7 Cheap Valentine’s Day Activities for Singles

It’s that time of year again. Love is in the air, and couples are deciding how they’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day together. For those of us who are single, the holiday isn’t just annoying – it can get rather boring. Well, not this year. Here’s a list of fun things you can do without spending a ton of money. From Amber Sager-US News/Money.

Get a Massage

Use this day as an excuse to pamper yourself. Getting a massage is a great way to take a break from the daily grind and relax. If you’re not ready to shell out the cash for a solo deep tissue rubdown, call up your best friend and split the price. You can find great Valentine’s Day spa packages right now that will allow you to save a bundle on couple’s massages. You’ll save money this way and get some quality time with your best friend.

Go for a Run

Yes, I said run. You can binge on ice cream and pizza after the race. There are a ton of Valentine’s Day themed 5ks happening on Saturday. This is a great way to start your day. It’s fun, it’s inexpensive, and you might appreciate the endorphins that day. Most fun runs benefit a cause or charity, so you’ll also be giving back to your community. Check out RunningInTheUSA.com to see if there are races happening in your area.

Throw a Party

The good news about celebrating Valentine’s Day as a single is you aren’t the only one. Call up all your friends and acquaintances that are looking for a place to celebrate without a date, and have a Singles Awareness Day party at your place. You can save some cash on the expenses by asking guests to bring one snack or refreshment. All you have to do is coordinate, round up your group games (don’t forget Cards Against Humanity) and have fun.

Go to the Movies

If you’re looking for some casual entertainment, round up a group of friends and head to the movies. Catching a good flick is a great way to relax and enjoy yourself without spending much money. If you’re trying to avoid the crowds of couples, you should stick to early showings. Most evening and late-night tickets are almost sold out, so it might be tough to find open seats at night anyway. Plus, tickets tend to be cheaper during the day. Just do yourself a favor, and stick to action and comedy films.

Volunteer

If you want to take some focus off the holiday, volunteering is a great way to spend your day. Donating your time to a noble cause will likely put you in a good mood and allow you to focus on the things that matter to you. Contact your local food bank or animal shelter and ask how you can help. You can bring friends or make new ones. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy a day dedicated to your favorite cause. And, it’s free!

Participate in Local Events

Valentine’s Day might bring a lot of attention to the happy couples in your life, but there will be plenty of events going on that place all the attention on singles. Many bars and event venues dedicate February 14 to singles. Why? Because there are plenty of us, and we’ll bring in a bigger profit. Most of these events have cheap or free admission, so visit your favorite local event website or simply do a web search to see what’s going on in your city.

Get Away

Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to get out of town for a few days. Jump in the car, and drive somewhere you’ve never been, even if it’s not far from where you live. Take friends with you and split the gas and hotel bill to save some money. It will be Valentine’s Day wherever you go, so check out what local events are happening at your destination, and enjoy a new scene. Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas prices, and check out sites like Hotels.com and Expedia.com to find a deal on a room. The differing prices in surrounding towns might just be the deciding factor on where you go.

Whether you choose to celebrate with friends or focus on yourself this Valentine’s Day, make it productive. At the very least, read a book you’ve been setting aside or take yourself to brunch. When you’re single, Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to treat yourself.