The Big Game doesn’t have to equal big spending. A little food, some libations, a few decorations and a TV, and you’ve got the makings for a great Super Bowl party. If you’re having friends over to watch the game, here are some Super Bowl party ideas that can help you keep the price tag under control.
Photo: Deposit Photos
Consider a potluck
Every Super Bowl party needs food, but you don’t have to do it all on your own. Prepare a few dishes and snacks yourself, then ask everyone to bring their favorite football food. It you send your invitations electronically, you can ask people to reply to the list with what they’ll bring to avoid duplication (although you really can’t have too many hot wings, can you?).
Enlist a party co-host
Having a friend help with the party will not only save you money, but will also save you time before and during game day. Choose the house with the most seating and divvy up the costs for food and other party essentials. You can also divide the chores so you’re only doing half the work.
The best snacks are also the cheapest
All-time favorite football foods — chili, nachos and potato skins — are all cheap to make. Instead of buying fancy cupcakes topped with footballs, make and decorate your own football-themed treats. And, of course, look for supermarket sales and coupons for Game Day recipe staples, such as chips and soda.
Need inspiration? See our favorite cheap Super Bowl party food ideas (with recipes!).
Ask guests to BYOB
Photo: Deposit Photos
Beer and other alcoholic drinks are the most expensive part of any Super Bowl party, so ask guests to bring their own. You supply the ice and a cooler. Not only will you save, but you can have fun trying out the different brews everyone contributes.
Order pizza
If your friends don’t cook, or you’re just looking to keep things simple, you might want to order pizza. A lot of pizza places run Super Bowl deals, so you can sometimes get multiple pies without spending a fortune. If you belong to Costco, their pizzas are always a great deal, and you can get them to go. Check Living on the Cheap’s “Dining” page for the latest deals before making any final decisions on where to order.
Skip fancy party decorations
Although it may be fun to have paper plates/bowls/cups with your team logo, they can be a bit pricey. You’ll save money if you instead buy those items in solid colors at a discount party store or dollar store. Alternate colors when you set them out, so when you look around the room, you’ll see your team’s colors in full force.
Add some cheap entertainment
Between the game, the halftime show, and the commercials, you should have all the entertainment you need. But if you want a little extra, play some Super Bowl trivia. You can get cheap miniature trophies or ribbons for the winners at most party stores. Frugal hosts could use food gifts as prizes; make some tasty treats to give away, or put together a fun themed gift basket filled with popcorn, chips, spray cheese, or football-shaped treats.
Use real dishes
The price of paper products seems to have skyrocketed over the past several years, so if you have enough glasses and plates to use real ones, you can save yourself some money that way. Make sure the dishwasher is empty beforehand, and keep loading it throughout the evening.
Visit the dollar store
The dollar store is a great place to pick up inexpensive party decorations. You don’t need to spend a great deal of money decorating, but you might want to pick up a few items (think pompoms and streamers) in both teams’ colors. You might also be able to get supplies to make your own decorations and cheap snacks like pretzels and nuts.
If you liked this post, you might also like:
Valentine’s Day is a holiday full of love, laughter and, if you’re a bargain hunter, lots of sweet savings. Most will celebrate by buying gifts and taking loved ones out for dinner, drinks or dessert. However, who says you have to spend big bucks to show your love?
Money-saving cupids should aim their arrow at restaurants offering Valentine’s Day dinner specials and discounts or attractions offering Valentine’s Day deals. Because the lovely holiday is so popular, you should call ahead to secure a reservation or place an early order.
Don’t forget to support your local restaurants and shops, if possible. Many will be offering lots of specials for the day, so check their website or call ahead to inquire about any possible Valentine’s Day deals. Don’t forget to look for local deals near you at our network of local cheap sites.
Photo: Deposit Photos
Applebee’s
Sip on Applebee’s Valentine’s Day-themed Tipsy Cupid and Prickly Ever After ‘Rita for just $6 each.
The Tipsy Cupid is a spiked lemonade made with Smirnoff Vodka, orange liqueur, strawberry and premium lemon sour topped with gummi lips.
NEW! The Prickly Ever After ‘Rita is sweet-meets-tart margarita with Cuervo Tradicional Blanco Tequila, orange liqueur, lime, prickly pear and gummi lips.
Combine the specialty drink specials with the restaurant’s popular 2 for $25 meal deal (appetizer and two entrées) for a truly affordable date night.
Baskin-Robbins
Surprise your sweetheart with Vintage Heart Cake or Vintage Cherry Cake from Baskin-Robbins — with your choice cake and ice cream flavor. Price varies by location.
And, back by popular demand, the shop’s Flavor of the Month for February is once again Love Potion #31. The limited-time flavor features white chocolate and raspberry ice cream, a raspberry swirl, chocolate chips and raspberry-filled chocolate hearts.
Download the Baskin-Robbins Rewards app for a FREE scoop of ice cream upon signing up.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Enjoy a Valentine’s Day date at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, but be sure to buy a gift card to pay for the meal for an added bonus.
From Feb. 1 to 14, 2026, for every $50 eGift Card purchased online from restaurant, receive a $10 bonus card. The bonus card is valid from Feb. 17 to March 31, 2026.
Cafe Rio
Make it a frugal and fun fiesta for Valentine’s Day!
Through March 1, 2026, Cafe Rio is offering big savings with its $20 Double Meal Deal — a savings of up to 50%.
The meal deal includes two entrées, two fountain drinks and chips & queso or guacamole, all for just twenty bucks!
