Five cheap, unique Valentine’s Day date ideas to spend with your loved one

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and all across the nation, men are scrambling for ideas. Will it be flowers and chocolate, or dinner and a movie?

Let’s face it, fellas. If you’ve been in a relationship for any amount of time, you know creative, inexpensive date ideas can be hard to come by. But this Valentine’s Day, you don’t have to break the bank to create special memories and have a good time.

Follow your passions and think outside the box –of chocolates. The memories will last a lot longer than gourmet chocolate and expensive roses.

Here are five low-cost Valentine’s Day date ideas to get your wheels turning.

Dinner and a movie, re-imagined

Dinner and a movie can be so cliché. But what about a candlelit, home-cooked meal and a romantic rental movie? You don’t have to buy filet mignon and lobster, you can get great deals on chicken, pork, and fish. Pair it up with some pasta, pop in a movie and you’re ready to treat your significant other to an unforgettable evening.

Open road

Just get in the car with your special lady friend and drive! You might spend a little on gas, but you’ll create some lasting memories as you travel to a town you have never visited or even a famous landmark. You could also revisit the special places around town where you’ve created fun memories and take pictures together.

Game night

Who doesn’t love a good board game? Find a few classic board games, invite some other couples over, and make a night of it. Having some Valentine’s Day-themed food on hand, such as red-velvet cupcakes and heart-shaped candy, will add to the fun and will enhance the mood, too.

Night at the museum

Two tickets to a local museum typically are not expensive. And you can learn a little about art or history — and each other. Combine this idea with a home-cooked dinner and movie or game night, and you’ll have a full day of fun.

Take a hike

Pack a lunch, grab a few water bottles and hit the hiking trails. You’ll be amazed at the quality of conversation you can have with someone while you are hiking up a mountain or through the woods. After all, it is Valentine’s Day, so why not get your heart in shape?

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