How to Have a Romantic Valentine's day on a Budget

Valentine’s Day is a great chance to make someone feel special, but popularity and demand can push prices up. With a little creativity and forward planning, you can create memorable moments without spending a small fortune.

Nina Mandair, certified love and relationship coach, reminds us that thoughtful, small gestures matter more than expensive gifts.

‘It's easy to feel pressured to make grand, expensive gestures on Valentine's Day, but love isn't measured by the amount you spend. Expensive gifts can never replace emotional intimacy and meaningful connection. Prioritise understanding your partner's love language and show up for them in ways that truly matter. Remember, the most memorable moments often come from simple, thoughtful gestures. Focus on creating experiences that strengthen your bond rather than trying to impress with material things. True romance is about connection, presence and making your partner feel seen and cherished.'

Affordable Valentine's Day ideas

For a romantic Valentine’s Day on a budget, here are six low-cost, meaningful options to consider.

1. Plan a romantic dinner for less

A Valentine’s Day classic is to take your partner out for a fancy and romantic dinner. The only thing is, often raise prices or book up on Valentine’s Day. Look for restaurant voucher codes to lower the blow, with special Valentine’s Day menus or offers.

You can also cook a special meal at home and make it an intimate, candlelit occasion. Some supermarkets, like Waitrose or Tesco, sometimes offer dine-in deals that bundle a main, a side, and a starter or dessert, which can work out cheaper than a restaurant. If you buy wine in bulk offers (for example, discounts when you buy multiple bottles), you can spread the cost across several occasions. To choose the best wine at the most competitive price, check out our food expert Yasmine’s list of the best affordable wines.

2. Gift thoughtfully without overspending

During the build-up to Valentine’s Day, you can pay a premium for a lot of the most common romantic gifts, like flowers and jewellery. So, why not think outside the box a little and give your partner something else they’ll love but isn’t typically seen as something romantic? Small, considered gifts often feel more meaningful than expensive but generic items.

Personalised gifts are a fantastic way to give your other half something special and unique, and many brands make personalisation affordable. Brands like Astrid & Miyu, Bloom Boutique and Joma are all great for personalised jewellery.

Think about your partner’s tastes and hobbies. For a big tea drinker, a premium tea box could be a great option. For someone with a nerdy side, the viral LEGO flowers are a cute and alternative option to a traditional bouquet. Whatever your choice, check out our Gifts for Her and Gifts for Him vouchers to save money.

We did some research to create the ultimate list of the best Valentine’s Day gifts to offer to your special someone. Some of our personal favourites include:

• Gourmet biscuit tin collection
• A date night canva painting kit
• Personalised locket
• A voucher for a murder mystery party

3. Enjoy a cosy night in

A well-planned evening at home can be just as romantic as a night out. Love coach Nina Mandair suggests focusing on the senses to set the mood: lighting, scent, music, textures, and activities that create connection. A DIY spa, a game night, or a films-and-popcorn evening can be unforgettable when done with care.

• Lighting: Candles or fairy lights create a soft glow
• Scents: Scented candles or essential oils
• Music: A playlist with songs meaningful to your relationship
• Textures: Soft blankets and cushions, a few petals for a touch of theatre
• Activities: A shared bath, massages, movie marathon, or game nights

Health, beauty and gift retailers like The Body Shop or Superdrug often run seasonal offers to help you recreate a spa-like evening at home.

Shops like Flying Tiger, Søstrene Grene, and TK Maxx often offer a special Valentine's Day collection, with pillows, tableware, candles and other themed decor under £20.

4. Create a memorable experience together

Experiences build memories. If you want something different from the usual Valentine staples, choose an activity you both will enjoy and can look back on fondly.

• A scenic walk or local park visit
• Stargazing and a hot drink
• A short creative class, such as pottery or painting
• Recreating your first date
• A DIY photoshoot
• Volunteering together, to share in giving back
• A wine or chocolate tasting
• Cooking or baking together

Browse days out and experience voucher codes to find something you’ll love doing and save a bit of money.

5. Create DIY gifts

Handmade gifts are personal and often low-cost. They show thought and effort, and can be playful, romantic, or cheeky depending on your tone.

• Love coupons: Make a booklet of coupons offering things like a massage, breakfast in bed, or a chore-free day.
• Memory scrapbook: Compile photos you can print out at Snapfish and Photobox, as well as notes and mementoes from your relationship in a handmade scrapbook.
• Write a love letter: A heartfelt letter expressing your feelings can be more meaningful than an expensive gift.
• Create a DIY playlist: Create a Spotify playlist filled with your partner’s favourites and the songs that represent your relationship.
• Learning something new: Learn a new skill, like knitting or crochet, and make something original.
• Create a date map: Get a map of your local area and add markers for all the spots you’ll visit together over the next year.

6. Celebrate just before or after the big day

Moving your celebration off February 14th can save money and stress. Many restaurants and spas charge a premium for bookings on the day, but offer better value a few days before or after. Switching from dinner to lunch can offer a more relaxed, affordable option.

Instead, why not bring things forward or push things back just a couple of days? That way, you’re far more likely to find a great deal and not feel rushed with restaurant staff wanting to turn tables over quickly. Imagine a candlelit dinner with delicious treats but none of the franticness or high cost! Or, consider heading out for a nice lunch instead of an evening meal, which can be more affordable and relaxed?

Celebrate love without breaking the bank

Thoughtful planning and a focus on connection can make Valentine’s Day special without a high cost. For curated voucher pages and current seasonal offers, see Savoo’s Valentine’s Day page and our exclusive Valentine’s Day gift guide.