Valentine’s Day does not need to break the bank, especially on the student budget, so here are some budget-friendly gifts for the special people in your life.
- Handwritten letter: it may sound cliché, but you can’t go wrong with a thoughtful letter to express your love through words of affirmation.
- Hand-made: DIYs are the perfect way to keep gifts affordable and personal. How about a zine, scrapbook, collage, origami, pop-up card, or crochet? The list is endless, and Pinterest is your best friend.
- Super-market dine in deals: Places like M&S and Tesco offer starters, mains, desserts and drinks at a deal price. Perfect for a night in and it adds some fun by doing rock-paper-scissors for who chooses what.
- Make use of your student discount! Many places offer 10% or more which is perfect when buying gifts! And you can’t go wrong with a card, some chocolates, and flowers
Wanting to surprise your partner with a fun but cheap activity around the Toon? Here is a list of local spots for Valentine’s Day.
- Tyneside cinema – celebrate with your beau or gals and check out their screening of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, on screen from the 13th-19th of February.
- Take them on an adventure! Depending on the weather the Jesmond Dene, Whitley Bay, Heaton Park, Big Waters Nature Reserve and Long Sands Beach are all beautiful places to take someone, combined with a picnic, makes for a romantic trip out.
- NQ64 – this arcade bar has something for everyone, with game-themed cocktails and retro arcade machines. Have a dance off and enjoy their student discount!
- Junkyard golf – enjoy three different exciting golf courses while sipping specialty cocktails at a reasonable price.
- ATG Theatre – hop on a metro to Sunderland and go to the theatre with their student tickets discounted at £25!
- Babucho – despite the restaurant’s sophisticated atmosphere, the food and drink prices are surprisingly affordable with £5 cocktails.
- Museum and Galleries: check out the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, the Life Centre, and the Great North Museum. Whilst a change of pace from usual date spots, it is nice to get out to learn and see new things together.
- Don’t forget the power of a date night at home. Surprise them with a cooked meal, flowers, and their favourite movie – acts of service and quality time can go a long way.
