As parents, it’s easy to focus so much on the kids that the relationship with your other half slips down the priority list. Valentine’s Day, commercial as it is, is still a nice nudge to remind your partner why they’re special. The good news is you don’t need to spend a cent to do it — here are 14 ideas for Valentine’s Day that won’t cost a penny.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now for our free newsletter packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
For a lot of us, Valentine’s Day means chocolate and flowers — but really, it’s the time together that counts. That doesn’t have to mean an expensive night out; it just needs to be something you’re both comfortable with. In fact, challenging yourselves to spend little (or nothing at all) often pushes you to be more creative and more thoughtful than any bought gift ever could.
Every idea on this list is completely free. What would you add?
You May Also Enjoy 30 Fun and Creative Date Night Ideas You’ll Love
Get Loved Up with These Valentine’s Day Ideas
#1. Write little love notes
Tuck a note into their jacket pocket, bag, or by their toiletries to tell them how much you love and appreciate them. It takes two minutes and means more than you’d think.
#2. Make breakfast with a ‘love’ twist
Whip up some heart-shaped pancakes for a lovely breakfast, or try heart egg toast — use a cookie cutter to stamp a heart shape into a slice of bread, then crack an egg into the middle and fry gently.
No time for a full Valentine’s breakfast? Even bringing your partner a cup of coffee or tea in bed before the day gets busy is a small, thoughtful gesture that says you care.
#3. Make a photo booth strip
Image: Catholic Sprouts
A photo booth-style strip is a fun keepsake — just like the ones you’d get as kids. You can make your own DIY photo strip using four of your favourite photos together.
#4. Make a playlist of favourite songs
The modern-day mix tape! Put together a playlist of your favourite songs, or ones that marked milestones in your relationship. Or simply browse your streaming service of choice for some Valentine’s-themed suggestions.
#5. Watch a movie together
You could go for a romantic classic like The Notebook or Gone with the Wind, or something a bit different and gentler like Before Sunrise. Honestly, the film doesn’t need to be a romance at all — a good comedy works just as well, because getting a laugh together is its own kind of connection.
#6. Make a homemade Valentine card
You don’t need a shop-bought card to say how you feel. Save your money and get creative with a homemade one instead — it’s far more likely to be kept and treasured than anything from a shop shelf.
#7. Post a Post-it!
Cover your other half’s mirror with Post-it notes arranged in a heart shape, each one listing something you love about them.
#8. Print some love coupons for the kids
Image: Catch My Party
Let’s not forget the kids! These free printable love coupons from Catch My Party are perfect for popping under a cereal bowl or into a lunchbox.
The coupons include:
- No chores for the day
- Family trip for ice cream
- Stay up 30 minutes past bedtime
- Game night – you pick the game
- 30 minutes extra screen time
#9. Have some outdoor time together
Go for a long walk on the beach or through the forest, or pack a simple picnic to enjoy together on a park bench. If it’s chilly, bring a rug to sit on and a flask of hot soup, tea, or hot chocolate.
It’s a lovely way to get some together time — and a break from the kids (and the screens) for a little while.
#10. Give a foot massage
Grab a towel, some warm water in a basin, and a bit of moisturiser or massage oil. Soak your partner’s feet, dry them off, then massage gently while they lie back and relax.
#11. “I love you because…”
Make and print a little “I Love You Because…” card and pop it into a picture frame. Use a dry-erase marker to fill in the blank, and change the answer every week to keep the warm, fuzzy feeling going long after Valentine’s Day.
You May Also Enjoy 7 Tempting Valentine Cookie Recipes That Say “I Love You”
#12. Have dinner by candlelight
Candles make everything feel a little more romantic. Try dinner by candlelight for a change, or scatter tea lights around the living room and switch off the main lights for a cosy, intimate evening in.
#13. Go stargazing
Once the kids are tucked up in bed, step out into the back garden for some stargazing together. If you’re not familiar with the constellations, a free stargazing app can help you spot planets and star clusters overhead.
#14. Make a book of vouchers
Last but not least, put together a little booklet of vouchers with treats like “back massage” or “your choice of TV for the night” — a small, personal touch that costs nothing but means a lot.
You May Also Enjoy Download Your FREE Valentine Knock Knock Jokes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we really need to spend money to make Valentine’s Day special?
Not at all. Thoughtful gestures — a note, a home-cooked breakfast, an evening of undivided attention — often mean more than an expensive gift. The ideas in this list are all free and focus on time and effort rather than spending.
What if we can’t get a babysitter for Valentine’s Day?
Plenty of these ideas work perfectly well with the kids in bed or even involved earlier in the evening — stargazing, candlelit dinners, and movie nights don’t require you to leave the house at all.
Can kids be part of Valentine’s Day too?
Definitely. Small touches like printable love coupons or a family treat show kids that Valentine’s Day is about appreciating the people you love, not just romantic partners.
More Ways to Celebrate
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our roundup of 30 Fun and Creative Date Night Ideas, bake up a batch from our Valentine cookie recipes, or grab some free Valentine knock-knock jokes to keep the kids giggling all day.
Enjoyed this list? Save it or share it with a friend who’s also looking for budget-friendly ways to mark the day — no printable required, just a bit of love and a bookmark.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now for our free weekly newsletter, packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
