Budget Valentine’s Day gifts and date ideas that won’t feel cheap

Contrary to ads flooding your feeds, your affection is not determined by the cost of your gifts. In fact, your true love may appreciate it if you spend less on Valentine’s Day gifts this year. When you shop secondhand, you’ll pay less and help reduce waste. What’s not to love?

Valentine’s Day gifts you can buy secondhand

A secondhand gift doesn’t mean it’s second rate. In fact, a gently used, quality item may be superior to the latest model because it’s made better — nicer materials, a better motor, etc. Depending on what your honey’s interests are, consider these finds as your budget Valentine’s Day gifts:

• Electronics — gaming device, Bluetooth speaker, smartphone, headphones

• Hobby supplies such as a sewing machine or puzzles

• Books, music or a favorite movie

• Artwork

• Kitchen appliances such as a stand mixer or bread maker

• Electric bike or bike accessories

Fun places to go for Valentine’s Day

Want a gift that keeps on giving? Spend some time together doing a favorite activity or trying something new. With the gift of a shared experience, you both gain a long-lasting memory.

Find tickets to a concert, play or sporting event on KSL Classifieds.

Attend a show

Whether it’s singing at the top of your lungs, laughing until your sides hurt or quietly holding back tears, you’ll have sweet shared memories from your date at a local show. Search for deals on secondhand tickets on KSL Classifieds, from plays to concerts and comedy shows.

Tickets are often listed within a week or two of the event, so it pays to check daily. If there’s a specific activity you’re hoping to attend, create a Saved Search and enable notifications on your KSL account. You’ll receive a message when a ticket is listed.

Find secondhand tickets on KSL Classifieds

Visit a museum

When was the last time you went to a museum near home? Take your date to one of Utah’s dozens of museums that cater to their interests: art, airplanes, cars, trains, natural history, pioneers, science. There’s something for everyone. Admission varies, but many museums are free, making it the perfect cheap date idea.

Check out KSL Events for current exhibits

Give your valentine the gift of a shared experience.

Take a class together

The couple that learns together stays together. Spend a fun evening learning — or at least attempting — a new skill. What has your valentine always wanted to try? Stained glass? Cooking? Painting? Find a class near you on KSL Events.

Stay-at-home gifts for Valentine’s Day

Sometimes staying in is better than going out to celebrate. Plan a fun and/or romantic date at home.

Watch a movie with your own concession stand

What’s the best part about going to a movie? The treats! Elevate an at-home movie date night with your own mini concession stand.

Arrange some of your sweetheart’s favorite boxed candy on a charcuterie board or in small bowls. Set up a vintage popcorn machine to make better-than-theater popcorn — with multiple flavor toppings, of course. Open a soda bar, with flavored syrups to customize your drinks.

Find concession supplies on KSL Classifieds

Turn a basic movie night into a special one with a bit of creativity.

Set a romantic table for 2

Instead of fighting the restaurant crowds, set up your own quiet little corner table. To create a romantic ambiance, hang string lights from the ceiling or around the room. Instead of using the regular kitchen table, you could set floor cushions around a coffee table for a cozy table for two. 

Use your finest dishware, from fancy glasses to pretty plates. Add a tablecloth, flowers and candles. If you don’t want to cook, make it simple and order takeout — just put the food in beautiful serving dishes.

Set your Valentine’s Day table with KSL 

Find the best Valentine’s Day gifts on KSL Classifieds

Make this year’s gift original, affordable and memorable by shopping secondhand gifts on KSL Classifieds. Whether your cutie pie is a gaming enthusiast, an aspiring home cook or a theater buff, you can find deals to make their day.