Can you believe that Valentine’s Day is already tomorrow!? I sure can’t! If you’re anything like me and time has escaped your mind, you may need a last minute date idea. So here is a list of 10 great date ideas that are cost effective and sure to wow your partner and show them how much you care.

1. Skip the fancy dinner and do breakfast or brunch!

A fancy dinner is great every once in a while, but sometimes (especially those last minute times) you can’t squeeze in a reservation or the funds. So treat your partner to a special homemade breakfast in bed or pancake spread charcuterie style at home! If cooking isn’t your jam, go out for a brunch date and have something different like my personal fave, lochs and bagels with ALL the mimosas!

You can bet your booty Abbie and I will be right there with ya, downing those mimosas and saying sayonara to the traditional steak dinner that does not come with whip cream (again I say…PANCAKES!) or a low cost.

2. Grab a box of cake mix from the store and bake something sweet for your sweet.

There’s no need to buy a big cake or expensive cupcakes when you can make a fun date out of baking together! Grab an easy box mix of your favorite cake flavor and some cute pink and red cupcake wrappers and you’re all set! Maybe even snag some colored icing and some sprinkles and have a decorating party. Put on a romantic playlist of songs that remind you of your person and spend the evening getting some sugar!

3. Order a pizza and build a fort.

Get out the blankets and pillows because it’s time to get cozy! Pizza is always a great go to, and how cute is a fort night with your significant other!? Pick out your favorite RomCom like…VALENTINE’S DAY and get to work on your beautiful fort! This can build a sense of togetherness and teamwork in your relationship in a fun and lighthearted way. Then, sit back and relax with a movie. Get cuddly and cozy and shower each other in affection.

4. Have an intimate wine and charcuterie night.

Who doesn’t love a charcuterie board?? All you need is a board of some sort – a regular wooden cutting board is fine – and the food to go on it! I typically try to get at least three types of meat and three types of cheese.

A good rule of thumb for meats is a mix of prosciutto, salami, and pepperoni. For cheeses I typically do a soft cheese (my favorite is goat), a mild cheese like gouda or havarti (I love to include a smoked cheese so I would go with a smoked Gouda), and a sharper or unique cheese (an aged cheddar or even a stinky cheese like blue cheese if you’re up for it).

Also consider adding a nut – marcona almonds are Abbie’s personal favorite and I would have to agree! Next, include something sweet like berries, dark chocolate, honey, and jam (tip: fig goes great with goat cheese)! This really ties together the selection and adds depth, not only to the board, but to the flavors of the cheeses.

For the final touch, you want to use some type of bread or cracker. Many people think these are just the vessels for the meat and cheese and don’t give them much thought, but in my opinion, they can make or break a board! You want to make sure you provide enough to satisfy the entirety of the meat and cheeses. The last thing you want is for you or your partner to have to try to eat the meat and cheese without anything to hold them with! I would suggest some sourdough bread cut up into pieces along with some rosemary artisan crackers. Rosemary is the perfect addition to those great cheese flavors.

Finally, you can go as into detail as you’d like and perhaps make a salami rose the centerpiece of your board for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day! What a cute and romantic touch!

5. Host a game night in or find your local trivia night out!

This is one of my favorite types of dates and a sure fire way to get everyone having fun if you are on a double or group date. From charades for the outgoing sorts to banana grams for the introverts, there is truly a game for every type of couple.

You can also get together a group of your cuffed up friends (or you and your single buddies if you’re skipping the holiday all together) and find your local trivia night! Abbie and I are taking our dog Cash to our favorite local spot Wagbar for Valentine’s Day themed trivia.

If trivia is your thing, but going out isn’t, then you will absolutely love the game Smart Ass! It is the perfect group game for those who love trivia right from the comfort of your own home. Grab some beer or wine and create that trivia night atmosphere in the living room.

6. Shower your bae with a DIY spa date.

This one’s for the girlies who love being pampered (ME!). Head to Target and straight for the beauty section. Grab some sheet masks, bubble bath, bath bombs, epsom salts, eye masks, shower steamers, hair masks, and anything that makes you feel like a QUEEN! I promise, even the boys will love feeling spoiled.

If you want to take spa night a step further, you can even take a trip to Lush and pick up one of my favorite products: the massage bar. They are so smooth and luscious on the skin and smell like a dream! End the evening by treating your Valentine to a relaxing massage and I can promise they’ll be sure to thank you…

7. Do a spicy photo shoot.

Looking for a way to get intimate and vulnerable with your partner? This is it! Pick out something sexy, maybe even pick something out for each other, and let your imagination run wild. Set up your phone with a tripod and timer. Hold each other, really look at each other, kiss, laugh, love. FEEL. I can guarantee you will be feeling close in no time, and by the end you will have the perfect keepsake (and keep PRIVATE) book for your eyes only!

8. Try a sip and paint night.

Whether you are looking to go out or stay in, a sip and paint night is the perfect way to get those creative juices flowing. This is perfect for new couples too. Feeling a little awkward and want something to soothe the nerves and have some talking points already built in!? PAINT NIGHT! You can talk about your favorite types of art, wine, and compliment your partner on how amazing their piece looks! Plus the wine is a great confidence boost…liquid courage if you will.

If painting isn’t your thing, you can try a candle making class or something similar! Abbie and I had on of our first Asheville date nights at a wonderful spot called Hummingbird Candle Co and it was one of my favorite dates, hands down! IF that is out of your price range, look on amazon for a cheap alternative or head to Michaels craft store! There are tons of candle making kits that you can get delivered in no time. All you need is some soy wax, wicks, essential oils and a vessel to put it in. This is also a great project if you want to recycle some old jars or containers you’ve been hanging on to!

9. Cook a meal together at home.

For the foodies in the group, test out your cooking skills and treat your love to a 5-star meal right from your own kitchen! IF you want to make an activity of it, cook together!

One of my favorite recipes for a romantic evening that also happens to be easy to make is Shrimp Linguine with a White Wine Garlic Sauce. This recipe is very beginner friendly and only takes about 30 minutes! Serve up a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at a fraction of the cost.

10. F*** Valentine’s Day! Let’s have a GALENTINE’S Day!

And last, but certainly NOT least: GALENTINE’S Day!!!! Say screw it too all the fluffy traditions and celebrate your girlfriends instead! Get all your besties in one place and break out the rosé and turn up the Lizzo because it’s time to celebrate Girl Power!

Do all of the above, because there is no way we aren’t going all out for the girls! Get the games, movies, spa gear and charcuterie ready for a night you’ll never forget with girls who will never leave you on read.

Paint your nails while you watch a classic (Coyote Ugly and Crossroads anyone!?!). Put on face masks then belt karaoke! Just remember to enjoy it all with those who you love most…your BOSS BABES!

Happy Valentine’s Day, Lovelies

Xx

Faith <3