Nothing can unleash your hidden creative and mushy tendencies more than Valentine’s Day. Every year, as the Day of Hearts draws near, you along with couples from all over the world start racking your brains for the perfect date ideas for you and your special someone. It would have to be romantic. There should be no slip-ups. And it should always end with the sweetheart more in love with you than ever. So you free up your schedule for the day and make a mental list of ideas. And then you hit a slump. The reality of the matter is that a budget must be allotted. Now the question is how can you plan the perfect Valentines date, without burning a hole in your wallet?

Take Her on a Picnic

If the weather is good, take advantage of the blue skies and sunny landscape and bring your date over to the public park, pick a spot, lay a mat or blanket and have a picnic. The natural ambience provides an effortlessly romantic backdrop. If you have an iPod dock with speakers that can run on batteries, bring it along and play some breezy, easy-on-the-ears music. You can make her favorite sandwich. If you want the picnic to have a classier feel, go for cheese and crackers and a bottle of wine. For dessert, you can walk over to the nearest ice cream man and buy yourselves ice cream cones.

Home Dates Can Be Romantic Too

Who says you always have to go out for your Valentines date? With the right moves, you can make a home date just as romantic as a candlelit dinner at a posh French restaurant.

Cook your significant other her favorite meal and make your dining area look snazzier and more put together than usual. Throw a clean tablecloth. Bring out some silverware and light a couple of candles. She will surely appreciate your efforts.

If you want to set a more informal yet equally intimate home date, how about putting on a movie marathon? Snag some DVDs of the most memorable movies you have watched together and pop a bag of popcorn in the microwave. You can cuddle on the couch as the credits roll.

Make Use of Your Connections

Got a friend who is great with a guitar? Plan a surprise serenade that will melt your date’s heart. Ask your best buddies for favors that can turn your Valentines date into a romantic yet affordable affair. You’ve seen how it goes in romantic comedies and chick flicks. The date goes smoothly with the help of a trusty friend in the wings. The scenario can happen in real life as well.

Think Outside of the Box

When you have been together with your significant other for a long time, you might feel like you’re running out of ideas. Keep those creative juices flowing and you will see that there are plenty of potential Valentines dates that cost little despite their affordability. You can play pretend, for example. Pretend you are college sweethearts and watch a student-organized play at the university. Pretend you’re tourists; walk around the city and discover secret haunts and do some quirky activities. Go to the beach and watch the sunset arm in arm. As long as you get to spend quality time together with your beloved, the date will surely go great.