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You can make this Valentine’s Day one that you and your partner will never forget. Whether you’ve been married for years, are engaged, newly or long-term dating, or have yet to determine how exclusive you are, blow your sweetheart away with any of the following Valentine’s Day ideas!
Valentine’s Day is not a one size fits all holiday. While some people love candies and flowers, others love more DIY (Do-It-Yourself) style surprises, or in person adventures!
1. Traditional
Whether you are long-term lovers or just starting out, Valentine’s Day tradition of balloons, flowers, card, and chocolate can be essential gifts or combined to make your partner feel loved. If you find yourself strapped for cash, give extra care to choosing a meaningful card or make your own.
Flowers don’t have to be the most expensive bouquet from a flower shop, many stores stock flowers for the occasion. Balloons can make a splash if delivered to your loved one’s home or work and chocolates are a Valentine’s Day favorite. If you have extra money, specialty chocolates are well loved.
2. DIY (Do-It-Yourself!)
Are you creative and artistic, well written, or just plain broke? If you have an artsy love affair or a partner who appreciates a homemade touch, consider creating a handmade card and gift. While the internet and Pinterest abound with gift and card ideas, some favorites include a jar or glass container filled with things you love about your partner written on individual papers.
Fresh baked cookies can tempt a hungry heart. While “Post-Its” can surprise your lover with I love you’s posted all over their car or in your home.
3. Fancy Date
Planning is essential on Valentine’s Day. Book a table or a room at your favorite restaurant or hotel. Reservations book fast so plan. Rent a luxury car to pick up your date. Give him or her a dress list, or have an outfit picked for them, and let your dinner destination be a surprise!
4. Destination Valentine’s
Maybe the idea of dinner sounds appealing, but going away on a romantic trip seems even better. If you don’t have time for an actual vacation, try a ‘staycation’! Book a hotel somewhere luxurious and local. Get a couple’s massage, attend couple’s yoga, or find a way to connect in your room!
5. Family Affair
If you have children and your babysitter is off on their hot date, consider making Valentine’s Day a family affair. Recreate the first date you had together at home, with the help of your children. They will love to help in the planning. You could also consider Valentine’s themed family craft. The execution may not be as romantic as a one on one date, but there is always time after the kids go to bed.
6. Online Extravaganza!
You will find more Valentine’s Day gifts online than you ever expected. Some will be romantic, others raunchy, some delicious, but it will be a fun way to maximize your options from the comfort of your home. Whether you buy your guy or girl a sexy satin number or Parisian chocolates, be sure to order well in advance of Valentine’s Day in case your item doesn’t arrive or arrives appearing different than expected. Dimensions and size can be hard to imagine when viewed through the computer screen.
7. Sexy
If you and your partner need time to reconnect or are madly in lust with one another, consider flattery and one on one time a priority. Though a sexy date can happen anywhere, the markers of a hot date include low lighting, personalized gifts that touch the heart and maybe some other places, delicious food and wine, and anything from a rose petal covered bed to the woman in the duo wearing red lipstick and nothing else.
If you shave a certain way ‘down under,’ change your formation, or wear a new underwear style. Be creative! You know what your partner likes better than anyone. Perhaps this Valentine’s Day is the time to try out a little “50 Shades Of Grey”!
8. Jewelry
Buying jewelry is usually appreciated, but the experience can backfire if you make a few rookie mistakes. Guys (or Gals) DO NOT give your partner- who is wanting you to ask them to marry- a single ring box in a quiet, romantic moment. Jewelry can be misconstrued, especially on Valentine’s Day. Preface the gift or find a way to make the situation favorable and if you are asking for their hand in marriage, spring for chocolate and a card too!
9. Anything Goes!
Look for red; heart themed merchandise or anything Valentine’s Day gauche!
10. Picnic In The Park
Although this is the quintessential date, it is also one that rarely goes wrong! A beautiful day, delicious food and wine still impress, whether your relationship is new or time-tested. Though a classic picnic basket isn’t required, if you want to score points with your lover, consider investing in a picnic basket which has real silverware, plates, and glasses. For a new angle on this old time favorite, try ordering takeout from your favorite restaurant or making a well-loved dish. A theme can also go far- such as choosing ethnic dishes that delight, having a wine and cheese focus, or even a bevy of decadent dessert option!
