As the second week of February rolls around each year, Adam and I inevitably look at each other a little bewildered and ask “So… what should we do for Valentine’s Day?” Most traditional ideas can feel a little cheesy (not to mention overpriced), so I’m always on the lookout for surprise Valentine’s Day date ideas that will still feel romantic and special. separate.
I remember the first year we celebrated Valentine’s Day As a couple, we cooked a really fancy dinner at Adam’s house, complete with steak and chocolate soup, and it was worth remembering that we tried to make something out of it. box every year since. Whether you’re married or single, keep searching for 20 unique ideas that will make sure your Valentine’s Day is truly fun, with no cliché in sight.
Day Idea #1: Find and go see a drive-in concert.
Bonus points for dressing up and bringing your own lawn chair and snacks.
Day Idea #2: Create a private cinema in your home with a projector and show a romantic movie.
Just add popcorn, bread, and two cozy socks.
Day Idea #3: Go rollerblading.
Or ice skating. The goal here is to convey your favorite hand-holding scene from most classic rom-coms.
EASYate Idea #4: Host a karaoke night in your living room.
Personally this sounds like my vision of hell, but I know it’s right up some of your alleys. Plus, if you were born with the voice of an angel, this can be a great strategy to make him/her fall in love with you right away. If you want to be super pro with it, check this out Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Mic.
Day Idea #5: Go for an early morning hike to see the sunrise.
I know, I know – it sounds painful. But there’s nothing more magical than watching the sun rise, and getting up early to break a sweat is a completely bonding experience.
Day Idea #6: Host an art night at home.
Whether this means sketching in a coloring book for adults, stitch your favorite photos together or stream Documentary by artist, unleash your creativity.
Day Idea #7: Put together care packages for the homeless.
Stuff a paper bag or shoebox with food, water, socks, hand towels, etc and keep them in your car the next time you drive past someone in need. It’s great to see your SO serving others and sacrificing your free time for a worthy cause. You might fall in love again.
Day Idea #8: Take a virtual cooking class.
Linked to those marinara pans and tiramisu pans? Sign me up!
Day Idea #9: Schedule a tasting at a winery or brewery on Zoom.
We love visiting wineries and are missing out on our little excursions. This year, I wanted to plan a virtual tasting where we could have the wine delivered to our door and recreate that feeling. Another fun activity is to buy three bottles of wine: one for $20.00, one for $10.00 and one for $5.00. Cover the bottles in foil and mix them around, then try to guess which one is which! Sometimes it’s quite surprising.
Day Idea #10: Get your favorite takeaway and drive to a beautiful spot for stargazing.
When was the last time you and your SO actually looked at the stars together? There’s something about staring at the sky at night as a reminder of the vastness of the universe – and how lucky you are to find each other in it.
Day Idea #1: Go “stay” at a favorite local hotel.
I think every couple should hang out together once in a while and spend the night away, even if a full vacation isn’t on the card. Order room service, watch a movie, soak in a hot tub and sleep.
Day Idea #12: Take a virtual dance class.
Watch instructors on YouTube offering salsa or swing instruction. Perfect your dance moves for the next time you go to a wedding or a country bar.
Date Idea #13: Recreate your first date.
For Adam and I, this would involve a nutritious Chinese restaurant, Peking Duck and one glass of chardonnay too much. If you’ve been together a long time, you’ll no doubt laugh about those early days, and it can even be a precious reminder of why you fell deeply in love in the first place. . Get creative on how to recreate your days at home! Get takeout from restaurants, dim the lights, use tablecloths, or any other unique aspect a particular restaurant has.
Day Idea #14: Take a picnic and bike ride somewhere special.
There’s something special about cycling together to a special place for a picnic together. Pack your favorite cheeses with dipping sauces and snacks in the picnic basket — don’t forget the bottle of wine!
Day Idea #15: Explore a local bookstore.
You don’t have to be a bookworm for this to be the ultimate date (though, if you do, you’ll get bonus points). Go out and browse the stacks! Choose a reading for yourself or choose one for your partner. When you get home, curl up on the couch and read in parallel. There’s nothing like a bit of literature to set the mood.
Day Idea #16: Breakfast in bed.
Nothing can beat each other when feeding each other pancakes while you are nestled under the covers. Whether you want something healthy and vibrant or are craving your favorite comfort food (again, pancakes), as long as you get together in the kitchen and have a meal, you really can’t go wrong with this date.
Day idea #17: Travel by train.
This idea could be a little more involved, but nothing is a small plan that can’t come true. Traveling by train allows you to visit the surrounding attractions in the most relaxing way possible. You don’t even have to have a specific destination in mind — it’s all about the journey.
Date Idea #18: Theme for your date night.
Date night is great and all, but when you focus it on a particular topic, you can immerse yourself in a whole new experience. And of course, nothing speaks to romance like a bit of fun with France. Want all the vibes of Paris without having to board a plane? Create a playlist of all your favorite French music, plan French menuand turn your dining room into the most luxurious French restaurant, wherever you are.
Day Idea #19: Make a vision board.
Sharing your dreams and laying the groundwork for future plans to come is the ultimate way to connect. Each person can create their own vision board or collaborate on a board together. It’s been an exciting and inspiring process that can guide conversations about what each person wants for themselves and their shared goals as a couple. For steps on how to get started, read our guide to the visual board here.
Day Idea #20: Camping.
While a date in the woods may be just the adventure many of us are looking for, there are others who want to camp out in the living room. Whether you’ve been a scout in a past life or have never spent the night in the great outdoors, there are plenty of ways to tailor the day for a magical (hello, glamping) evening. Just don’t forget the marshmallows.
This post was originally published on February 9, 2020, and has since been updated.
