When you are in a steady relationship celebrating Valentine’s Day together is one of the many perks that come from this. But, maybe this year is a little different, maybe you are on a budget, maybe you have to work that day, or maybe you and your partner have kids to think about.

Whatever the case may be, there are plenty of low-budget, home-friendly options that will do the trick. Let’s take a look at some great Valentine’s Day ideas for couples who still want to celebrate the holiday but without feeling like you have to leave the home to get the Love in.

1. Get Creative with Food

What better way to celebrate your affection for someone than by giving them the Food they love, right? Well, why not make it better and add a little love to your food? Think heart-shaped pancakes, cookies, pizza, cakes, and more.

You can even decorate heart shapes on your food with sprinkles, syrup, whipped cream, or pepperoni on the pizza; the possibilities really are endless.

And why not try this creativity together? After all, what brings two people together more than by working on a single project in unison? Or put a divider up between your creative food projects then share with the other once completed.

Now’s the best time too to try all that romantic food that we associate with Valentine’s Day. Food like chocolate dipped strawberries, fondue, or even risotto, essentially, foods that you can feed to the other person with a single bite are all great for romance.

2. Add Some Ambiance

In the daylight of it all, bills spread out on the kitchen table, children’s toys scattered across the floor, it can be hard to ignite that passion. But once the night is yours, set the mood; and really get into it.

Some may picture Sebastian from the movie The Little Mermaid when he creates the perfect atmosphere for Prince Eric and Ariel, while others think Fifty Shades of Grey with Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey, but the core idea is the same, connect with your romantic partner.

Pick a corner and put on some music, light some candles, and bring out that blanket that is just big enough for two to snuggle under. Once you set the mood it won’t take long for the stars to be shining in each other’s eyes.

3. Put on Your Sunday Best

We get it, we all have our comfy clothes that we immediately change into the moment the work day is done and we are home for the night. But why not, on this Valentine’s Day 2018, get yourselves dolled up as if you are going to paint the town red.

After all, often when we go out we get ourselves dressed in our finest to impress the person we are with, why should this be any different just because we are staying in? By getting dressed up nice for our partner we are telling them that the romance in our relationship is still there, we want to look good for them and that we don’t need to go out in order for this to happen.

4. Tinker with Some Drinks

Why not create a special love cocktail for the two of you? This doesn’t have to be alcoholic, but it does need to speak to the two of you and your tastes. If, typically, she drinks wine or he drinks beer, find a compromise in a new drink and give it a meaningful name, like your two names combined, the school you met at, or the church you got married in.

Each Valentine’s Day or romantic celebration, like anniversaries, birthdays, or whatnot, you can bring out your special cocktail and it will bring back memories of all the special times you have had together. Nothing says love more than creating traditions you can share year after year with one another.

5. Write it Down

We all often tend to exchange cards with one another, and while this is great, typically these are cards we have bought in a store with someone else’s words on them. Now, although these cards may reflect how you feel for your partner, they aren’t your personal thoughts.

Why not take a moment beforehand and write out some things that you love about the other person? Often, we tell each other regularly that we love them, but never what we love about them. Knowing what your lover finds attractive about you, physically, emotionally, intellectually, can spark a fire within, and it makes a great keepsake for down the road.

6. Pick an At-Home Activity to Do Together

Pick something that you both like or would be interested to do together. It could be watching a special movie, playing a board game, giving each other a massage, singing karaoke, dancing, playing video games, or even working on a puzzle together.

Whatever you decide on, make sure that each person is happy. If you find that you are one of those “opposites attract” couples who don’t have that many hobbies in common, make a compromise. He’ll watch a girly movie with you if you play some video games with him.  

7. Make a Picnic Out of It

Sure, you have a table to eat at, but sometimes it’s nice to spread out on a blanket on the floor with lots of pillows, candles, and a fireplace surrounding you. And here’s a tip, if you don’t have a fireplace there often is a fireplace channel on TV or even YouTube videos that have a fire burning to give you that similar feeling.

8. Sneak in a Surprise

No one wants to put all the work in alone for such a celebratory occasion, especially since it takes two to fall in love and two to make it work, but having a surprise up your sleeve that only you know about will add that final touch to the Valentine’s Day 2018 celebration.

This surprise will surely help to impress all the girlfriends, boyfriends, wives, and husbands out there. It could be a small gift of appreciation; if money is tight there are plenty of budget-friendly options out there such as coupons, DIY gift ideas, romantic gestures, and more.

Other ideas for a special Valentine’s Day surprise could be flower petals on the bed, romantic clothing, a love scavenger hunt, print up a special photo of the two of you or just get creative with that personal touch.

Remember Why You Fell in Love

Above all else, wherever you and your partner decide to celebrate this Valentine’s Day 2018, the greatest thing you can do for them is to remember why you fell in love in the first place and let them know it. Maybe even surprise your partner by moving in together or finding a new home; if this is on your mind, why not check out all the current apartment listings available today?

The post Valentine’s Day 2018: 8 Great Stay Home Ideas appeared first on The Zumper Blog.