Valentine’s day is upon us and that can only mean one thing! It’s time to plan an exciting experience for February 14 to show your loved ones how you feel and remind them how much you care. Prepare the perfect and most memorable day that goes beyond the regular and expected chocolates and flowers. Keep things fresh this season and ditch the traditional Valentine’s day routine of planning a romantic fancy dinner, movie marathon and a bed full of roses.

We’ve put together the best activities to do with your friends on Valentine’s Day this year like simple ideas such as sending your friends a card with a throwback photo or sweet memory inside for old times sake. There are ideas that will fit any type of mood or vibe you want to experience, whether it’s a relaxed evening gathered around a dining table, taking long walks together, watching movies at home or spending an afternoon at the spa or taking a class together. After all, our friends are the ones who are always there when things don’t work out, so why not spend time making memories that will last a lifetime?

Try out any of these Valentine’s Day ideas to do with your friends on a low-budget! 

Host a game night.

Take out a few board games and get competitive with your friends. This is the perfect activity for competitive friends to remind each other of your youth days and how much fun it used to be competing against one another or being in the same team!

Host a valentines’ brunch or picnic.

There’s just something about eating outdoors that makes everything taste and feel better. To make this fun and extra special, have each of your friends bring a dish for the picnic together then head to a nearby park, beach or hike to a scenic spot to watch the sunset while munching. Serve up a delicious brunch and squeeze in as many heart-themed items as possible. Pack a cooler with some yummy lunch, and be sure to throw in chocolate-covered strawberries for good measure. Don’t forget the champagne!

Host a movie marathon.

You can always stay in, make snacks and get out all the cozy blankets to prepare for a classic movie night. Have your friends over for wine or cocktails, paired with a classic movie or TV show you all love and watch a few great movies from the ’80s or ’90s. You can also opt to watch all of your favorite movie sequels like Harry Potter, Hunger Games, High School Musical or anything that you’ve been longing to watch. 

Hand Out Cards to Everyone

Remember how the teachers used to make us design Valentine’s Day cards to give out to our classmates in school? Get nostalgic and share these corny moments on valentines to show how special your friends are to you.

Go on a Spa date

Get to unwind together with your friends by planning an afternoon of pampering for you to relax and chat up. Organize a trip to a day spa, a group mani/pedi visit to your local nail salon. If your budget doesn’t allow you to go out, you can have a home spa session with self-care gifts for everyone.

Go shopping

Shopping with friends is always fun, even if you don’t buy anything! For a low budget spending, try hitting up local thrift stores.

Secret cupid gifting

It’s like Secret Santa, but for Valentine’s Day. Put all of your names in a hat and have each friend choose someone. Pro tip: You might want to set a spending limit so no one accidentally spends too much. Treat your girls to something they would never buy for themselves like bold nail polish or something simple like a cool pair of comfy socks.