Staying in is the new going out this Valentine’s Day

Many of us might be feeling the pressure to splash the cash for Valentine’s Day this weekend.

But don’t feel like you have to pay over the odds just because everyone else is.

In fact, more and more of us are choosing to cut costs by staying in.

2 in 3 couples to enjoy Valentine’s dinner at home

Instead of paying a premium for a restaurant meal on a busy Saturday night, couples are going for a more intimate vibe.

According to Ocado, two-thirds (65%) are planning to cook dinner at home this Valentine’s Day.

And over half (54%) are choosing to make breakfast or brunch at home.

Many said they’re not going out partly because they want to avoid busy restaurants and cafes.

But significantly, more than half say they’re choosing to stay at home to save money.

Loved-up couples regret the expense

Many people might be keen to save money because they feel they’ve spent too much in previous years.

In a poll by digital bank Zopa, nearly six in ten (57%) 25 to 34-year-olds said they regretted how much they spent on Valentine's Day.

And more than one in ten (11%) admit they feel under pressure to spend to mark the occasion.

So it’s worth remembering that your partner probably doesn’t even want you to break the bank.

Nearly two-thirds of Brits say feeling relaxed and financially comfortable is the mark of a good Valentine’s Day.

And reliability is ranked as more important (47%) than romance (21%) or excitement (14%).

"Valentine's Day can amplify pressure, comparison and unrealistic expectations - particularly during times of financial uncertainty,” said psychologist Dr Tara Quinn-Cirillo.

"What we're seeing now is a move towards emotional safety and familiarity over monetary gifts."

Bag some Valentine’s Day bargains

If you want premium food at great prices this Valentine’s Day, then you can get some impressive and varied dine-in meal deals at your local supermarket.

Find out how much they cost and what they include here.

And if you want a few token gifts for your significant other, then we’ve rounded up some of the best deals for you.