Stay In and Save Money this Valentine’s Day.

I know many of us are cooped up right now. Or maybe you just prefer staying in? Either way, I want to share some of my favourite ways to pamper my partner (and myself!) at home. Below you’ll find a few budget-friendly romantic ideas that you can pull off without stepping outside.

A Luxurious Bath (for 1, or 2)

One of the most budget-friendly Valentine’s Day at home ideas is to pour a luxurious bath. And if you don’t have a bath, you can still set the tone with a steamy shower.
Make sure you go all out with setting the tone though! Dim the lights and bust out your favourite bubble bath, face masks, Epsom salts, or body oils.

TIP: Gently wafting incense, diffused essential oil blends, or ambient music can add to the sensory experiences of your at-home-spa.

BATHORIUM – BeCalm Bubble Bath | Odacite – Mood Cleansing Ayurvedic Bath Soak | AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES – De-stress Mind Bath & Shower Oil

Sexy Sculptural Candles + Massage

Speaking of dimming the lights… a few tea lights set on a tray is a cheap way to create a romantic ambiance. But if you’re in the mood for something a little more unique, why not support small, local candle artists. And who doesn’t like a candlelight massage?

TIP: If you don’t have anyone to assist with your own message, try a foam roller or a massage gun. If you’re using plain massage oil, customize the scent with a drop of essential oil.

Sculptural candles having a big decor moment these days. Here are a few that I love from Canadian artists:

Pardon my French – La Femme Candle Black (various colour/scent options) | ShopStyledToTheTee – Venus Di Milo Candle | DropDeadCandles – Curvy Body Candle (various colour options)

DIY Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Ooh la! Is there anything more romantic than chocolate-covered strawberries? You can make this super-simple recipe at home with your own preferred ingredients. Plus, this budget-friendly Valentine’s Day dessert can be made in about 15 minutes!

TIP: Bump up the wow factor with a bottle of bubbly.

Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries at home in 15 mins:

Time needed: 30 minutes

This is pretty simple. The only thing to watch out for is accidentally burning the chocolate. Be patient, and let it melt gradually. Otherwise, the chocolate’s consistency will be too chunky. Once the berries are coated, let them sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.

Melt the chocolate.
Slowly melt chocolate pieces (a broken up bar or chips work fine) by placing them in a glass bowl over a pot of bowling water. Microwaving is another option, just use a very low setting.
Add a little oil
Add 1 – 2 teaspoons of a flavourless oil (coconut oil, vegetable oil, etc.) to the melted chocolate. This will make the dipping process a little easier.
Dip strawberries.
Get a tray or plate ready by lining it with parchment paper. Then dip each berry into the melted chocolate and set on the parchment-lined tray.
Place in fridge.
Lastly, pop the tray in the fridge to allow the chocolate to set. This should take about 15 minutes. If you’re making the chocolate covered strawberries ahead of time, you can leave them overnight in the fridge.

TIP: I found this easy-to-follow YouTube video if you’re more of a visual person.

Bring the Hammam Spa Vibes to your Space

One of our absolute favourite relaxation destinations in Toronto is the Hammam Spa by Céla. These are the items I’ve previously used to capture the same exotic, seductive, and earthly-calm vibes at home for a budget-friendly Valentine’s Day at home.