KEY POINTS:
Valentine's Day is fast approaching - this Wednesday - and many of the financially challenged are probably starting to sweat a bit.
Fear not. Before you go ditching your better halves to avoid a costly Valentine's price tag, check out our handy list of cost-effective date ideas.
UNDER
$20
Strawberries and Bubbles
Forget red roses, nothing says love like sweet, red berries. Head to your local supermarket and pick up a bottle of Lindauer and punnet of strawberries for a romantic night out. Dig out a blanket and take your loved one to the nearest park/beach/garden for a night of star gazing in the open air.
Treasure Hunt
This entails a bit of effort but is well worth the result. Set up a trail of clues around your house and/or neighbourhood (depending on where you live) and watch your partner's child-like delight as they solve the series of riddles. If you've bought a present, hide it with the final clue, or place a flower with each clue, leaving them with a full bouquet by the end of the trail.
Back to Nature
Depending on your significant other, a bushwalk or bike ride might be just the ticket this Valentine's Day. Get out of work early and head to a regional park near you. Most offer walking and bike trails, many of which lead to beaches, waterfalls and other natural spectacles. Word of warning: If you're loved one's not into sports/outdoors stuff, this may turn sour pretty quickly.
Movie Night
You know you're in love when you do things you hate to make someone else happy. If you and your partner have differing tastes, make their Valentine's Day this year by renting their favourite film (even though you despise it) and watch it without complaining. Clear the living room floor, lay out a blanket and have an indoor, floor picnic with antipasto platter of yummy, nibbly things.
UNDER $50
Dessert Date
If a three-course meal is out of your league, just skip to the best part - dessert. Book a late sitting at your favourite restaurant (be sure to warn them you're only coming for dessert) and surprise your date with a sweet treat. If you're really hard up, get one dessert and share it.
Kitchen Capers
The whole point of Valentine's Day is to spend time with your loved one. So why not combine your culinary talents (or lack thereof) and make a meal together. Flick through some recipe books and find something that appeals to both of you, before preparing the meal together. Even if it turns out to be a complete disaster, you'll have spent time together and hopefully, will have some fun in the process.
Star Gazing
No matter what the weather, Auckland's Stardome Observatory promises un-paralleled views of the night sky. With three special Valentine's Day sessions, Stardome will take you through the Milky Way and beyond, incorporating music, poetry and stories of star-crossed lovers. $50 per couple gets you an hour-long tour of the night sky, plus champers and nibbles. Bookings are essential - phone (09) 624 1246
