Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and Love is definitely in the air! The stores began reminding us of this lovely National Holiday immediately after Christmas, and folks are beginning to consider what this year’s plans will be.
Some folks take Valentine’s Day quite seriously, with significant planning right down to the last detail. Others prefer to treat the holiday with a little less fuss. Some folks prefer to leave the house for a Valentine’s celebration, while others wish to stay in. Regardless of whether you decide to keep the love close to home or to expand your celebration beyond your cozy little cave, these Valentine’s Day ideas will add a bit of variety to the traditional plan of events.
This is Not to say we don’t enjoy the traditional roses and box of chocolates. That never gets old! However, if you are looking to add a bit of mix up for the sake of spontaneity, give these ideas a thought this year. These Valentine’s Day Date ideas vary between activities for inside your cozy home nest, to activities around the town. They are all creative, fun, and can easily be accomplished on a budget!
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1. Make a Valentine’s Day Dessert
If you want to surprise your partner with a home made dessert you’ve prepared on your own, Awesome! Perhaps you and your love can make a special dessert together? Even better! There are numerous dessert recipes out there, ranging from simple and easy, to more intricate, yet intriguing.
Check out The Best 25 Easy Yummy Dessert & Snack Recipes or 28 Easy Valentine’s Day Desserts for some yummy dessert ideas if you need a little inspiration for that special sweet treat. Cookies, parfaits, pies, cakes, candy, and more…let your imagination run wild!
2. Leave Post It Love Notes Around The House
You don’t need a special occasion to do this, but it certainly does add a nice touch to a holiday like Valentine’s Day. Start with a simple “I Love You” on a post it stuck to the bathroom mirror for your loved one. Leave a few others with different endearing messages along the way, in places your partner will see them. It takes no effort or money, but it does create smiles.
3. Romantic Movies On The Couch
If you’re in the mood to stay in this year and avoid the stress of obtaining reservations, have movie night at home! Romantic Comedies are always the best, in my opinion. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more serious in nature, there are plenty of options available. Between Netflix, Amazon Prime, and the various other major channels, you are sure to find at least a few good movies to keep you in that love state of mind. Make some popcorn and curl up on the couch for a cozy night in.
4. Romantic Scavenger Hunt
This Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt is a super easy and suspenseful way of mixing things up this year! All you really need is a few small envelopes, paper (Splurge on some pretty stationary!), and a bit of imagination. Create 3-4 clues, strategically placed throughout the house, leading your love from one destination to the next, until the final and special destination where the gift is to be found, is reached. Whether it be a candlelit room or a wrapped gift of sorts, the fun and suspense will definitely set the mood just right.
5. Appetizers And/Or Dinner At Home
Depending on what your plans are for the evening, choose one or both courses to prepare…Maybe even add in a small dessert if you’re feeling Fancy! If you’re enjoying Valentine’s Day at home, choose one or all three of the above, for a nice, cozy meal.
If you’re going out for dinner, perhaps a drink at home with a charcuterie board is just the right appetizer to get the evening started. There are a variety of charcuterie arrangement ideas to be found online that are easy and suitable for any budget.
6. Easy Chocolate Fondue
This chocolate fondue recipe is super easy to prepare. It involves only 3 ingredients and take just a few minutes of prep time. Add a tray of strawberries, bananas, pretzels, cookies, crackers, or any other treat you like chocolate covered. Serve on a table, curl up in front of the tv with a glass of wine, and Done! Beautiful way to celebrate the one you love, with very little stress.
7. Dinner & Comedy Show
If you feel like a night out on the town this Valentine’s Day, consider a nice dinner followed by an evening of entertainment. What could be more entertaining than a good show that makes you laugh for a couple of hours straight? Humor is necessary in today’s world, and a talented comedian will certainly do the trick! Check out the upcoming events near you to see if you can catch a good act as a part of this year’s celebrations.
8. Comedy Marathon At Home
If a live comedy event is not a possibility, the tv will make up for it. Choose a list of comedies that look appealing, or perhaps even a couple of old favorites of yours. Proceed to make appetizers and snacks, settle into a cozy spot on the couch with your love, and laugh your way through some binge worthy flicks! Sounds like a winner to me!
9. Pub & Appetizer Crawl
Unfortunately, it can be a bit tough to get a reservation at a restaurant for Valentine’s Day. The longer you wait, the harder it is! It just so happens this year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday, which means a lot of folks will be having their special dinner the weekend before the holiday. Regardless, not getting a dinner reservation, is not the end of the world.
