Valentine’s day is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning a romantic evening the two of you will remember for years. But the challenge remains, what can you do this year that beats last Valentine’s day while staying on a budget? You don’t necessarily have to overspend to enjoy a romantic evening. So, we have listed some cool dinner date ideas, DIY gifts, party themes, and fun games to enjoy this Valentine’s day.

Valentine’s day theme party at home
If you have decided to spend Valentine’s at home, why not create a theme party to spend quality time together?

Fancy a spa date? Buy some comfy robes, light up incense sticks, get some aromatherapy essential oils fuming, and order a home massage. You and your partner can enjoy a much-needed day of relaxation at home. If you love sampling some cocktails, then this Valentine’s day, try making a few of your own at home. Buy and keep all the ingredients ready, mix up a few of your favorites, and enjoy a cocktail party theme night. Fancy something even more low-key? Download a movie, get some popcorn going, and order in your favorite takeout. You don’t always have to overspend to have a fun time.

The simplest of plans can bring the two of you closer, for it’s the little things you cherish that matter the most on such occasions.

Cool ideas for a date
Go for a spontaneous drive. You’ll never know what surprises lie ahead that gives you and your partner a chance to step out of your comfort zone and do something new together. This can be an excellent bonding experience. After all, nothing is better than the company of your partner. Crank up the AC, tune into your couple’s playlist, and turn up the volume on the drive. Plan an evening at each of your favorite hangout spots. This is one of the best ways to learn more about your partner’s favorite foods, favorite things to do, and even pet peeves you didn’t know until today. You can even go to a comedy show together to break out of the typical stereotype dates and mix things up, laughing at the funniest (or lamest!) jokes. Even a couple dance classes can be a great idea for a Valentine’s date. Salsa or bachata are art forms that bring the two of you closer, for the steps are performed in close proximity.

Best Valentine’s day gifts
A bouquet of roses, chocolates, and Valentine’s day cards are all standard. This Valentine’s day, why not take time out and make a meaningful gift that your partner will surely appreciate. Give your partner something they will cherish for life, a gift with utility and sentimental value. For example, surprise your date with DIY fortune cookies made from felt cloth, each containing a personal handwritten message. Or make a cool heart-shaped leather keychain with a personal message or favorite quote. Wall string arts are a fabulous way to express your love using creative patterns and shapes made from a string. They are easy to make and are amazing custom gifts to give your partner. Scented candles are also an excellent addon for romantic dinner nights at home, so check out DIY tips to make colorful flavored candles at home. To make a unique, memorable gift, you can customize the candle to include your partner’s favorite color, pattern, material, and texture. Check out more of these DIY romantic Valentine’s day gifts for men & women and learn how to make them today.

Valentine’s day dinner ideas
You have two options, cook at home, or take your date to a fancy restaurant. But having a great Valentine’s dinner certainly ups the romance ante. And if your partner is a foodie, this is the best opportunity. If you plan to take your partner out, choose a restaurant with a view and order a proper three-course meal with appetizers, mains, and dessert featuring these hero ingredients. Scallops, porterhouse steak, lobster, shrimp scampi, salmon, tuna, and other pastas are perfect ‘dinner for two’ options for enjoying this day. If you plan to cook at home, stick to the basics and keep the dish simple. There are easy-to-follow recipes with step-by-step instructions you can check online. Your partner will certainly appreciate the thought and effort that went into cooking dinner.

Valentine’s day fun games
If you have no big date plans or prefer spending the day with your family, check out these cool games to play and have a great time with your loved ones. How does the Valentine’s Day Family Feud game sound? You can download customized poster boards and take turns guessing the correct answer for points. Or check out the very popular ‘punch a prize’ game. You can even organize cool scavenger hunt games with a valentine themed adventure and invite friends over, like Raj Koothrapali did in one episode of The Big Bang Theory. At the end of the game, everybody is a winner. These are just some of the many DIY game ideas you can find online to do something fun and different this romantic holiday.