Forgot about Valentine’s Day? Here’s how you can make it up to your partner this weekend  

Intense busy schedules, other life obstacles or whatever the case may be, forgetting about Valentine’s Day is the last thing you need to affect your relationship. 

The cost-of-living crisis is also affecting relationships too, trying to find an activity to do with your special someone on a budget can prove difficult.  

The probability of budget-friendly places being fully reserved is high, especially since Valentine’s Day fell on a weekday, which means restaurants and other establishments are most likely to be booked on the weekend.  

It is also difficult to think outside of the box of things to do, especially after having to maintain relationships in recent unprecedented times, where we feel we are lacking creativity.  

Valon Asani from relationship app Dua.com has shared some fun and quirky date ideas that you most likely have not done before and are easy on your wallet. 

At home Paint and Sip 

‘Paint and Sips’ are an excellent way to see how you and your partner can get creative, however, they can be pricey. Paint and Sips are in-formal art classes where you paint the same image and drink cocktails, mocktails, or wine.  

You can recreate a similar experience at home that is not limited to painting and can include fancy homemade cocktails/mocktails. You can purchase affordable arts and crafts sets from your local craft store or even create something using air-drying clay.  

Game Night  

Game nights are a fun and competitive way to put your partner's skills to the test. Most video games do have a co-op mode where you can team up together. Story-based games are great as you go through challenges together. Board games can also provide hours of entertainment on a low budget. You can find rare board games at charity shops. Most new board games are fairly inexpensive and can be a great option for date night.  

Movie Night 

This may be the perfect time to binge all the shows or movies that are on your watchlist on Netflix or another streaming service. Include some snacks, drinks, or a takeaway to make this the perfect night in.  

Visit an Art Gallery or Museum 

Most museums and galleries have free entry or discounted tickets available, which means you can get cultured on a low budget. This is a great way to see what art styles your partner likes and can even help you decide what to create for your ‘At home Paint and Sip’.

Meditation 

Meditation is an intimate activity to do with your partner, and if your relationship needs some healing, especially after forgetting about Valentine’s Day, then this activity may be perfect for you.  

The viral £5/$5 meal challenge 

This £5/$5 challenge has taken over social media and is a fun way to put your cooking, budgeting, and creative abilities to the test. Taking turns, you and your partner must come up with a three-course meal that stays within the budget – typically £5/$5. The challenge is in the budget, and the lower it is, the more challenging it can be. 

Book Club 

If your partner is an introvert or book lover, they will love this idea. An ‘at home book club’ where you and your partner can read the same book, with a cosy drink and candles. Not only can this improve your communication skills with your partner as you discuss your thoughts on the book, but this can also provoke interesting and thoughtful conversations. This can be a great and intimate way to reignite the spark in your relationship. 

Gardening  

Some garden centres offer free volunteer gardening days, especially in the Spring. This can be a fun activity with your partner, and you can give back to your community at the same time!  

You can also garden at home, growing seasonal fruits or vegetables that you can harvest and cook with. Over time this can be very cost-effective, as you can re-grow your own produce.  

Come Dine with Me 

Cooking and baking is a fun activity to do with your partner. You can try recipes from various parts of the world and learn about different cultures. To make this more fun and competitive, you can host a couples Come Dine With Me and judge your partner's dishes! 

Hobby Swap 

This is for the partner that find themselves doing what their partner likes most of the time. Take turns explaining and participating in your partners hobbies. This can also help you get to know your partner even more. You can teach your partner a skill that you have, such as playing the piano.  

Play Tourist 

You can become a tourist in your own city with your partner, because the chances are you have not been to any historical places that are on your doorstep. A spokesperson from Dua.com says, "exploring your city can be refreshing and give you a new perspective on where you live”. 

IKEA Challenge 

IKEA is a great date spot, since there is a lot of walking and talking involved, plus there is no entry fee. You and your partner can walk through the showrooms or even grab something to eat at their food hall. You can even find something that is within your budget to build together. 

Arcade Date  

The arcade is a great inexpensive idea, especially as no reservation is required. To make this more interesting, you could place a bet with your partner on who will win more games.