Budget Busters: How to Make Valentine’s Day Special on a Student Budget

By Ian Donnelly

Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that is only as important as you make it. Yes, there are a few traditions attached to it, but none of them are set in stone. The day holds different meanings for different people. Some want an over-the-top celebration and treat the day like a barometer for their current relationship, while others jump into a long tangent every February 14^th about the great Hallmark conspiracy. Whatever you may think of Valentine’s Day, it’s a chance to show how much you care about someone—your crush, partner, roomie, or whoever—with a little something special.

Like all holidays, celebrating usually means spending money, which can be tricky on a student budget. But there are plenty of heartwarming ways to make the day festive without breaking the bank. For some brainstorming inspiration, here are a few budget-busting ideas that are sure to make this Valentine’s Day a memorable one.

Do Your Research

Taking your valentine out to dinner is the go-to plan for celebrating Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately, this can also be the priciest. If you’re dead-set on this traditional route, you’ll need to do some research to find an affordable meal. Some restaurants offer special couple’s rates for Valentine’s Day, so take some time to browse your top choice’s social media pages, or stop by their location during business off-hours to see if there are any discounts. You may find the perfect deal for your dinner plans.

If you’re willing to stray from the norm a bit, you can plan to go out for a less expensive breakfast or lunch instead of dinner. The menus for these times are usually much lower than the price points you will find at dinner hours. Or you can skip dinner and go straight for the good stuff—dessert! Even at a fancy restaurant, desserts usually don’t cost more than $10. This way, you can treat your valentine to a high-class atmosphere without the astronomical price tag.

Why Buy When You Can Make

The best Valentine’s Day gift doesn’t always come from a store. A handmade gift adds a personal touch to your festivities that no amount of money can buy—at least, that’s what you can tell your valentine, who specifically put their perfect gift in their Amazon cart and made sure you saw it.

But seriously, a thoughtful, handmade gift is a rock-solid idea, and you can wow your valentine on a shoestring budget if you’re willing to put the time and effort into making your Valentine’s Day a full-on DIY affair. Instead of dining out, try making a home-cooked meal for you and your valentine to share. The fact that you prepared dinner yourself will make it all the more delicious. If you’re far from a pro-level chef, a quick Google search will give you endless options for easy-to-follow recipes. It may take a bit more elbow grease than making a reservation, but your personal effort will dazzle your date just as much as the dish you make—even if it isn’t considered “edible” by traditional standards.

If you want something for your valentine to open during dinner, you can make your own Valentine’s Day card as well. A handmade card is much more special than a generic store-bought one, especially if you put your own unique talents to use. If you’re an artist, draw a picture; if you’re a crafter, deck out your card with an artsy collage; if you’ve have a way with words, turn your note into an ode to their best qualities; if you’re a computer whiz, design and print a card on your computer, or make an e-card for your valentine. As long as you use your personal talents to make something special, your affection will outweigh price tags every time.

Set the Mood

Setting the right mood is the make or break ingredient for a memorable and meaningful Valentine’s Day. You can treat your loved one to good food or a thoughtful gift anytime, but whipping up a romantic atmosphere will add that special holiday magic. While hiring a violin virtuoso to serenade your intimate evening at a rooftop restaurant sounds like a perfect plan, it might not fall within your budget. But there are plenty of practical methods you can use to enchant your Valentine’s Day celebration.

The easiest way set the mood on a student budget is to get thrifty with your holiday decorations. Some red balloons, a hand-picked playlist filled with your valentine’s favorite songs, and some well-placed candles will transform any dinner into a dreamy setting. Just make sure you shell out for some candleholders as well—no one wants to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a surprise visit from the local Fire Department.

You can even turn dinner into an exotic picnic with a blanket and some pillows. A meal shared in your local park, nature reserve, or even your own backyard can be just as special as an expensive restaurant. And if Mother Nature decides to spoil the fun with nasty weather, you can always move it all inside and set up a picnic in the living room. While it may not sound picturesque, the real measure of romance isn’t how close you can get to fairytale perfection —it’s the passion you put towards making your valentine feel special.

Investing time in your relationship is much more important than spending money. That’s the real heart of the matter (pun intended) when it comes to making the perfect Valentine’s Day plans. Despite the sappy stigma, it’s a holiday meant for celebrating how special your valentine is to you, and as long as you keep that in mind and use a few of these budget busting tips, you’re sure to have a lovely Valentine’s Day!

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