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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Purdue chapter.

As college students, Valentine’s Day may seem like a daunting holiday. You not only have to find the perfect gift for your significant other/friend and plan a fun date night, but you also have to do all of that on a budget. It is no secret that college students are broke so this can seem like an impossible feat to celebrate this holiday with the person you love. However, I have a few ideas on a budget to help you out for this season of love!

  • Gifts on a Budget:

Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day, candy is always a safe and cheap option. Almost everyone will appreciate their favorite candy or the cheesy yet perfect heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. You can find these options at most grocery stores. At Purdue, the on-campus Target is a great place to find Valentine’s Day candy!

While this may sound corny, a handmade card or note will go a long way! No need to buy an expensive card, because yes, the prices have been increasing every year. Most people will appreciate the thought, love, and creativity that you put into a handmade card or a hand-written note. For me, I have cherished every handwritten note that I have ever received! Do not knock it until you try it!

  • Date Ideas on a Budget:

One cost effective idea for a date night would be to have a romantic movie night in. You and your Valentine can cozy up for the night and watch romantic movies with some snacks. This way, you spend less money and can cherish your Valentine’s company for a night together. If you want to spice it up, you could even create a Valentine’s Day themed charcuterie board! Pinterest has tons of great ideas!

For the lovers at Purdue, if you have access to transportation off-campus, one fun idea would be to visit “Monster Mini Golf” in Lafayette, IN. This place not only has mini-golf but also has an arcade! This is such a fun date night idea to get together and just hang out! To add on, right next door there is a Crumbl Cookie and a place to get frozen yogurt!

Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sit this Valentine’s Day out!

Carissa Ray is the president of the Purdue Chapter of Her Campus. Last year she held the position of senior editor. She also writes articles for the chapter and typically writes entertainment pieces. She has been a member of the chapter since January of 2023! Carissa is currently a senior studying at Purdue University. She is majoring in Psychological Sciences with minors in Spanish and Forensic Sciences. Aside from Her Campus, Carissa is also on the board of the Purdue Chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, a leadership honors society. She was recently elected as the president for the 2024-25 academic year. She is also a mentor for the College of Health and Human Sciences. In the future, she hopes to become a Forensic Psychologist and potentially work for the FBI. When she is not busy with school, Carissa is a huge book nerd and loves to read anything with mystery, romance, or fantasy. She also loves dancing and is part of the Purdue Higher Ground Dance Company. She enjoys jazz, hip hop, and theater dance styles. Finally, if she has any extra time, she is a TV buff and enjoys binging TV shows like Modern Family, The Vampire Diaries, or Supernatural.