{"id":2680,"date":"2024-02-07T15:31:46","date_gmt":"2024-02-07T15:31:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/?p=2680"},"modified":"2026-01-22T10:53:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T10:53:39","slug":"valentines-day-on-a-student-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/2024\/02\/07\/valentines-day-on-a-student-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Valentine\u2019s Day on a student budget"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">Who says Valentine\u2019s Day has to be expensive to be special? <\/span><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">Whether you\u2019re planning a date, celebrating friendship, or enjoying a little self-care, there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion without spending a fortune. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">Here are some fun, budget-friendly ideas to make Valentine\u2019s Day memorable this year!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\"><strong>Cook Together<\/strong> \ud83c\udf5d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">Cooking at home can be just as enjoyable as dining out. Sharing the preparation and laughter along the way makes the meal feel special in its own way. You could:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">Try a DIY pizza night or a simple pasta recipe<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">Bake cookies or a cake for a sweet treat<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">Play some music and add fairy lights for a cosy atmosphere<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">\ud83d\udca1 Budget tip: Use seasonal ingredients and make use of what you\u2019ve got in your kitchen cupboards to keep costs down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">If cooking feels a bit daunting, there\u2019s always the option of grabbing a supermarket dine-in deal and elevating it at home!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4468\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Pasta.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Pasta.png 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Pasta-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Pasta-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Pasta-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 984px) 61vw, (max-width: 1362px) 45vw, 600px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\"><strong>Movie Night <\/strong><strong>\ud83c\udfac<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">Movie nights are a classic for a reason. Skip the cinema and keep things fun at home &#8211; choose from film lecturer Ben\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/2025\/02\/01\/10-romantic-movies\/\">top 10 romantic movie list<\/a> or take turns to pick a film from a jar for a little extra surprise factor!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">If a popcorn salad is a new concept to you, honestly, get to know! Make your own popcorn and add a twist with your favourite treats. Personal favourites include (but are not limited to): chocolate covered pretzels, M&amp;M\u2019s, Maltesers, and marshmallows!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">Creating a comfy space with blankets and cushions can help to create the cinema atmosphere without the hefty ticket prices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4469\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Movie-night.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Movie-night.png 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Movie-night-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Movie-night-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Movie-night-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 984px) 61vw, (max-width: 1362px) 45vw, 600px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\"><strong>Mocktail Night<\/strong><strong>\ud83c\udf78<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">Mocktails have become increasingly popular as more people explore sober-curious lifestyles and choose low- or no-alcohol options. If you\u2019re looking for refreshing ideas, have a look at Amy\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/2024\/01\/17\/9-mocktail-recipes-to-enjoy-anytime\/\">mocktail recipe blog<\/a> for 9 delicious drinks \u2013 from a zesty Lemon Martini to a refreshing Watermelon Mojito.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">Whether you\u2019re hosting a small get-together or enjoying drinks at home, a creative mocktail can be a standout part of your Valentine\u2019s Day. A few simple snacks alongside can turn this into a mini celebration that feels special yet affordable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4470\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Mocktail.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Mocktail.png 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Mocktail-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Mocktail-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Mocktail-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 984px) 61vw, (max-width: 1362px) 45vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\"><strong>Thoughtful Gifting <\/strong><strong>\ud83c\udf81<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">Forget expensive flower arrangements or giant teddy bears, thoughtful gifts win every time! A handmade card, personalised playlist or small craft project can feel just as, if not more special, as something you can buy at the shops. Think about items that suit the personality of the person you\u2019re celebrating \u2013 budget-friendly finds like potted plants, mugs or stationery can be great gifts to make the person you care about feel seen! You could even gift an experience, like a visit to a local gallery, an event at our <a href=\"https:\/\/events.tees-su.org.uk\/\">Students\u2019 Union<\/a>, or a picnic date (maybe to be deferred to a later date, February in the UK and outdoor picnics never go hand in hand!).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4471\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Gifting.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Gifting.png 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Gifting-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Gifting-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Gifting-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 984px) 61vw, (max-width: 1362px) 45vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\"><strong>What Matters Most<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">At the end of the day, Valentine\u2019s Day is about connection and thoughtfulness, not the amount you spend. Whether you\u2019re cooking up a storm together, watching movies, or gifting something small but personal, the moments that matter are the ones where time and effort are shared.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\">With a bit of imagination, you can enjoy a Valentine\u2019s celebration in a way that feels personal and affordable without compromising on fun!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 19px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1567 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2023\/05\/TT-Contributor-Template-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"212\" height=\"212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2023\/05\/TT-Contributor-Template-1.png 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2023\/05\/TT-Contributor-Template-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2023\/05\/TT-Contributor-Template-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2023\/05\/TT-Contributor-Template-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2023\/05\/TT-Contributor-Template-1-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 212px) 85vw, 212px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Who says Valentine\u2019s Day has to be expensive to be special? Whether you\u2019re planning a date, celebrating friendship, or enjoying a little self-care, there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion without spending a fortune. Here are some fun, budget-friendly ideas to make Valentine\u2019s Day memorable this year! Cook Together \ud83c\udf5d Cooking at home &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/2024\/02\/07\/valentines-day-on-a-student-budget\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Valentine\u2019s Day on a student budget&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25096,"featured_media":4472,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false},"categories":[6],"tags":[50,21],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/files\/2024\/02\/Cover.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2680"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25096"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2680"}],"version-history":[{"count":32,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2680\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4477,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2680\/revisions\/4477"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4472"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2680"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2680"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2680"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}