Once a year in February, the chocolates and sweet cards fly off the shelves to celebrate love. However, if chocolates and flowers aren’t looking good this year, or if you’re just looking to shake things up a bit, here are some ideas to set your Valentine’s Day apart from the Hallmark standards.
Things to do for Valentine’s Day
114 Days of Love Letters
This does not have to be a “The Notebook” moment, but hand-written notes are a great way to win the affection of your sweetie. Post-It’s are super simple and easy to stick on bathroom mirrors, next to your person’s coffee mug, or on their computer monitor at work. The possibilities are endless. And, with Amazon Prime, you could get free 2-day shipping on these adorable heart-shaped Post-It’s.
2A Date-in-a-Box
Still have that movie stub from years ago? Do you remember what she ordered? What about the shirt he wore? This date night gift is thoughtful AND simple to achieve. Think of your favorite date from the past and put it together in a box. A DVD, a bag of popcorn, a bottle of wine or sparkling cider, and a memento is the perfect way to say ‘I Love You.’ Does your gal want to go on an exotic vacation, but the time/money just isn’t there? Stores like World Market, Whole Foods, and Aldi offer a great selection of imported food and drink so you can experience the tastes of that desired destination without spending a dime on airfare.
3Solve A Murder
If your Valentine doesn’t mind an extra bit of gore on their Valentine’s Day, then you might want to look into a horror themed date night box. There are several game delivery services that can be sent to your doorstep monthly and it is up to you and your partner to solve the crime.
4A Ghost Tour
The great thing about ghosts is that they love to hang around old cities, or so I’m told. For the parts of the country that aren’t covered in snow, a walking ghost tour is a fun way to have an exciting Valentine’s Day cuddled up next to your honey. Finish the night with some hot toddy’s near a fireplace for the perfect evening together. Just make sure you’re the only one cuddled up and that you don’t bring any phantom sweethearts home.
5A Day At The Spa
Some quality time with professional relaxation-makers is a GREAT way to say “I care about you and love you and want you to be well.” Whether it’s for him, her, both of you, or just yourself, the idea of going to the spa for a little rejuvenation and relaxation is enticing. Love entails caring, and sometimes in the midst of work, kids, family drama, or just busy lives, people forget to take care of their minds, bodies, and spirits. A spa day is a Valentine’s Day win!
6Watch the sunset together
Spending time in nature is good for the body, mind, and soul. Put the phones down and just be together in nature. Pack a picnic and go on a hike, spend the evening on the beach, or simply watch the sunset and the moon rise with the twinkling stars overhead. There is nothing more romantic than a blanket, bottle of wine, and the wide open night sky. The date doesn’t have to end there! Make sure you slow down, take time, and ensure this Valentine’s Day date is one to remember.
7Take a cooking class
Instead of trying to get a reservation at a packed restaurant this Valentine’s Day, why not take a cooking class? Getting your hands dirty and create something delicious with your Valentine. Alternatively, try a painting class or some other type of entertainment where you can work together for an interesting and entertaining evening. Further, you’ll create memories that can be put to good use in the future!
8Do something kind
Still not finding the right things to do for Valentine’s Day? Use this day as an opportunity to give back to your local community! It may not be “romantic”, but acts of kindness certainly express love in action. Your local community may provide options to serve, but if you aren’t sure, check online! There are many different ways to help share the love during the month of February. At the end of the day, your heart will definitely be fuller!
Whatever you decide to do this Valentine’s Day for whomever, just make sure you let them know how much you appreciate them and care about them. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter which card you chose, which flower arrangement you sent her at work, which after shave lotion you decided to buy him or even if you had date night at home. What matters is that you took the time to share your heart with someone. If you are single, then share your heart with someone you love. Valentine’s Day isn’t exclusively for couples (gasp!), it’s a day where we take a moment to be grateful for the love we have in our lives and to express that appreciation in word and/or deed.
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