Creative Valentine Dating on a Budget

You don't have to drop a wad of cash to impress your date on Valentine's Day. Roses, candy and dinner at a swanky restaurant can set you back several hundred dollars. Put a little creativity into your planning and your date will swoon for around $20. Plus, you get points for taking the time and effort to come up with something fun and original.

Try these ideas for a truly fun and unique Valentine's Day date.

Indoor Picnic

Prepare a fun picnic meal and spread out a blanket on the floor and have an indoor picnic. Set the mood with lots of little lighted tea lights. They are inexpensive and will give the impression of lots of candles. You can find bags of 50 tea lights for around $4. Rent a romantic movie to watch while you enjoy a decadent dessert.

Brunch and Matinee

Breakfast and brunch at a restaurant will generally cost less than a dinner, plus, it's nice a nice change to eat out for brunch. After a leisurely meal, head off to the movie theater for a matinee. It will be less crowded than an evening show and you will also spend less on the tickets. This change of routine will add some spice to your date and save you a few dollars.

Dream Home Tour

Are you and your significant other planning on buying a home together someday? Spend a few hours dreaming while you tour open or model homes. It doesn't matter that you aren't planning on signing papers right away, just enjoy getting ideas and planning your future together. End your date with dessert at an ice cream parlor or restaurant.

Burgers and S'mores on the Grill

For a "man date" nothing beats grilled meat. It may still be cold outside, but fire up the grill and make some good old fashioned burgers with all the fixings. Keep the coals going for dessert so you can roast marshmallows and make delicious s'mores. To round out the evening, pop in any movie that includes things blowing up. For some, this could be the ultimate Valentine sacrifice, but your husband or boyfriend will appreciate the gesture, or else!

Bike Through a Park

Spring often makes a brief appearance in February, and if this is the case where you live, take advantage of it by taking a bike ride through a nearby park. It might still be too early to enjoy the budding trees and baby ducklings, but there will still be plenty to enjoy. If nothing else, you will be able to spend time with the one you love. Don't forget to bring bottled water to stay hydrated and maybe a few snacks to enjoy.

Jazz Club

Jazz music epitomizes romance. Check out a local jazz club to take in some great jazz music. Most clubs require a drink minimum or cover charge, but the evening shouldn't leave your wallet sucked dry. Just sit back and enjoy some great music while enjoying time with your date.

The $5 Date

For the truly clever couple, take the $5 date challenge. Head over to your local mass retailer with $5 each. Your mission is to spend the $5 on meaningful gifts for each other. Of course with $5 you will have to get creative. A light bulb could say, "you light up my life". A box of matches might suggest you think your date is "hot". A small toy ball would be the perfect way to say, "I have a ball when I'm with you." See how much you can buy for $5 and let your date know exactly how you feel.