I remember a Valentines Day about 15 years ago. My boyfriend didn’t think to make any plans in advance so we called a bunch of restaurants and they were all booked. So we went to a mediocre restaurant and they only had a 5:30 seating available and that was it. We sat down at 5:30 and we were given a prix fixe menu instead of their normal menu and had only a few options of things to order. We were rushed through our dinner so that they could accommodate the next wave of seating at 7 pm. Instead of a memorable, leisurely dinner, we had a rushed, overpriced and limited selection dinner and felt cheated out of what should have been a beautiful evening.
So now, what me and my hottie, hellenic hubby do to celebrate Valentines Day is we go to the best seafood market, get two live Maine lobsters and cook them at home with some chocolate fondue and asparagus by candlelight.
We then give each other warm oil massages… quite a luxurious and decadent night for under $50, instead of the $300 plus if we went out to each at a pretentious restaurant and then to a fancy spa.
It’s evolved into our tradition since it’s just not romantic to eat out at restaurants on Valentines Day. They are so focused on making as much money as they can, that it end up being a price-gouging kind of day for all their customers.
So here are some things you can do with your sweetie… For God’s sakes turn off your phone, tv and no internet either.
10 Wallet-Friendly Things to Do For 
Day
1. Cook dinner at home together- Make sure it is something decadent that you would not normally eat like scallops, lobster, fondue, oysters, red wine. Ideally they are finger foods that you can feed each other. Total Savings -$150.
2. Spa Night – Oh, how I love to be pampered and fawned over while lounging around in my white fluffy robe. Give each other facials, manicures, shave each other, foot and back massages. Total Savings -$200.
3. Dance like the Stars – Put up your disco ball, turn on some funky music for the beginning and then have some slow music for later. Dress up in your suit and tie and your black cocktail dress to make it more special.
4. Karaoke Night – Is there anything more romantic than being serenaded by your sweetie. Make sure to get nice and liquored up first though.
5. Dessert Party – If you are more inclined to spend Vday with other friends, then invite them over for a dessert and wine party. Everyone should bring their favorite wine and dessert ……..and everyone should come dressed in red or pink. We did this a few years ago to a smashing success!
Cook Dinner Together on Valentines Day
6. Partner Yoga – You didn’t think I was going to leave this out. If you’ve never done this, get some partner yoga DVDs or find some on youtube. Light some incense, crank up the Deva Premal music and twist and bend away.
7. Board Games – If you are going to be home with the kids then get the Monopoly and Clue out and find out who killed Mrs White in the library with a candlestick. Everyone should wear red or pink and decorate the place with hearts to stay in the spirit!
8. Staycation – Can’t afford to go away to Aruba? Decorate your place all tropical, put some beach towels out, get out your tropical attire, Bob Marley music and some margaritas and start planning your next vacation like this.
9. Cook him dinner in your bikini – The kids better be away at Grandma’s. Get some fake spray tan to get that nice golden glow in the midst of winter. Put on your high heels and bikini or lingerie and start cooking your pasta primavera.
10. Watch a Chickflick – Rent a copy of The Notebook, Lust-Caution, or The Lover and turn the lights down to snuggle in close during these tearjerkers.
Any other free things that I left off of here?