15 budget friendly date ideas for Valentine's Day

Affordable date ideas for Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is coming in just a few weeks. Are you prepared to celebrate love, moms and dads?

We know how important it is for married couples to spend quality time together, but when we think of dates, we tend to think about the expense. So, here are 15 budget friendly date ideas that you can do for Valentine’s Day.

1. Hang out at home

Valentine’s is the one day out of the year where you have a reason to focus more on being a spouse than a parent.

If the grandparents are willing to take the kids in, then it’s also the perfect chance to just hang out at home with your hubby or wife.

Cook a romantic meal together, have a movie marathon of your favorite films, or just lie in bed all day and cuddle. Do all of the things you wish you could do together at home while the kids are out.

2. Get cozy at the cinema

Finally, you get to see a movie that isn’t an animated film. Can you remember when you last did this with your spouse?

Make the occasion extra special by checking out the new premium cinemas in the metro, like Eastwood’s Ultra 7, Newport Cinema, BGC’s 4Dx movie theater, or the new Commercenter Cinemas in Alabang.

3. Immerse yourself in art

Art and culture can be very romantic, and heading out to one of the many museums in Metro Manila is a great date idea for Valentine's.

Check out the National Museum, Ayala Museum, or the gorgeous Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo. If you happen to be from up north, the BenCab Museum in Baguio is a great option as well.

4. Make art

Interested in going beyond simply viewing art? Why not create? You can do this at Sip and Gogh Paint and Sip Studio.

For Php 1,000 per person, you get to unleash your inner artist together with your special someone. The rate is inclusive of a guided painting class, drinks and snacks.

The best part? You get to take home your masterpiece as a remembrance of your special date.

Photo Source: Sip and Gogh Facebook Page

5. Take a trip down memory lane

Relive the romantic days of your younger years this Valentine's Day with a trip down memory lane.

Visit the place where you first met, where you had your first date, and where you fell in love. You could also stop by the church where you were married, or the spot where he proposed.

6. Share a romantic meal

A dinner date, the classic way to celebrate Valentine's Day, never gets old. You could choose an old favorite or a new and interesting restaurant for your romantic evening.

Cafe Ysabel in Manila, Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant in Antipolo, and Bamba Bistro in BF Homes Paranaque are just a few restaurant options to choose from.

If you want a different dining experience, you could start the day off with a breakfast date. Check out our list of cool places to try.

Whether it's for breakfast, lunch or dinner, choosing a quirky themed restaurant for your date can add fun and flair to your love month celebration. Some interesting places to see are Pan de Amerikana, Gayuma ni Maria, Movie Stars Cafe, and Van Gogh is Bipolar.

Photo Source: Pan de Amerikana Facebook Page

7. Get a couple's massage

Nothing is quite as relaxing as an awesome massage. If going to the spa together is something you like to do as a couple, then a massage treatment is a great date option for you.

If you'd like to be extra comfortable, call for a home service massage. Some affordable options are Spaholics and ITZ Spa.

8. Go for a walk or a bike ride outdoors

Go for a hand-in-hand stroll, snap some photos together, or race each other on bikes on Valentine's Day. You can head out to Quezon City Circle, Luneta or La Mesa Eco Park to get your dose of nature in the city.

9. Sweat it out together

Active couples can use your love for sports to come up with a great date idea. How about a one-on-one basketball game? You could challenge each other in the boxing ring or the tennis court, too.

This makes for an exciting, heart-pumping celebration. Plus, at the end of your competitive day, you can look forward to kissing and making up.

10. Videoke showdown

Does your idea of a fun time involve food, drinks and singing? Why not take your spouse out for a night of videoke? You could try to beat each other's score or practice harmonizing on your favorite duets.

KTV places like Red Box, Center Stage and Music 21 have private rooms where you can sing your hearts out. Rates go as low as P150 per hour depending on the venue and time of visit.

11. Game night

Whether you do this at home or at a board game cafe like Ludo: Boardgame Bar & Cafe or Puzzles Board Game Lounge, game night is a fun and inexpensive date idea for you and your spouse.

Bonus: This is also a nice group date activity that you can do with other couples!

12. Hang out at a library café

Bookworms will enjoy a quiet date at a library cafe, reading together over food or coffee.

Not sure where to go? Try Cool Beans Cafe in Quezon City or Le Petit Cheri in Alabang.

13. Hit the road and drive

With gasoline at such a friendly rate, this is the best time to just get in the car and go on a road trip.

Choose a destination down south, like Tagaytay, Batangas or Laguna, or head up north to Antipolo or Pampanga. You can see the sights, sample local delicacies, and more importantly, build fun memories together with your spouse.

14. Go window shopping

Choose your favorite shopping center and be mallrats for the day. Yes, window shopping can be romantic, too. How? You can browse for furniture you would like to have in your dream home.

Pick out clothes and toys together for your next baby. You can also try on a few outfits - both naughty AND nice - that you know your spouse would love, and put on a mini fitting room fashion show for him.

At a shopping mall, you don't really need to spend to have fun.

15. Enjoy the sunset (or the sunrise!) together

Watch the sun rise or catch the beautiful sunset at Manila Bay together. This iconic view is one of the best romantic backdrops you can get in Manila.

Remember that no matter how you decide to celebrate Valentine's Day, the one important thing is that you spend it together.

What's your favorite inexpensive date?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan

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Written by

Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan

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