5 Romantic (and Frugal) Valentine's Day Dates for Parents

Valentine's Day is almost here! The day that brightens up the cold winter with some heart-warming romance and affection.

As parents, going out to celebrate becomes even more complicated with the need for a babysitter. For us, that isn't even an option since there are only a very few people we can trust to watch M2, let alone M2 AND B. Not to mention the cost, which is hard to cover when finances are tight.

I've come up with 5 romantic, easy-to-do dates that let you spend some special Valentine's Day time with your other half, without breaking the bank or going nutty looking for a sitter. These ideas are crazy simple, perfect for after the kids are in bed, and can even be mixed and matched to suit your preferences. We're doing #1 ourselves this year. Happy Valentine's Day!

Pizza and a Movie

If you've got the budget for it, splurge on a pizza, rent a movie from the Redbox and hit the couch to enjoy a few slices and cuddle time. For those who really feel adventurous (or don't have the funds), head to the kitchen with your honey to make a pizza together. Homemade crusts are easy to whip up, especially when you have a partner helping you out. Borrowing a movie from the library, picking one from Hulu/Amazon/Netflix or watching one you already have in your collection is another option. 

Chinese and Games

Pick a few yummy dishes from your favorite Chinese. Remember the egg rolls and some soup! Set up the boxes on the table so you can share. Add some candles and some chopsticks to feed each other for added romance. Once you're done, pick out a a few board games for a game-night marathon. If you're feeling frisky, strip poker can be entertaining. Or, if you're more of the video game type, hook up the system. Winner doesn't have to make dinner the next night.

Homemade Dinner and Music

Head to the kitchen to whip up your Valentine's favorite dinner. Have some chocolates on hand for dessert, along with a bottle of wine. Put on some love songs while you dine, along with dimming the lights and lighting a few tapers. After the food is gone, enjoy the chocolates and another glass of wine while snuggling on the couch. Talk and enjoy the music while you watch candlelight flicker on the walls.

Dessert and Coloring

Pick up your and your love's favorite desserts, or bake them yourself. Arrange the goodies on a pretty plate or tray with some paper heart cut outs to get the Valentine's vibe going. Get out your favorite coloring book, hand hubby a page, spread out the colored pencils so you can share, then color while you nosh on the yummy treats. (This 72-color box of pencils is my favorite to use along with this artist-quality 48 pack. My favorite books are The Secret Garden and The Enchanted Forrest. They are so neat!) Diffusing some oils can add to the relaxing, calming atmosphere you're building together.

Wine and Reading

Stick a couple bottles of white wine in the fridge the night before or set out some red. On Valentine's Day, pop the cork, get out your fanciest wine glasses and sip the night away with your sweetie and a good book on the couch. If you're in a Nicholas Sparks-inspired mood, read passages to each other or take turns reading some poems aloud. If you need some poetry inspiration, Shakespeare's Sonnet 29 and Sonnet 19, Byron's She Walks in Beauty, and Michael Arnold's Longing are some of my favorites. The level of romantic is totally adjustable depending on your tastes.

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