It is highly unlikely you haven’t seen the ads, the red enveloped cards and heart shaped chocolate boxes. You know what that means, it happens every year – Valentine’s Day. Even when we know it is coming, it can still sneak right up on you and suddenly, we are only a few days away and you don’t have a plan. We have all been there.
Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that everyone has an opinion on. Whether you are on the cynical side, the romantic mush side, or somewhere in the middle, Valentine’s Day still comes every year. If you are in a relationship, it is important that you and your partner are on the same page when it comes to expectations for the day. Understanding expectations and being prepared are the difference between a romantic night and a disappointed partner.
If you and your partner are in the Pro-Valentine’s Day camp, then you, my friend, only have a few more days to get prepared if you haven’t already. Valentine’s Day can be a wonderful day to celebrate your relationship, make your partner feel loved, special, and appreciated, and have fun with some one-on-one time with your person. But, for you to have that fun, wonderful day, you have to have a plan.
The typical Valentine’s Day plan might include a date and a gift of some kind. Your perfect Valentine’s Day with your partner will likely look different another couples. If you don’t have a plan yet, don’t panic. We’ve thought up a few ideas that you can tweak to make your own, even in a short amount of a time.
10 Low-Planning Date Night Ideas
1. Dinner at a Restaurant
This option is classic. Elevate it by getting dressed up, asking them to get dressed up or even telling them which outfit you’d love to see them in. Then take them out to their favorite dinner spot, that new place they’ve always wanted to try, or that upscale place you only go to for special occasions. It is a busy night for the restaurant business, so call ahead to see if they take reservations.
2. Have a Romantic Dinner In
Order take-out or cook for your Valentine. This option is great if you do the extra steps to differentiate this from every other night. I am talking movie-level ambiance setting – low lighting, candles, music, wine, tablecloths, and the fancy dishes (and no kids!!). The whole nine yards. This is something you can do that doesn’t require a ton of planning while still showing the person you put in thought and effort.
3. Go See a Movie at the Theater
With basically every movie ever available at home through streaming services, it can be easy to justify not going out to see one in theaters. The theater is more about the experience, the seats, the popcorn, the teenagers making out in the back. The atmosphere is what makes this still a great date idea.
4. Have a Game Night
Spend your night reconnecting with your partner over a fun game. This is a great option because you are both connected and focused on the task in front of you, while allowing you to disconnect from the outside world, social media, etc.
5. Do an Escape Room
If you like puzzles and brain teasers, find an escape room near you for a fun date night out. These are immersive experiences where you’ll get locked in a room with one hour to solve the puzzles and escape.
6. Go Bowling
A classic, fun indoor winter activity date is bowling. The game is very simple, the machine scores for you so it doesn’t matter if you’ve never bowled in your life. All you have to do is roll the ball down the lane and try your best to hit the pins. Make it fun and competitive by betting kisses or something more for the winner.
7. Take them Ice Skating at the Local Rink
Another classic winter date idea. Even if you aren’t in a cold climate, it is likely that you have a local indoor ice rink that has open skate. Try out a new skill and enjoy being silly and laughing with your partner while you both try to keep your balance.
8. Visit a Winery, Brewery or Specialty Bar
If you and your partner enjoy an alcoholic drink, check out the local options specializing in wine, beer or other specialty bars in your area and turn it into an experience. Try a flight of new wines or beers, pretend you are experts and rate each drink, thinking of the most creative way to describe the tasting notes.
9. Be Tourists in your Own Town
Even if you’ve lived there your entire life, have a fun night out pretending to be tourists in your own town. Hit the best site seeing places, the boutique storefronts, the local museums, and parks you may normally avoid. Try to see the town from a new perspective. Bonus points if you seek out places you haven’t been yet. Make a silly game out of it by pretending you are travel vloggers and do reviews throughout your “trip.”
10. Do a Dessert Tour
Make a fun night out of going to multiple different places in town and splitting one (or many, I won’t judge) desserts. Check out that candy shop and unleash your inner child. What better way to enjoy a sweet night out with your sweetie!
10 Last Minute Gift Ideas
1. Favorite Treats Goodie Bag
Get them a collection of all their favorite treats and snacks, their favorite candy, junk food, drinks, etc. This is a great option, especially if you are keeping Valentine’s a bit lower budget or low-key. This gift is something you know your partner will enjoy and will get used, or in this case eaten.
2. Pajamas, Slippers & Underwear
You can’t go wrong with a new set of comfortable pjs, slippers or even Valentine’s Day themed boxers or underwear. This is a great last minute gift idea because you can walk into basically any big-box store, and walk out with a great gift on the same day.
3. Subscription Gift Box Service
There are many subscription-based gift boxes that can be delivered right to their door. Look for the subscription that aligns with their interest, food preferences, or something they’ve always wanted to try.
4. Tickets to a Show or Sports Game
Get them the tickets to the concert they’ve been talking about, a comedian coming to town, or a sporting event. Try to find one they would like or find interesting, but the main gift here is a night out with your Valentine!
5. Handwritten Love Note
Go old school and hand write them a love note from you with all the reasons you love them, how thankful you are to have them in your life, and the things you are most excited about for the two of you in the future.
6. Spa Gift Card or Appointment
Find a local, reputable massage therapist or spa near you and get your person a gift card for one or multiple services you think they’d enjoy. You could even book the session for them, or make it a date with a couples massage for you both!
7. Valentine’s Day Blanket, Decoration or Scented Candle
This is another option for when you want to walk into a big-box store and walk out with a solid gift. There will be a seasonal aisle or section of the store that you can walk into and choose something that is on-theme for the holiday and that matches their aesthetic or décor.
8. Local Art or Cooking Class
Check out your local art studio and the cooking classes available in person near you, whether that is directly in your town or within a reasonable driving distance. This is a fun activity you can do together while learning a new skill. If there are no in person classes near you, check online for either a paid, interactive class option with an instructor, or head to YouTube and find a free class to follow along to.
9. Book, Album or Game
Chances are your partner likes to read, listen to music, or play some sort of game, whether its video games, board games or card games. If any of these options fit your person, feed into that hobby by picking up a new book you think they’ll like, a new album to add to their collection or a game they will love or that you can even play together.
10. Flowers and Chocolates in a Heart-Shaped Box
There is a reason that these are the traditional, iconic Valentine’s Day items. They are also available at every big-box store and require very little time get. The key to this option is to not forget the Card!! A heartfelt card can take this traditional gift and make it personal, special and memorable.
There is still plenty of time to plan a special Valentine’s Day for your person. Use these lists as a starting point, tweak them to make them your own, but ultimately, have a plan. Prioritize your partner this Valentine’s Day by making a plan, not just because it’s expected, but also because it can be really fun if you let it be.