California Pizza Kitchen
Pizza is perfect for a Valentine’s Day date. Order your favorite Crispy Thin Crust pizza in a heart shape at no additional charge at California Pizza Kitchen — dine-in only.
Plus, enjoy the pizzeria’s “Valentine’s Day Sweet Meal for Two” with an appetizer, two entrées and a dessert at a special price — for dine-in, takeout or delivery. Price varies by location. ‘
The special meal is available from Feb. 10 to 16, 2026.
Photo: Chick-fil-A
The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory makes for a sweet date night for Valentine’s Day (or just about every other celebratory occasion.)
Through Feb. 17, 2026, the restaurant is offering a $10 dining credit with the purchase of $50 gift card. The credit is available for use from Feb. 18 to March 31, 2026.
Use the $50 gift card for a Valentine’s Day lunch or dinner and save the bonus for another date night.
The offer is only available to Cheesecake Rewards members.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A is making Valentine’s Day even lovelier, especially for sweethearts who really love Chick-fil-A.
For Valentine’s Day, order Heart-Shaped Trays filled with select menu items, including Chick-fil-A Nuggets, Chick-n-Minis, Chick-n-Strips, Chocolate Chunk Cookies or Chocolate Fudge Brownie halves.
Price and participation varies by location.
Chili’s
Perfect for a frugal date night! Enjoy Chili’s popular 3 for Me value meal with a beverage, appetizer and entrée — starting at just $10.99.
Plus, check out your location’s Happy Hour specials for added fun.
Cinnabon
Make Valentine’s Day even sweeter at Cinnabon!
From Feb. 1 to 14, 2026, buy a $25 Cinnabon gift card online and enjoy a FREE Classic MiniBon reward code. The reward expires March 15, 2026.
Dollar Tree
You won’t blow your entire Valentine’s Day budget at Dollar Tree. Rather than spend $5 or more for a single balloon at the grocery store, stretch your budget by buying bargain balloons at the popular discount store.
Dollar Tree sells foil balloons in many shapes and colors for just $2, including Valentine’s Day and heart-shaped balloons. You can also get latex balloons for $1.50. They also have large foil balloons starting at $5.
Plus, the discount chain offers a variety of low-cost Valentine’s Day greeting cards and gifts.
Photo: Jamba
Jamba
Jamba is offering a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie for Valentine’s Day – a lovely fusion of chocolate and ripe strawberries, blended with creamy vanilla frozen yogurt. You can also choose orange or raspberry.
In addition, get $5 Reward Card with every $25 in Jamba gift cards purchased online — from Feb. 1 to 14, 2026. (The bonus is valid through March 15, 2026.)
Landmark Theatres
Make Valentine’s Day a date night at the movies!
From Feb. 13 to 15, 2026, Landmark Theatres is offering a Valentine’s Movie & Combo Deal for Two — perfect for couples.
The packaged deal includes two movie tickets, two fountain drinks, a large popcorn and box of candy — starting at $30.
Lowe’s
Lowe’s is blooming with a rosy giveaway on Valentine’s Day!
On Feb. 14, 2026, Lowe’s is giving the first 150 customers a FREE Wooden Rose Bouquet at every location — starting at 10 a.m. No purchase necessary.
Get more details here.
Olive Garden
The popular Italian restaurant continues its $6 Take-Home Entrées. After enjoying your Valentine’s Day date at Olive Garden, take home an extra budget-friendly entrée to enjoy later for just six bucks.
Choose from fettuccine alfredo, five-cheese ziti al forno or spaghetti with meat sauce. The offer is available for dine-in only. Limit five take-home meals per in-restaurant entrée.
Papa Murphy’s
Heat up Valentine’s Day with Papa Murphy’s popular holiday pizza for just $11 — the HeartBaker Pizza. Choose from cheese or pepperoni.
It’s the perfect pizza for a lovely Valentine’s Day at home!
Popeyes
Mix-and-match for the perfect Valentine’s Day meal at Popeyes!
Through Feb. 15, 2026, the popular chicken restaurant is offering its $5 Faves Menu with three pieces of chicken, three chicken strips, two wraps and two sides as affordable options.
Two could easily feast for $20!
QDOBA
Grab your sweetheart or friend for a frugal fiesta!
On Feb. 14, 2026, QDOBA is offering a FREE entrée with the purchase of an entrée and drink. (Quesadillas are excluded from the offer.)
The lovely deal is exclusively for QDOBA Rewards members. The required coupon will be added to each member’s account on Valentine’s Day.
Regal Cinemas
Regal Cinemas is offering gift card bonus for Valentine’s Day — from Feb. 6 to 14, 2026.
Buy a $50 gift card online and receive a $15 Concession Bonus eCard. The bonus card is valid Feb. 6 to March 14, 2026.
Plus, the movie theater chain is hosting its “XOXO, Regal” film series all month long. Enjoy a classic romance back on the big screen every day in February. Tickets are just $7.99 each.
Both are perfect for a Valentine’s Day date at the movies!
Torchy’s Tacos
It’s Taco Saturday for Valentine’s Day — not Taco Tuesday!
Through March 3, 2026, Torchy’s Tacos offers a big deal with “The Double Feature” for $20 — a complete meal for two.
The meal deal includes six tacos, rice, beans and two fountain drinks, all for just 20 bucks. For the tacos, choose from green chile pork, carne asada and barbacoa.
If you liked this post, you may also like:
