It’s almost that pink-and-red, hearts-everywhere holiday! Valentine’s Day is just over two weeks away and we’re already starting to plan… Neither of us are big on spending a ton or doing anything super extravagant for the holiday, though. We both have big life goals we’re saving towards, so we try to keep holiday celebrations as budget-friendly as possible. Here are some of our favorite ideas for celebrating V-day while being nice to your wallets!

Throw a Valentine’s Potluck Party

Invite your friends over for a potluck party and put your heart-shaped Valentine’s recipes to the test! We love these ideas for recipes that won’t break the bank.

Savory:

1. Heart Shaped Parmesan Garlic Knots
2. Egg-Heart Toasts for Valentine Breakfast
3. Heart Sushi
4. Bacon Cheeseburger Heart Pockets (for sure the way to our hearts)

Sweet:

1. Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
2. Valentine’s Chocolate Strawberry Popcorn
3. Drunken Strawberries
4. Watermelon Heart Fruit Salad

Fancy Dinner & Romantic Movie Night at Home

We’ve been a bit obsessed with Meal Delivery Kits for the past few years. Home Chef offers a special meal for Valentine’s Day. It’s a bit more expensive ($19.95/per person vs. their typical $9.95/per person) but much cheaper than going out! This year they are offering Mesquite Filet Mignon with Cheddar Mashed Potatoes. If you haven’t tried Home Chef yet, sign up with our code for $30 off  your first box. Or try Sun Basket ($40 off) or Hello Fresh ($40 off)!

Make the evening extra special by pairing your fancy dinner with a fancy cocktail or dessert! We love these cocktail recommendations and all of these dessert recipes currently have us drooling [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12]!

If you are looking for a movie recommendation, check out this list of 51 Romantic Comedies from Vogue.

Walk on the Beach

There’s just something wonderfully special about walking on the beach even if you live there and go all the time. If you are a LA local, we love this list from Discover Los Angeles of beaches to try!

Make it extra special by packing a picnic. A few of our favorite picnic items: picnic blanket, reusable/shatterproof wine glasses, roll-able picnic table and basket with plates/utensils. If  you are going in the evening, don’t forget to pack a lantern!

Backyard Camping

If you’re lucky enough to live in a warm-weather locale, Valentine’s Day times up perfectly with some great camping weather! No need to drive to faraway distances or hike many miles to get a great camping experience, just pop the tent in your backyard! Grab some blankets and your pillows and tuck in for a cosy night “abroad.”

Need some supplies to make this outdoorsy celebration happen? We love this tent, these sleeping bags, and these lanterns!

Walk Down Memory Lane

Valentine’s Day is as great an occasion as any to remind your loved one(s!) why they’re special to you. Have some movie stubs from your first date? Photos of the two of you from early on in your relationship? Make a scrapbook or just throw all your mementos in a shoe box to go through with your favorite special someone. Grab a bottle of wine or some dollar-store chocolates and go through the memories together!

Breakfast in Bed

Switch things up (and save money!) by celebrating in the morning with homemade breakfast in bed.

We love these bacon hearts and heart cutout egg in the holes. Make it extra special by stepping up your coffee routine with this milk frother for quick, easy and cheap coffee drinks!

You can even have this double as a gift and buy a new breakfast in bed tray, juice carafe, or french press!

Anyone else try to keep things budget-friendly on special occasions? Have a favorite Valentine’s Day recipe you can’t wait to make?? Tell us how you do it in the comments!