Valentine’s Day on a budget

Valentine’s Day is a great way to show your loved one exactly how much they mean to you, but it can be hard to find original ideas, especially if you’ve got a budget to stick to. What do you do for someone who deserves the whole world when you’re trying not to break the bank? Well, there are plenty of ways to do Valentine’s Day on a budget! If you’re at a bit of a loss, simply read on.

Give each other a spa day

Plenty of us forget to relax in the hubbub of the modern world, and what better gift can you give your loved one than a chance to unwind and truly relieve some of those knots? Whether at home or somewhere else, get yourself some face masks, moisturising balms, candles, cucumber and some calming music. You could go even further and invest in some massage oils and fill up a delightful bubble bath for when you’re done, too!

You’ll both finish the night with a smile on your face and no worries at all. It’s all you could ask for!

Stage your own photoshoot in some local scenery

Lots of couples don’t take enough photos of the two of them, and if they do, they’re usually selfies. So why not figure out how to use the timer feature on your phones and take a soothing walk around the local area, taking some adorable couple shoots whenever you find somewhere pretty?

For example, in Wick, we’d recommend a picture by the river, a picture on the bridge of Wick, the Castle of Old Wick, and a few throughout the gorgeous town! Wick is a wonderful place to visit and ideal for Valentine’s Day. Take a look at our special offers to bag yourself a room here that fits in with your budget.

Go on a hike

One way to really focus on one another is to shut off the outside world and head out into nature. Taking a hike together is a great way to spend Valentine’s Day. It’s free, it’s beautiful, and you can do it anywhere! There are so many hiking trails in Caithness alone – you’re spoilt for choice, really!

Low-cost whisky tasting

As great as whisky and wine tasting are, they’re not the best when it comes to doing Valentine’s Day on a budget. What you can do, though, is skip the distillery tour and head straight to the gift shop. Grab yourselves a couple of miniatures or a few of the cheaper bottles and take them home with you (or back to your room here at Mackays!). Then you can enact your own whisky and wine tasting for a low-budget Valentine’s Day date night!

If you want to level it up, ask the staff at the stores what foods pair well with each bottle you buy and make a real night of it. You’ll be amazed at how much fun pretending to be connoisseurs is when neither of you really knows that much about what you’re talking about!

Painting portraits

We all know what our partners look like, but do you think you could paint them? Doing a couple’s painting evening with canvases is a great way to familiarise yourself with all the curves and shadows of your loved one’s beautiful face while also having a real giggle. You can get canvases and paint relatively inexpensively, making it a great way to enjoy Valentine’s Day on a budget.

For a levelled-up challenge, try to paint your partner from memory and see what both of you come out with!

Stargazing

This is easier in smaller towns and the countryside, but there is nothing more romantic than stargazing, is there? Simply wrap up warm, fill a thermos with some tea or hot chocolate and take a blanket out to your local park. Find the constellations, watch for satellites and shooting stars and cuddle up together in some peace and quiet. The perfect Valentine’s Day.

Stay with us

Mackays has been lovingly run by the same family for over 60 years. We are known as the hotel with a heart, so why not check out our special offers for a stay with us. Or book a romantic meal here at No 1 Bistro?