Many say that Valentine’s Day is just a commercial holiday. Well, as a personal finance blogger, I’d say it actually is.

However, this doesn’t mean that frugal people should not celebrate the season. Personally, I find it nice to go around the city and see people in love, this is why I do go out on Valentines (regardless if it’s with a date or just with friends).

Anyway, for those of you who are thinking of cheap but fun and romantic date ideas for Valentine’s Day (specially to the guys), here are some tips. Thanks to my friends who gave me these ideas the other night.

Home cooked candle lit dinner.
It’s a cliche but you can’t argue that it’s both frugal and romantic if done the right way. One can just surprise the other or you can both plan the meal, buy the ingredients and cook together. Be sure to have a romantic ambiance during dinner and imagine you’re in a fine dining restaurant.

Watch a free Valentine concert.
Colleges, universities and even local parks and communities are known to hold free Valentine concerts. If not, there are always inexpensive shows that features up and coming singers and bands that can give you the same romantic serenade as those famous artists.

Have a movie marathon at home.
You don’t have to watch mushy movies or romantic chick flicks if you don’t want to. Any movie that you think you’ll both enjoy watching will do. This Valentine date also works for a group of single friends. Come to think of it, having a movie marathon at home is always a cheaper alternative than going out.

An easy and relaxing breakfast date.
Avoid the Valentine date rush by doing it in the morning. I’ve done this once and I must say that it’s one of my most memorable dates. No need to dress fancy. Search for a nice breakfast nook in town and enjoy each other’s company without the noisy crowd. More frugal points if you just do it at home.

A treasure hunt game at home.
A friend of mine swears that this is fun. Hide clues inside the house and let your spouse/partner play until he/she finds his/her Valentine’s gift. The clues can include tasks which must be done in order to get the next clue from you (i.e., give you a kiss). Double the fun and let him or her do the same thing to you.

Star gazing.
Bring a map of the stars and spend the night having a romantic picnic while searching constellations across the night sky. A friend did this once and he says it’s really a unique and fun date. The UP Diliman campus is one of the best places to do this, plus you can just head on to the UP Fair if you get tired searching the heavens.

Attend a poetry reading session.
During college, I usually attend poetry reading sessions and I can remember how different it is to be among poets. You can just sit and listen to romantic prose all night or go up and publicly profess your undying love.

Share a fastfood meal.
From my experience, when you’re in love, everything seems to be romantic. So even if you’re in a fastfood restaurant, quietly eating in one corner and sharing some burgers and fries, the unromantic ambiance seems not to matter much as long as you’re together with your loved one on Valentine’s Day. Do you agree?

Do what they did in Before Sunrise.
In my opinion, one of the best romantic film of all time is Before Sunrise. In the movie, stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy basically just walked and talked around Vienna during the whole time. Proof that sometimes, each other’s presence is all you need to have a romantic time. If you haven’t seen it, I suggest you do and find out what I really mean.

Got any more cheap but fun and romantic date ideas for Valentine’s Day? Or perhaps you already did one in the past that’s both unique and memorable yet easy on the budget? I’d appreciate it if you can share it below.

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Photo courtesy of Glorious Treats