coffee shop or breakfast spot and order some strawberry pancakes and your favorite latte. Bring along a deck of cards or table topics to keep things interesting!