Instead, consider a pub crawl. Bars are always open and do not require reservations. Grab your honey, go into town, and make your way through a couple of your favorite pubs. You can order a drink and enjoy some good appetizers, while avoiding the hassle of finding a restaurant that still has reservation spots available.
10. Go To A Wine Tasting
Mmm…a nice glass of wine always sets the mood. Why just one glass though, when you can sign up for an entire tasting? Many wine tastings come with food pairings, such as cheese or other appetizers, and you get a brief education on the various wines at the same time. This is a great low key date idea for Valentine’s Day, especially for a wine lover.
11. Game Of Pool, Bowling, or Local Arcade
I love a good game of pool, as well as bowling, any day of the week. We just don’t think to do it often. Thus, if we decide to be a bit less extravagant one Valentine’s Day, we will opt for something as simple as good old fashioned game playing of sorts. While we have a variety of adult game venues in the area, I will note one in particular…
We use to live nearby a Dave & Busters. There are approximately 46 different locations throughout the country. They all generally include a lounge, restaurant, arcade games, pool tables, and a variety of other entertainment options, all in one place. The food has always been great, as are the drinks, and it always makes for a good time. Worth a visit if you have one nearby!
12. Dinner On The Roof, Porch, Balcony
It doesn’t have to be a fancy dinner, of course. The simple fact that the location isn’t exactly the norm for most people, is what makes this idea such a good one. If you’re use to having your meals inside the home, why not take it outside for that one evening? Spice the environment up a bit! If you don’t feel like cooking, order take out, set up a little dining area on the roof or porch, and enjoy the quiet without tv for a moment. Just you, your love, and the moment…that’s it!
13. Order Take Out From A Fancy Restaurant
Maybe you can’t or just don’t want to make a reservation at your favorite fine dining restaurant, but you want the delicious cuisine. Place a to-go order and stay in for the night. Light a few candles, put on a bit of romantic music, and enjoy your meal privately. Intimate without sacrificing the diverse menu options!
It Is Said That Food Is The Way To A Lover’s Heart…
14. Surprise Lunch
Surprise your partner at the workplace for lunch on Valentine’s Day! If you can’t whisk your loved one away to a small cafe for lunch, pack a picnic for the two of you. Meet him/her during the lunch break. Again, something so small, but means so much!
15. Easy Steamers & Tapas At Home
Above, I mentioned dinner and charcuterie type appetizers. This idea is along the same lines, but a bit different. Tapas is just a small variety of finger food type appetizers. This can be anything from dips, skewers of sorts, to bruschetta on crostini, to a multitude of other easy appetizers. Again, it’s a group of 3-4 different things that don’t require much time and fuss.
One of our favorite things to do on special days that we want to stay home for, is to steam crab legs. If you are a seafood lover, this is an absolute winner every single time. We purchase snow crab legs or king crab legs from the market. Sometimes, we have the legs steamed for us at the market. Other times, we bring them home to steam ourselves if we plan on eating a bit later. We sit on the couch, the coffee table holding our feast and necessary utensils, and a good movie on for entertainment. Delicious food with virtually no work involved. Perfection!
16. One Night Stay At A Bed & Breakfast
You don’t even have to travel that far! The Bed & Breakfast industry is a fairly large one these days. Not everyone enjoys sleeping in the typical hotel room. A Bed & Breakfast generally offers a much nicer ambiance, hospitality more tailored toward individual guests, along with a far nicer, Free breakfast in the morning.
Many Bed & Breakfasts, will offer special Valentine’s Day packages that could be added to the holiday stay. Chocolate covered strawberries, champagne, and other assorted sweets are often among items that can be added to make your getaway that much more special.
Keeping It Close To Home…
17. Board Games
When is the last time you and your love sat down for a challenging board game? I know it’s been a little while for us. If you’re in the mood to stay in for Valentine’s Day this year, a good round of Risk, Monopoly, or other favorite board game, may be just the fix you need. You don’t have to leave the house. Simply have some good drinks and appetizers available, and brace for a showdown!
Add a bit of spice to the mix, by allowing the winner a special request at the end (nudge, nudge…wink, wink..)
