Who says you need a special someone for Valentine’s Day? If you find yourself celebrating alone on February 14, rally your friends and make it a day (or evening) to remember. Here are some fun, budget-friendly ideas to make this Valentine’s Day one you will really love.
Round up a group. If you have a group of single friends, there’s no point in being alone. Anti-Valentine’s Day parties, which include food and drink specials, are popping up at bars and restaurants around the country. If your friends are not into the bar scene, get the gang together for a wine and painting class or take a trip to the local bowling alley for some friendly competition. Rather stay in? Throw a bash on a budget for all your single pals. Ask every guest to bring someone new (and single) who’s outside your social circle. It’s a great way to expand your group of friends and meet new people.
Girls’ night in. Get the girls together for a fun and affordable night in. Host a potluck dinner party and ask guests to bring their favorite desserts and budget-friendly bubbles like cava or prosecco. After toasting to friendship, sit back and enjoy a Valentine’s-themed movie marathon.
Get out of town. Valentine’s Day falls during President’s Day weekend this year, which gives you a great excuse to get out of town. Look for last-minute discounts online and go somewhere fun. Bring friends with you — with a group rate, you’ll save money on rental cars and hotels. Who knows? You might even meet the person of your dreams in another ZIP code.
Fall in love with something new. Interested in taking up yoga? Wish you could cook risotto? This Valentine’s Day, nurture your creative side and try something new. Look for deals on Groupon or LivingSocial — these sites always have discounts on fun or unusual activities. Try a group exercise class, or experiment with that kickboxing class you always wanted to take. By trying new things like painting or wine pairing, you could open doors to new passions and perhaps new relationships.
Volunteer. With Valentine’s Day on a Saturday, there’s plenty of opportunity to use the day to volunteer for a worthy organization like your local animal shelter or soup kitchen. Donating your time to a good cause will likely put you in a good mood and allow you to focus on the things that matter to you. You can bring friends or make new ones. Either way, helping others is a great way to distract yourself from the relatively minor problem of disliking the holiday. And, even better — volunteering is free!
Treat yourself. This Valentine’s Day, devote time to yourself. Forget about schedules and the fast-paced world around you. Stay home and indulge in the guilty pleasures you don’t get enough of: favorite foods, reality television, a bubble bath or a new book. Go for a hike, take yourself out to breakfast or order a double scoop of your favorite flavors. For those who can’t put reality temporarily on the back burner, use the day to finish (or start) something you’ve been meaning to tackle. Give your budget or closet a little organizing TLC, or use the time to catch up on emails or calls to family and friends. Whatever you choose, making time for yourself and the things you want to do can be a much-needed treat.
Whether you’re single or in a committed relationship, Valentine’s Day is about celebrating those you love. There are plenty of ways to open up your heart without having to open up your wallet.
More from U.S. News
10 Ideas for Dating on a Budget
The 14 Best Deals for February 14
10 Frugal Ways to Show Your Love
Treat Yourself: Budget-Friendly Ways to Spend Valentine’s Day Alone originally appeared on usnews.com
