Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Valentine’s Day, the one day a year where the main focus is simply “love.” While for some, it means spending a day with that special someone and displaying your affection and passion for them through countless romantic gestures. For others, it means finding yourself on a date with someone you barely know, taking a leap of faith in the name of love simply for the fact that they are your “valentine” of the day. But when it comes down to it, however you choose to spend the day, one thing remains true: it does not have to involve spending a lot of money.

Taking somebody out on a date, or even taking yourself on a date doesn’t have to mean spending your savings on the night. There are plenty of other ways you can spend the day that will mean just as much; you just have to get creative.

An easy go-to for many when it comes to going out on a date is something that most everyone loves: food. But taking someone out for a bite can still be just as special without breaking the bank. There are other options than high-end restaurants. Think about a food that might be special to you and your date specifically. Maybe you bonded over a milkshake somewhere; take them back to that spot and replay that date. Perhaps you know they’ve wanted to try a restaurant out for awhile. Use this day as an opportunity to go try it out.

Both of these will mean a lot more than taking your date to a random restaurant that has absolutely no meaning. But also, don’t be afraid to change it up. If you and your partner visit the same places frequently, I can almost guarantee they will appreciate something new.

If you want to win some bonus points, you can also cook for your date. A well-made, home-cooked meal isn’t something that many college students get to enjoy often. Your date will recognize the hard-work and effort that went into the planning, cooking and presentation of the meal. To kick it up a notch, set up the table with a candle and tell them to dress nicely to make it feel like you’re at a five-star restaurant.

Plan something creative for your date. Rather than simply saying you’re having a movie night, do it up like you’re in a theater. Make popcorn and go to Dollar Tree and purchase cheap candy and drinks. With the money you saved, you can even buy some comfortable fuzzy socks and a cheap, soft blanket that your date will undoubtedly appreciate during your movie night. To make it even more extravagant, buy some fun lights to put up around the room. Or, become kids again and set up your movie night in a blanket fort for an ultimate comfortable, cozy night.

If it’s your first date with someone, you want to make sure they’re comfortable. This can often mean doing something more public. The best way you can do this is by making an adventure out of it. Go somewhere neither of you have been before. Maybe this means taking a bike ride together throughout Monmouth to enjoy the rare bits of sun we’ve been getting. Or, head to Independence and go to somewhere like Second Chance Books to get to know your partner a little more. If you purchase your date a cheap book with the note that something about it made you think of them, I guarantee they will cherish it and be far more flattered than if you just gave them chocolates.

While there’s nothing wrong with the basic Valentine’s Day dates of dinner, flowers and chocolate, sometimes you might find it beneficial to change it up a bit. But in the end, do whatever you think would make you and your date happiest. If that means going to an expensive restaurant, go for it. Just know that there are different ways to spend the holiday. Thinking outside of the box can often lead to the best date you’ve had yet.

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis