Valentine’s Day is often seen as a celebration of love, but for many, it’s such an expensive holiday that it ruins the holiday spirit. 

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are projected to spend $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day this year, with the average person spending around $188 on gifts, dining and entertainment.

While couples often feel pressured to spend big, students on a budget need to find creative ways to celebrate without breaking the bank.

Usually, when more thought is involved in the date itself, the cost doesn’t matter. It shows you put the time in to understand what your partner likes and their preferences, making a meaningful experience for both. 

Whether it’s recreating a favorite memory together or creating an experience you have always wanted to do, those gestures can make the moment truly special. 

When it comes to the actual gifts of Valentine’s Day, thoughtfulness should be at the center of your focus;  often, the best gift can sometimes be $10 flowers from Trader Joe’s and a handwritten note.

Thoughtful gifts show that you put effort into making sure your partner feels loved and appreciated. For example,  you could write a letter to express how much they mean to you.

Giving a book of your favorite memories with photos or making a playlist for your partner can be a free but meaningful expression of your love.

Even small gestures like making their favorite meal, planning a surprise date based on their interests or leaving notes for them throughout the day can make a lasting impact. 

While going out to eat for the holiday can sometimes be the most expensive part, the Lexington area has many different restaurants that can help you save.

For breakfast and lunch, you could eat at DV8, Dad’s Favorite Deli, or Wallace Station Deli and Bakery in Midway, each of which can give you a great meal for a cheap price.

In Lexington’s Distillery District, Goodfella’s Pizzeria gives a cool atmosphere that makes the restaurant feel more expensive than it is, with Crank & Boom located on Manchester Street.

Restaurants like Thoroughbred Restaurant, known for its dive-bar charm with Southern comfort classics, JY Kitchen with meals that blend Asian and Southern influences, Stella’s Kentucky Deli with a charming, historic setting, and East End Tap and Table serving American food with an international twist offer sit-down options without the hefty price tag.

Students who are looking to avoid restaurant costs completely can also opt for home-cooked meals, with grocery stores like Trader Joe’s offering affordable options.

If you decide to dine at home, setting the mood with a thoughtful table setup and dressing up can turn a simple meal into something special. Preparing a fancy dinner at home with inexpensive ingredients can be a budget-friendly alternative.

When it comes to gifts, presentation matters too. The way you wrap a gift or the way you display it can make it feel even more special and personal. Instead of just handing them the gift, take the time to deliver a good presentation and get creative. 

Use materials you already have, such as tissue paper, ribbons or scrapbook paper to take your gift to the next level. You can even go to places like Five Below or Dollar General to find affordable decorations. 

The effort put into the presentation shows you truly care and can make even the simplest gifts feel extra special. 

For some people, the best jewelry for your special someone can also be found while thrifting at stores like POPS Resale, Vintage Therapy, Uptown Cheapskate and Lexington Peddlers Mall.

Instead of focusing on how much something is, you can find something that matches their style. You can look on websites like Etsy to find cheap and customizable gifts that will make your partner truly feel seen. Websites like Amazon, or secondhand websites like Poshmark and Depop can help you find specific things someone’s partner would enjoy.

On top of that, a basket of a partner’s favorite things like their favorite drink, candy or stuffed animals from stores will show your love for them.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day on a budget may feel difficult, but the focus can be on quality time rather than spending money on gifts or activities.