With Valentine’s Day a couple of weeks away, I know a lot of us are starting to look at the calendar and make plans for that weekend or evening (so weird when a holiday falls on a Monday, am I right?). I mentioned in a recent blog post that one of my goals for this year is prioritizing my marriage. One of the ways we’re doing this is by trying to schedule date nights as often as we can, including Valentine’s Day!

Sometimes, there can be this weird pressure on Valentine’s Day to create the “perfect date,” but I actually don’t think it has to be that way. Don’t get me wrong, I love a nice meal at a steakhouse (Dallas people, we recently tried Cafe Pacific in Highland Park Village and are now OBSESSED). But there’s something special about keeping things low-key on Valentine’s Day.

If you’re like me and trying to figure out your plans this Valentine’s Day (whether it’s for a date with your partner or dinner out with the girls), here are a few date ideas for every budget.

Let’s Splurge

Dinner at a Nice Restaurant

If you’re looking to go all out this year, you can’t go wrong with an expensive dinner. I think a nice meal is such a treat, especially if you just started dating, need a break from the kids, or want to treat yourself with a few friends. It’s so much fun to dress up and feel like you’re celebrating a special occasion. Go for the bottle of wine, get yourself a nice dinner, and then don’t forget something sweet for dessert!

Go Indoor Skydiving

Although this isn’t necessarily my cup of tea, I’ve heard from soo many people who’ve done this and said it’s a blast. There are a ton of indoor skydiving spots around us, and I think this would be such a non-traditional date night. (Although you may want to grab dinner after you go skydiving lol!)

Buy Tickets to a Play or Concert

This is something I’d love to do more of with Duncan. In Dallas, we have the Dallas Symphony Orchestra not far from our house, and they’re always putting on special performances. It would be such a fun date night to go grab dinner and drinks before the show then enjoy a nice of music and entertainment!

Date Night on a Budget

Catch a Movie

Whenever Duncan and I don’t want to spend a ton but are looking for something fun to do, we hit up the local movie theater. We’ll usually grab something quick and cheap beforehand for dinner (Shake Shack anyone??) and can have our entire date night for under $40. Don’t forget to grab some ice cream after!

Fondue Night at Home

So I’ve never actually done this but seen so many people post about it online and I’m dying to give it a try! I’ve had fondue a few times at a restaurant and honestly loved it, and I’ve heard it’s pretty easy to make at home. Grab an inexpensive (but tasty) bottle of wine and voilà!

Hit Up Your Go-To Spot

Sometimes going with something familiar is just what you need on a date night! Duncan and I have a ton of favorite spots around Dallas that are certainly not considered “fancy.” Honestly, I’d love just to go somewhere we know we’ll enjoy and get to spend time talking and enjoying each other’s company.

Keep It Cheap

Skip Dinner & Grab Dessert

Let’s be honest, chocolate is the best part of Valentine’s Day anyway. ;) If you’re looking to save some money, make dinner together at home, then stop somewhere nice for a tasty treat. You can feel like you’ve splurged without the lofty price tag.

Do Something Active Outdoors

If you and your partner or friends enjoy being active, getting outside to go for a hike or kayaking can be a lot of fun and won’t cost much either. Pack a lunch or dinner and you can have your entire date for less than $10 (or even free)!

Make Dinner & Watch a Movie at Home

Sure, it’s nice to get out for a date night on Valentine’s Day but staying in can be just as fun — plus you avoid the crowd! Cooking is one of my favorite things Duncan and I do together, and we love cozying up on the couch with a good movie. Throw in some chocolate and popcorn and it’s a perfect night!