Order your favorite takeout
Put the pizza menus away and order grown-up food from your favorite restaurant, serve it on the good china, and watch your favorite movie on Netflix. (Wait until your kids are tucked into bed, of course!) “Late night sushi take-out and James Bond DVDs are our annual Valentine’s Day tradition,” shares Erin Zimmerman, mom of one. “I love it!” Unsure of which movie you should watch? Any of these top romantic movies of all time make for great cheap Valentine’s Day date ideas. And while you’re at it, get our free Valentine’s Day guide packed with dozens of quick tips and sweet ideas for an amazing V-Day celebration.
Cook a gourmet meal
If you have more sophisticated aspirations for your Valentine’s Day dinner, but you can’t find a babysitter to hold down the fort at home, consider cooking a restaurant-quality dinner by using a meal prep box, like those from Hello Fresh or Blue Apron.