5 Cheapskate Valentines Day Ideas

Look. We've all been there. We've been caught out forgetting special events, throwing the old "scratchie in the birthday card" trick, or a quick bunch of Woolies flowers.
But crappy Valentines Day gifts, if you or your partner celebrate it, can be a deal breaker.

Maybe you were single in the lead up to Valentines Day and didn't budget for the 2 dozen roses your new girlfriend is expecting. Maybe boyfie SAYS he doesn't care, but you peeped his insta from a year ago, and ex-gf bought him box seats at the basketball and a bottle of single malt with a cute teddy attached... either way. If you're broke, and you want to step up your V-Day game,  we've got you covered!

LOVE VOUCHERS
Let your creative juices flow! What is your other half into? Make them as naughty or nice as you like eg. This Voucher Entitles the Bearer to
- A foot massage
- Breakfast in bed
- An interrupted night of watching sports/playing Playstation
- Dinner cooked and served naked
- Whipped cream bikini party

SURPRISE PICNIC
You might need a hand from a mate on this one for the set up, or run the risk of someone nicking your picnic.
Pick a quiet location (look for a secluded spot along the coastline, or take a little hike off the beaten track and find somewhere cosy if you're keen to do a little exploring) and set up your blanket, a basket with some fresh dinner rolls, cold chicken, and strawberries and champagne. Or if the budget is REALLY tight, a cheap bottle of pink bubbly and a box of chocolates!
Take your lover on a romantic walk and "stumble" upon your picnic. Magic.

LOVE LETTER
This is one time where it really IS the thought that counts.
Let it all out, every little thing you can think of that you love about your other half, put it in a letter. Handwritten is best. If you can, splurge on some nice paper and and an envelope.
Or keep it short and sweet, take it back to the old school (aka high school) and have a cute note delivered to their office with a cupcake or a sandwich from their fave cafe.

DINNER AND MOVIE
Yeah, we know what you're thinking. Dinner and a movie is NOT budget friendly.
But how about you welcome your partner home from work and send them off into a candlelit shower/bath. Then lead them out into the loungeroom, which at this point is set up like a pillow fort or arabian tent of love, have a romcom cued on Netflix, and Cheap Tuesday eats from Dominoes or KFC...or BOTH, and a 6 pack of beer. Settle in for some greasy, budget romance.
It's sexy AF being frugal!

ROMANTIC STUNT
DON'T do anything too crazy in public if your mate is the easily embarrassed type. Other than that, your imagination is the only limit!
- Serenade her outside her office with a ukelele and her favourite song... even if you can't sing.
- Sexty striptease (prep this one beforehand unless you're at uni or work from home) Every hour before they arrive home, send a pic of you with a different item of clothing taken off. The final snap should be you waiting in bed for them  ;)
- Get permission from the boss to head to their office cubicle and read her some cheesy Shakespeare, or get a mate to help you recreate a corny scene from their favourite movie at their morning coffee joint
- Make a mix tape (or a Spotify playlist) pick them up from work with the music blaring and take a sunset drive to a makeout spot.