As Valentine’s Day approaches, high schoolers are scrambling to find the perfect gift for that special someone. However, the holiday can get expensive, especially for teenagers. 

With the expectations of candy, gifts, cards, flowers, and a date night, Valentine’s Day can quickly become quite pricey. 

Thankfully, there are many ways to still find a gift, date night, and card while on a budget. 

Around Oviedo, there are a few art studios, such as Pinspiration, that can make for a fun yet inexpensive date idea.

Pinspiration, located on Alafaya Trail, is a craft studio that offers a variety of projects, starting at just twenty five dollars. For Valentine’s Day, they offer custom stamped jewelry making. Any sort of do it yourself craft is a great activity to make together, and craft stores like Michael’s also sell inexpensive craft kits. 

Dinner out is the classic Valentine’s date night, but this can be expensive, and tricky to get a reservation. However, this doesn’t always have to be the case. Picking up their favorite food and setting up a picnic at a park is a great alternative to the typical dinner reservation. 

Flowers and boxes of truffles are a classic Valentine’s gift, but a bouquet of flowers can be pricey, ranging from $30 to even over $100. Publix’s floral department sells simple, yet beautiful bouquets starting at $15. Even though they are simply wrapped in plastic, if paired with a vase and decorations, this can give the same effect as a luxury set of flowers. 

As far as gifts and candy go, Target’s dollar section has a variety of Valentine’s themed decor, trinkets, and baskets- all under five dollars. A basket filled with their favorite candies and treats is a perfect gift that won’t break the bank. Or, a gift card and a “coupon” for a date night is another easy, inexpensive gift idea. 

Similarly, homemade baked goods are an inexpensive alternative that show how much time was spent on the gift. It’s cheap, easy, and a great way to demonstrate appreciation. 

Balloons are another fun way to show anyone, romantically or not, appreciation on Valentine’s and are only a few dollars at school, or the nearby dollar store. Paired with a box of candy, this is a simple and fun gift. 

Cards are typically the finishing touch for a gift, but don’t need to be pricey. Hallmark cards at Publix or Target can be three dollars, but a homemade card can do just the same. There are many free templates available online, or make one with cardstock. Likewise, a piece of paper and a heartfelt letter will do the trick. 

Depending on the recipient, gifts for this special holiday don’t have to be extravagant. For some, a handwritten note and homemade treat will do just the trick.  

But ultimately, showing appreciation is what matters most, and with a little thought and effort, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to break the bank.