Every year, the pressure is on for the perfect Valentine’s Day date. You may be conjuring up an unforgettable date, complete with a rigid to-do list that will woo your significant other with every checkpoint, or you may feel more inclined to have a relaxed date that won’t break the bank. Whether you choose to splurge or spoil each other on a budget, there are many ways you can make Valentine’s Day special this year. 

MAKE SOMETHING SWEET TOGETHER

Nothing says love quite like the art of baking. Whether you want to bake cookies, bread, or an entire cake, whisking up a tasty treat is a great way to enjoy Valentine’s Day without spending too much money. You can find the perfect recipe online, go shopping together for any ingredients you may need, and play your favorite songs as you bake with each other. You could even challenge each other to a bake-off! Once you’ve finished baking, you can enjoy your food while watching a movie or catching up on your TV show.

HAVE A PICNIC AT THE LSU LAKES

LSU is known for its sprawling lakes that lie underneath majestic oak trees. These lakes are a perfect picnic spot for a sweet and casual date (weather permitting). Pack up your picnic blanket and fill up your basket with drinks, sandwiches, chips, and, of course, chocolate. You could also stop by Trader Joe’s on the way to the lakes and pick out some unique snacks to share. If you want a fun game, challenge each other to find the other person’s favorite drink, chips, dessert, etc. 

MAKE A STOP AT THE THRIFT SHOP

Another affordable date is to visit the thrift store together! It may sound weird, but this idea will make you laugh while creating a deeper bond between the two of you. After all, a person’s taste in clothing can be very personal. All you have to do is buy each other outfits at the thrift store to wear based on what your Valentine’s date is. For example, if you’re going on a fun, lighthearted date (like bowling or mini golfing), select wacky outfits for each other to wear later that day. If you’re planning on dinner by candlelight, choose attire for your person that’s more formal. Or, if you’re just planning to stay in and watch movies on Valentine’s Day, find a soft sweatshirt or fuzzy pajama pants that they will love.

GO ON A BOOK-LOVERS DATE

Whether you’re both bookworms, or one of you wants to expose the other to a great read, a book date could make a perfect Valentine’s Day date. If your budget is a little tighter, you can choose books for each other at a thrift store. Otherwise, take a tour around Barnes & Noble and surprise your person with a book (or two) (or three). Once you’ve purchased your books, sit at a coffee shop, in a park, or on the couch and read together. You can also exchange ideas and notes as you read.  

SHARE SOME TAPAS

Tapas are an increasingly popular dining style, and for a good reason. Tapas originated in Spain as small, savory dishes that are often served as appetizers, but they can also be eaten alone and paired with wine. What makes these dishes so popular is, while being the perfect sharing size, the portions are small enough for you to be able to order multiple plates. That way, you and your partner can select multiple dishes to try together (though there’s no shame in ordering tapas all for yourself). Some Baton Rouge restaurants serving tapas and excellent wine include: Solera Bar & Tasting Room, Bin 77 Bistro & Sidebar, and Proverbial Wine Bistro. Since Valentine’s Day is a popular time for restaurants such as these, you should make a reservation as early as possible.

INDULGE IN A ROMANTIC DINNER

Fancy dinners are classic Valentine’s Day dates. They provide the perfect opportunity to get dressed up for your significant other and spend quality time together over a white tablecloth and a high-end meal. Luckily, Baton Rouge has several restaurants for those looking to splurge this year. Texas de Brazil, Stab’s Prime Steak & Seafood, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and Ruth’s Chris are some local upscale steak restaurants. Other delicious fine dining options include Mansur’s on the Boulevard, Juban’s, Maison Lacour French Restaurant, and The Little Village. Reservations are encouraged.