9 Valentine's Day Gifts That Won't Hurt Your Budget

Searching for an expensive and extravagant Valentine’s Day gift? You might want to rethink that. Overspending has been found to be one of the leading causes of strife and tension between couples.

Although a lot of people assume the best gifts are expensive, overspending on a Valentine’s Day gift isn’t necessary. Below, we’ve compiled 9 affordable Valentine’s Day gifts that your partner is sure to love.

Affordable Valentine's Day Gifts to Keep You Within Your Budget

Get creative and celebrate this special day without breaking your budget. You don’t need to spend a ton to say a whole lot.

1. Cook Dinner for Your Partner

You could end up paying overdraft charges and late fees if you lose track of spending. Writing a check while out shopping and forgetting to enter it into a ledger can create a domino effect. One unaccounted-for check can lead to utility and loan payments bouncing.

But online banking and mobile banking allow busy family members to stay on top of their finances. With easy access to account balances, check images, tax forms, customizable alerts, and the ability to transfer funds and pay bills, your busy lifestyle doesn’t have to change. Whether you are at home on your laptop or using your smartphone in the palm of your hand, managing your money is easy.

2. Surprise Your Partner with a Themed Movie Night

Stream or rent a few movies and pick up some favorite snacks. You can plan a fabulous, one-of-a-kind evening for you and your special someone. Light candles all over the room or borrow a portable projector to watch your movies across an entire wall for a special experience.

3. Get Creative – Literally

You’ve heard of paints and pints nights. Why not create your own? Select your favorite couples step by step painting tutorial on YouTube. Before you know it you and your special someone will be painting a silly, memorable, and fun new piece of art. Grab some beers (or wine) at a local shop and set up this affordable Valentine’s Day gift in the comfort of your kitchen or living room. Don’t forget to set the mood with silly or romantic music! The hardest part of this special adventure is deciding where you will hang the finished artwork.

4. Learn a New Language

Whether you’re planning a trip to a foreign country or are simply interested in learning a new way to communicate, learning a new language is a fun (and inexpensive) activity you can do together. Sign up for a class or watch some videos online – just don’t forget to have some fun!

If you want to surprise your partner, consider learning your own sweet message or repeat the vows you said on your wedding day in another language. This is one of those thoughtful and romantic Valentine’s Day gifts that will never be forgotten.

5. Make a Playlist

Create a heartfelt playlist that includes all your significant other’s favorites, plus a few special ones that remind you of them. A good playlist never fails. If you want to take this Valentine’s Day gift to the next level, plan a short road trip to see some local sights and enjoy listening to the music together on the ride.

6. Go House Hunting

House hunting doesn’t have to be serious and methodical. It can be fun and spontaneous too! Pick a few hours to hit up some houses you’ve been meaning to see or pop into a few open houses. It may be just the motivation you and your partner need to stick to your savings goal in hopes of finding that new house you’re looking for.

You never know…you may even find the perfect home! If you do, be sure to get in touch. We just happen to know a place that offers a complete suite of mortgage products to help finance your dream home!

7. Host a Game Night by the Fire

Put away your phones and other technology for the evening. Instead, simply focus on your partner. With a cozy setting and just a few old-fashioned board games, you can spend time together without the distractions of phone calls and emails. Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to be expensive. Sometimes offering your undivided time and attention matters more than items you can buy from a store.

8. Plan a Special Outdoor Adventure

If the weather is nice, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend some time outside. Plan a night of stargazing with a bottle of wine and a charcuterie board full of your partner’s favorites. You might even start with a sunset walk or an evening picnic.

Alternatively, if the two of you are up for the challenge, plan a special hike. Visit the place where you proposed (or were proposed to) or spend some time at a memorable location for you and our special someone. Showing your partner that you remember the little things can be one of the best Valentine’s Day gifts someone ever receives.

9. Go Retro

Take things back to when you and your partner were kids. Head to your local skating rink or ice-skating rink and see how quickly you pick up skating again. Prefer less risk? Rent or take your bikes out for a spin. Packing a picnic lunch would be a perfect end to your ride.

If these activities don’t spark your interest, consider scheduling a visit to the zoo or an aquarium. Many offer discounts or free days, especially when you live locally. Be sure to check out your local library for discounted passes. You’d be surprised at the deals you find.

Make a Plan for Your Additional Savings

As you can see, there are plenty of affordable yet thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts available for a wide range of personalities. Once you’ve chosen a special experience for you and your sweetheart, figure out what you’d like to do with the extra money you’ve saved.

Although one decision leading to extra savings is a great first step, a true savings plan requires a budget followed by smart financial decisions. As your savings grows, you need to have a plan for how that money will be applied to your outstanding debts and put toward your financial goals.

Your savings can be used as an extra principal-only payment on an outstanding loan balance or credit card bill. It could also be used to open a share certificate, invested in your retirement account or IRA, or even added to your emergency savings fund!

Can't decide? CCCU is here to help! Contact us today to learn more about the best money-saving strategies for you and your partner.