So, you forgot about Valentine’s Day. Or maybe you didn’t forget—you just assumed inspiration would strike, and now it’s just days away, and the best idea you’ve got is a sad gas station bouquet and the vague hope that love forgives all things.
But don’t panic just yet. Romance isn’t about expensive prix-fixe menus or elaborate gestures—it’s about creativity, effort and, ideally, not making your significant other question why they’re with you. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled ten last-minute date ideas that are thoughtful, cheap and—dare we say—actually fun.
1. Chopped: Valentine’s Day Edition
You’ve seen Chopped, right? That unhinged cooking show where chefs get a random basket of ingredients and have to turn them into something vaguely edible? Now it’s your turn—except the basket is whatever you already have in your fridge. No grocery runs allowed. Someone’s making a peanut butter and spaghetti masterpiece tonight, and someone’s going to be extremely polite about eating it.
2. Babysit (Yes, Really)
This might sound like a terrible idea, but hear us out. Offer to watch a friend’s kids so they can have a romantic evening out. Once the little gremlins are asleep, you and your date get a free, low-pressure night in. Movie? Check. Snacks? Check. The self-satisfaction of being a good friend? Priceless.
3. The Great Thrift Store Gift Exchange
Set a budget—$10 or less—and hit up a thrift store with one goal: find the most absurdly perfect (or perfectly absurd) gift for each other. Maybe it’s an aggressively 80s windbreaker, a book with an alarmingly specific title (How to Win at Corporate Ladder Climbing), or a framed picture of someone else’s grandmother. The real win is in the reveal.
4. Library Date (Because Books Are Romantic, Fight Us on This)
Head to the nearest library and pick out books that shaped your childhood. Chronicles of Narnia, A Wrinkle in Time, Goodnight Moon—whatever shaped your young, impressionable mind. Read passages to each other in dramatic voices. Judge book covers mercilessly. Bonus points if you check out a book that forces you out of your comfort zone (Intro to Tax Law for the win).
5. Volunteer Together (Because Love Should Be Selfless, Right?)
Serving others is a fantastic way to spend the holiday. Find a local food pantry, soup kitchen or pet shelter and offer a few hours of your time. You’ll see a whole new side of each other—one that involves compassion, generosity and, potentially, scooping a lot of dog food.
6. DIY First Date Reenactment (But Bad)
No reservations at that fancy restaurant where you first locked eyes over overpriced pasta? No problem. Recreate the date at home, but lean into the chaos. Spaghetti with jarred sauce. A movie on your laptop with aggressively buttered popcorn. Dress up or down—it’s about commitment to the bit.
7. Take a Drive with No Destination (Gas Prices Be Darned)
Some of the best conversations happen in the car, so why not turn it into an adventure? Pick a direction and just drive—no map, no GPS, just vibes. Stop at a random diner, pull over at a scenic overlook or end up at a gas station debating whether to buy a slushie.
8. Have a Fake Power Outage
Unplug everything. No phones, no TV—just candles, flashlights and actual human interaction. Play board games, tell embarrassing childhood stories, see who can last the longest without checking Instagram. Bonus points if you break out the emergency stash of Oreos like it’s the end of the world.
9. Get Extremely Competitive Over Mini Golf or Bowling
Nothing says romance like the sweet, sweet victory of absolutely demolishing your date at mini golf or bowling. It’s low-cost, nostalgic and, honestly, a great way to see how they handle defeat. Just don’t gloat too hard—this is still a date.
10. The “I Can’t Believe We Didn’t Think of This” Ice Cream Run
If all else fails, get ice cream. No one’s ever been mad about ice cream. Drive to your favorite place, order something ridiculous and debate the superiority of waffle cones versus sugar cones. It’s the easiest, lowest-effort way to turn a last-minute failure into a sweet success.
There you have it—ten easy, cheap and actually enjoyable last-minute date ideas. No reservations required, no panic necessary. Because at the end of the day, the best dates aren’t about spending money—they’re about making memories (and, ideally, making up for the fact that you almost forgot Valentine’s Day entirely).
