13 Cheap Ways To Surprise Your Spouse

Finding ways to surprise your spouse doesn’t have to empty your wallet. In fact, the most memorable surprises often come from the heart, not the bank account. Whether it’s through a homemade gift, a thoughtful gesture, or a creative date night at home, showing your love and appreciation can be both affordable and meaningful. Here are 13 cheap but incredibly sweet ways to surprise your spouse, proving that the best things in life—and love—truly are free (or almost free).

1. Bring Them Their Favourite Snacks

French gouter — Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Surprise your spouse by bringing home their favourite snacks. It’s a simple, thoughtful gesture that shows you know and care about their little cravings. Whether it’s something sweet, salty, or savory, seeing their face light up over something so small can make any ordinary day feel special.

2. Organise a Cute Date at Home with Twinkly Lights and Movie Bingo Cards

Transform your living space into a cozy movie theater with twinkly lights and create movie bingo cards for a fun twist. This not only elevates a simple movie night but adds an element of playfulness to your evening together. It’s a charming way to spend quality time without leaving the comfort of your home.

Find out more: 11 Out Of The Box Movie Date Ideas At Home

3. Make Heart Shaped Food

Bake heart-shaped cookies as a sweet surprise for your spouse or make a heart-shaped pizza. This not only offers them a delicious treat but also shows the love and effort you put into making something from the heart. You can even personalize them with icing to spell out messages or decorate them in a style they love.

4. Give Them a Spontaneous Massage

Offer your spouse a spontaneous massage to help them unwind after a long day. This intimate gesture can help relieve stress and strengthen your connection. It’s a deeply caring act that requires no special occasion to show how much you care.

5. Hide Love Notes in Their Stuff for Them to Find

Write small love notes and hide them in places your spouse will find throughout their day—be it their wallet, work bag, or the pocket of their coat. These little surprises can brighten their day and remind them of your affection in the most unexpected moments.

6. Cook Their Favourite Meal

Cooking their favourite meal is a timeless way to show your love. It’s not just about the food but the effort and thoughtfulness behind choosing to make something that brings them joy. Sharing a meal you’ve prepared especially for them can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable occasion.

7. Write a Song About Them

If you’re musically inclined, writing a song about your spouse is a deeply personal and creative way to express your feelings. It’s a unique gift that they can treasure forever, symbolizing the effort and love you’ve poured into the composition.

8. Organise a Living Room Picnic

Set up a picnic right in your living room. Lay out a blanket, some cushions, and prepare a basket of goodies to enjoy together. This simple switch from the usual dining table setup to a more laid-back picnic atmosphere can add a fun and romantic twist to your mealtime.

Find out more: 20+ Different Picnic Date Ideas For Couples

9. Make a Photo Album with a Few Photos of Yours

Create a small photo album filled with pictures of you together. This thoughtful gift can serve as a tangible reminder of the happy moments you’ve shared, allowing you to relive those memories together anytime you flip through its pages.

10. DIY a Gift Like a Heart Shaped Keychain

Crafting a DIY gift, such as an air-dry clay heart-shaped keychain, shows a personal touch that store-bought items can’t match. It’s a creative and heartfelt way to give them something unique that they can carry with them daily, reminding them of your love.

11. Recreate Your First Date at Home

Recreating your first date at home can be a nostalgic and romantic way to relive those initial moments of your relationship. It’s a thoughtful gesture that celebrates how far you’ve come together and the love that has grown since that first encounter.

12. Write Them a Poem or Love Letter

Writing a poem or love letter is a timeless expression of love. Putting your feelings into words can be a deeply moving gesture that allows your spouse to see the depth of your affection for them in a tangible form they can cherish.

13. Organise a Spa Day

Setting up a spa day at home with homemade face masks, a relaxing bath, and soothing music can offer a peaceful retreat for your spouse without the need for an expensive spa visit. It’s a wonderful way to pamper them and spend quality time together in relaxation.

Find out more: 20+ Different Picnic Date Ideas For Couples

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Mary and Eric

We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.

We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.

With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.

13 Cheap Ways To Surprise Your Spouse