When you’re on a budget, even the most mundane holidays and events can cause financial distress. Does your friend have a birthday coming up? You’re probably already stressing about being able to afford the dinner she invited you to. The same concept applies to holidays, including Valentine’s Day.
That said, there are plenty of ways to save money on Valentine’s Day without coming off as an uncaring person. Here’s how to do Valentine’s Day on a budget.
The pressure to spend
Valentine’s Day is often seen as an occasion that requires spending money to show affection. There is often an expectation of thoughtfulness and planning something good. According to a recent survey, 79% of Canadians plan to buy Valentine’s gifts this year. A significant number of Canadians are opting for thoughtful rather than costly gestures to express their love. There are also some interesting differences in where people are planning to spend their money.
Ways to cut down cost, but keep the caring
Below are some simple ways to treat your special someone, but without a hefty price tag.
Skip special deliveries
Receiving flowers in the workplace on Valentine’s Day is a special experience, but it comes at a high cost. Special deliveries may seem like a romantic gesture, but they are often expensive and can cost over a hundred dollars – for flowers! Instead of hiring a flower delivery company to bring a bouquet to your loved one, hand-deliver it in person. Hand-delivering gives you a chance to purchase the flowers yourself and shop around to minimize your cost.
People are leaning into flower deliveries via delivery apps recently. It removes the friction and lets people pick good gifts at the last minute. In fact, last year, stats showed that most people placed flower orders for delivery at about 10:50 am on Valentine’s Day itself!
Meals: at home or restaurants?
Instead of treating your loved one to an expensive dinner out, which could cost hundreds of dollars, spend a fraction of that by cooking at home. Buying an expensive cut of meat, preparing it skillfully and serving it with many side dishes will taste just as good as a restaurant meal but will cost only a fraction.
You could even make it a fun activity and tackle a new recipe with your spouse, and this would give you a chance to bond over cooking while saving money at the same time.
Just last year, nearly 60% of Canadians said they would rather share a homemade meal than spend excessively at a restaurant. There has been a bit of a shift this year, with about 51% planning to dine outside. This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, so people are more likely to have the flexibility for restaurant outings.
Plan frugal activities
Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without a romantic event or two. Instead of spending a lot of money going to the movies or a play, consider opting for a free or low-cost event instead. Take a walk through a beautifully lit park at night, go ice skating, or even snowshoeing. These activities are free but will still allow you to spend time together, and that’s what’s important, right?
Opt-out of spending high, opt-in to connection
This option is for frugal pros only because suggesting it to your significant other could result in some friction unless you are both firmly on the frugal living bandwagon.
While celebrating Valentine’s Day is fun, it’s not necessary, and you can always choose to opt out of celebrating completely. People who scaled back their Valentine’s Day celebrations often felt a surprising sense of relief. They’d never realized how much pressure they put on themselves to make Valentine’s Day a memorable experience, until suddenly that weight was lifted.
If you have a significant other who understands your frugal intentions, you may be able to suggest that Valentine’s Day is just a day. Maybe you don’t need to celebrate it with extravagant declarations of your love for one another. You can stick to Valentine’s Day on a budget. A 2025 Numerator survey found that over 45% of couples are looking for ways to celebrate that prioritize connection rather than expenditure.
This year, a The Harris Poll survey found that 2 in 5 Canadians feel that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic partners. Instead, they believe it should be about recognizing and appreciating anyone who shows up for them. Over the last two years, 35% say they’ve acknowledged family members, 24% appreciated their friends, and 19% took a moment to recognize and celebrate themselves. People seem to be tired of the performative aspect and want to do something more meaningful.
More Valentine’s Day on a budget ideas
- Movie marathon at home: Create a cozy atmosphere at home with your favourite films, complete with your favourite snacks and drinks.
- Game night: Dust off those board games or puzzles you haven’t played in a while!
- Homemade charcuterie board: Get yourself some deli meat, crackers, fancy cheese, and fruit. Arrange it all on a plate, and now you have a charcuterie board! Look up some pictures for inspiration, or for more ingredients you enjoy. You can go as simple or as creative as you like. Now you have a delicious accompaniment for any other plans on this list.
- DIY spa day: Pamper yourselves with a DIY spa day at home. You could combine this with movie night, or put on some face masks for board game night!
- Nature hike: This is for the outdoorsy ones! Explore local trails and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s free and allows for some quality time together.
- Volunteer together: Spend time helping at a local shelter or community center.
Wrap up
This Valentine’s Day, a growing number of people are planning to cook a nice meal, share a bottle of wine, or snuggle up on the couch with a good movie. This plan can save hundreds of dollars this year! As a bonus, you don’t have to worry about dressing up, dinner reservations, flower deliveries, or jewelry purchases. If frugality appeals to you, this plan will certainly make you happier, and your wallet too!
Remember, showing love doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. By focusing on connection over consumption, you can build lasting memories without stretching your budget.