18. Inside Picnic
Another cozy alternative to a restaurant reservation for this year. Put together a nice little picnic lunch in a basket, lay a blanket out on the living room floor, shut off the technology and pretend you’re surrounded by the lovely bird songs of spring in the park. If you forget a much needed utensil or accessory, no need to fret! It’s right there in the kitchen!
(Hint: Youtube has an endless supply of nature sound videos).
19. Lunch & Window Shopping
You probably live in or nearby a town with at least a few small shops sprinkled around here and there. Why not go on a lunch date for Valentine’s Day? Perhaps choose a small, intimate café for a gourmet sandwich and then browse the charming shops on the way back to the car. Leisurely strolls are relaxing and set the mood for a cozy atmosphere throughout the remainder of the day.
Thinking Outside The Box…
20. Music Showdown
Usually, it begins with one of us playing a song that we both love and haven’t heard in a while. It inspires the other person, who then finds a song within a similar genre and year range, to play next. I know it may sound silly, but I’ll tell you what, you can have so much fun trying to outdo the other person. It becomes quite the challenge, while you listen to some good tunes you have all but forgotten about.
Break out the appetizers for Valentine’s Day and get the music going. You may just find yourself dancing in the middle of the living room with your love at the end of the night!
21. Tv Show Binge Watching (W/ Snacks)
Did you recently stumble onto a new show you like, but haven’t had much opportunity to catch more than an episode or two out of the 10 available? Or perhaps you simply have a favorite show you have watched before, but you’re feeling the need to see your favorite characters again? Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to binge watch one of those beloved shows. Everyone else is out paying a small fortune for dinner. You can simply prepare a few snacks, curl up on the couch, and enjoy some quality time with your love, without the stress. I need no convincing for that one!
Change Of Scenery…
22. Camping In The Living Room
Why not? I know…you’re still at home with all of the comforts you could want. However, you’ll be in sleeping bags in a room other than your bedroom. It’s just different…a change up from the norm. Shut off the lights, keeping only a lantern, flashlight, or candles nearby. If you have a fireplace, light that baby up! Pull out the wine, some snacks, and see where the night takes you!
23. Play “Tourist” In Your Local Area
We’ve done this before. We live in an area that gets a lot of tourists. Because of the traffic during the warmer months, we tend to stay within town limits more often than not. February is the perfect time to go visit restaurants, attractions, and shops we have been avoiding over the last several months. No wait. Slightly Lower Prices. New experience. Perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day anywhere you may live.
24. Go On A Dinner Cruise
Dinner cruises are one of the best date ideas ever. It’s a delicious meal, entertainment, complete with a beautiful view and quality time with your partner. Everything you would want in the perfect date, all in one location. Check to see what dinner cruises are available in your area!
25. Naughty Truth Or Dare
I think the name of this game, speaks for itself! There are different versions of this game that can be easily found online. Great way to feel connected with your partner and a nice change from the same old game board situation. Include dinner, appetizers, or dessert in the evening’s plans and you’re good to go!
26. Serve Breakfast In Bed
Does your love have a favorite breakfast dish? If not, do you have a particular skill when it comes to breakfast dishes? Why not let your partner stay in bed a while longer while you whip up a little magic in the kitchen? Serve when finished and enjoy a cozy, lazy morning in bed with that special someone. The reward will be great, for something so simple and easy.
27. Get A Couple’s Massage Or Give One Another Massages
If you are able to make an appointment at a local spa for you and your partner to have massages together, perfect! If not, purchase some therapeutic massage oil and set up your own little area for massage time. Light a few scented candles, throw on some relaxing music, and take turns treating one another to a bit of much needed tension release.
28. Go Dancing
If you have a bar or club near you with nightly music, why not show off your dance moves on the floor? Not only is it a good way to exercise, but it’s absolutely fun and free! If you have two left feet, check to see if there are dance classes nearby that you can take. Salsa lessons on Valentine’s Day sounds perfect if available!
29. Make A Scrapbook Together
Scrapbooks are really fun to put together, even if you’re not very crafty. Whether it be a vacation, a collection of silly moments or a timeline of your relationship, organizing your memories in a scrapbook is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Not only does it put you in touch with your creative side, but it’s a beautiful reminder of why you love your partner in the first place.
30. Re-create Your First Date
Remember that initial meeting? The first time you ever saw that special someone? Was it love at first site? Where did you go on your first date? Life gets so crazy, it’s sometimes necessary to revisit the place where it all started. Why not take a moment to re-create that moment and feel the sparks ignite all over again?
