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