'Revisit the place you first met': Aussies share their affordable, last-minute ideas for Valentine's Day

With cost-of-living pressures continuing to impact household budgets in the most unromantic of ways, we've asked Australians for their ideas when it comes to affordable, last-minute Valentine's Day activities.

It is just two days away, after all.

It's just a tricky time of the year money-wise, and there can be a lot of pressure to pull out all the stops to make Valentine's Day special.

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What we have found, from the responses that have been shared with us, is that Valentine's Day plans don't have to cost a fortune.

Aiming for something fun, nostalgic and thoughtful can mean so much more than how much you spend on dinner and gifts.

Here are some affordable, last-minute Valentine's Day ideas any couple will love.

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1. Dinner or gifts – not both

"My partner and I have decided we're going to go out to dinner this year and not doing gifts. We just exchanged gifts for Christmas and I had my birthday in January," one reader says.

"So dinner it is! And we're probably going to have KFC, because we had a really special night one night and went out for late-night KFC in the city, so it's really special to us both."

2. Watching the first movie you saw together in a cinema

"When I was first dating my boyfriend, I was wasn't being myself and tried to act like I was into the Marvel universe.

"I knew just enough to get away with it because of my kids, but as a result of my big fat lies he organised for us to watch Dr Strange, thinking I'd be thrilled. I hated it. I was so confused.

"So I 'fessed up, and it still makes us laugh. So we're gonna watch it at home together this year because it reminds us of a special time for us both when things got real."

3. Give Valentine's Day a miss altogether

"I don't even think people should wait for Valentine's Day to do something special. Instead, send a gift or give flowers/chocolates/gift a few days prior and say: 'I don't need Valentine's Day to prove how much I love you'," one reader says.

Another agreed, suggesting: "Celebrate the day before or the day after."

4. Do something fun outdoors

"A classy picnic by a beautiful clear stream, with sun dappled light through trees, a glass of wine."

5. Something thoughtful, not expensive

"I always like gifting everyone in the house little cupcakes. I have also made my own vouchers using Canva, so that saves money too (or defers payment, as you then pay when you actually go!)," one person suggests.

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"Making up a bag of their favourite goodies is another idea that's reasonably priced if you buy chocolates, their favourite beverage and other everyday-type snacks that they like."

6. Other ideas

"Revisit the place you first met, if it's local!"

"Write each other notes or cards that you can read together."

"Cook a meal together, maybe the first meal you shared at home together."

"Go for a drive to key locations in your relationship and reminise."

"Look for last minute deals on Klook, Groupon and Open Table, and choose something spontaneous and affordable that day."

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