Here’s the deal:
Make sure the weather cooperates with your plans and have a backup opportunity in case it doesn’t. Choose your location well, a park with a bathroom will lead to a more extended and more relaxing date.
11. Live Music
While a sell-out concert might lose some of the day’s romance (unless it’s your date’s favorite band) a local venue might combine dinner and entertainment all in one. A jazz club with an upscale dress code can enhance your date night by kicking things up a notch. Other options are to see a swing band, up and comer, or experience relaxing instrumentals at a cafe or restaurant.
While doing something fun and new is exciting, DO give your date the head’s up to plan his or her wardrobe and get feedback on their interest in music-themed date. Plan for more than drinks, as your partner will get hungry. Check ahead to see if the establishment has Valentine’s worthy food or plan to eat beforehand.
12. Spa Time
A couple’s massage and time at the spa (hot tub!) can set the scene for a romantic rest of your night and make your loved one feel indulged and pampered.
Consider looking for a spa near a beach, lake, or beautiful outdoor view. Be mindful that spas can get pricey, make sure you call in advance to find out any hidden fees and be prepared to tip.
13. Karaoke
Whether you are a good enough singer than you missed your calling by not trying out for American Idol, or are tone deaf and only sing in the shower. Karaoke Night can be fun for everyone. Although liquid courage is often a part of the experience, even non-boozers can have fun throwing caution to the wind.
Your date may not want to sing, and that’s okay. Friendly encouragement is right, but mortifying peer pressure is not. Support them if your date wants to sing all night, or doesn’t.
14. Road Trip
Planning a local road trip is usually a fraction of the cost that an airplane flight would be. Road trips are also just plain old fun! Create a playlist of drive tunes and visit a familiar hotspot or, if possible, a beach town or other local paradise.
If you’re taking more than a day trip, book your hotel in advance. That way you’ll avoid risking no vacancies and making your date wait around. Booking in advance will also give you a chance to find exclusive offers and deals which reduce cost. Be sure to make use of sites like Yelp for restaurant reviews to see what other dining accommodations you might both be interested.
15. Wine Tasting
Look for local wineries that have tours or travel to your area’s wine country. While wineries often have free tours, be sure to find out their availability and tour details in advance. Also, look for romantic add-on options that you can purchase to make your day a real treat.
Special Considerations:
Take the train to your winery destination, book a hotel, or hire a taxi, if it’s a day trip. Nothing ruins Valentine’s Day more than a (DUI) Driving Under the Influence ticket.
16. Chocolate Extravaganza!
Get the best box of chocolate you can, make sure they are wrapped in a bow and expect your date will smile, as everyone adores chocolate!
No Valentine’s Day (barring your Valentine having an allergy) is genuinely complete without chocolate. Look for chocolate that tastes good, however. While dime store chocolate shaped like hearts or teddy bears can be cute and romantic, if you are buying last minute or on a budget, taking the time to get fancier chocolate is preferable.
17. Homebody
If you and your date can’t wait to be alone or are both homebodies, a date from home can be just as unique and romantic. Combine the night with a card, flowers, or chocolate to make sure you keep Valentine’s Day spirit alive. Cooking dinner from home, having a particular movie night with cookies or wine, or painting and doing a craft can also be rewarding.
If your date prefers a night out, don’t plan to stay in as they might be disappointed.
18. Fondue
Fondue is romantic and delicious. This dish will impress your date and gives you lots of time to talk between courses and preparation.
If you go to a fondue restaurant, book in advance. Usually, you can opt for many classes or stick with cheese or dessert fondue. If money is tight (expect to spend anywhere from $60 – $100 plus) a fondue maker at home might be a better option and more affordable.
19. First Date
If it has been a week since your first date, then mix it up and do something new and different. However, if it has been awhile since that first time you spent together, then why not recreate it (with a few Valentine’s Day extras or surprises thrown in)!
This is a perfect surprise date. The only notice you should give in advance is that your date should wear something that fits the theme for your first date (casual or fancy, etc.) and prepare for fun!
Just remember:
While Valentine’s Day can seem as though it’s about what you do or give one another, what matters the most is the sentiment. Speak, write, and act from your heart.
Let your loved one know just how much you do with any of these romantic Valentine’s Day ideas. Don’t be afraid to be gushy, as it is the one day of the year all is allowed!
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