31. Date Night In A Box
There are a variety of versions of Date Night In A Box activities. Typically all of the versions include many different date ideas, along with corresponding price estimates and time to complete the date idea. Some versions have scratch off ideas that you must complete before moving onto another idea. Some are simply ideas to get your imagination rolling. Regardless, any one of these games will keep the spontaneity alive. Perfect for Valentine’s Day!
32. Take A Class Together
This is such a fun idea with so many different options! Is there a skill you and your partner have a mutual interest in learning? Or maybe just something you’re curious about and want to know more? Even if there are no classes being held in person near you, the internet is filled with online classes you can take. It doesn’t matter what your interest is, you are likely to find a course online to teach you how to do it. The best part is that you don’t have to go anywhere and there is no specific time frame to plan around!
33. Plan A Vacation Together
You may be home bound for the moment, but that doesn’t have to be the case for long! Why not use the quality time with your loved one, to plan your next adventure? It gives you something to look forward to and you will enjoy discovering all of the different things you can plan to do on your trip!
34. Make Heart Shaped Food
There are plenty of creative ways to show you love someone, with food art. You can make a heart shaped cake, cookies, pancakes, pizza, candy, and many other types of delicious food. Check out this article, 43 Heart Shaped Foods to Make a Delicious Surprise Meal for Valentine’s Day, for ideas. You’ll be amazed at some of the things you can do with food for Valentine’s Day!
35. Host A Valentine’s Dinner Party With Friends
This is a unique idea that promises to be a lot of fun. Invite a few of your friends over for dinner and spend the evening exchanging romantic and funny anecdotes between couples. You and your partner have your own special stories, but how much do you know about your friends and their relationship journey? Not only will you get to spend some time with good friends, but you will perhaps gain perspective, that you didn’t have before.. All around good stuff!
36. Give The Gift Of A Favorite Food Or Drink
Valentine’s Day doesn’t always have to be about a special dinner or a box of chocolates. My husband and I have exchanged a variety of gifts over the years, more specifically, in the food and drink category.
There have been times he has gotten me a bottle or two of my favorite wine, just as there have been times I have given him a bottle of his favorite cognac. There have also been times we have made sure some special type of food was in the house for that week.
A few years ago, my husband brought to me what would appear to be your standard heart shaped box of chocolates. It turned out to be a heart shaped box of beef jerky…one of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever received on Valentine’s Day!
37. Watch A Sunrise Or Sunset Together
There is something so relaxing and peaceful about just sitting still, watching a sunrise or sunset. It requires no physical activity, thought or concentration. It is simply the taking of time to do nothing, but appreciate being around the one you love. Beautiful way of spending Valentine’s Day and it costs absolutely nothing.
38. Coupons For Special Favors
There are no rules to this gift…just simple imagination needed! Come up with a list of things you know your partner really enjoys, but perhaps doesn’t get often due to the hectic nature of everyday life. Maybe that is a favorite home cooked meal, a back massage, a day off from a specific chore, etc.
Come up with a few that can be used at any time throughout the year. It costs nothing, but will mean so much. Everyone needs to know they are appreciated for what they do and yes…everyone needs extra break time here and there.
39. Make Playlists For One Another
This is such a romantic idea, even if it’s not a playlist dedicated strictly to love songs. Maybe it’s just a collection of favorite tunes you know your partner likes and vice versa. The taking of time to search for and organize the music in one place, speaks volumes by itself. It’s also a great way to show how well you know your partner 🙂
40. Visit A Local Brewery
This is another unique and easy date idea for Valentine’s Day. You’re not likely to find too many people visiting your local brewery on that day specifically, so there’s no wait. Reservations aren’t typically necessary and the cost is affordable. If you and your partner like beer, this is an awesome way to spend the holiday!
Final Thoughts
The best part about these valentine’s Day ideas is that a lot of them can include children if a family celebration is more your speed this year. If not, call the sitter and escape for some quiet, romantic time with your honey. It’s a Day of Love…Anything goes!
These are fantastic date night ideas to make Valentine’s Day extra special. I like how you covered ideas for everyone’s budget and physical capabilities.
Thank you! I have found some of the best ideas are in fact inexpensive and something anyone an do 🙂
Such great ideas!! Camping in the living room sounds fun and definitely something different to do. Thank you for sharing!!
I’m glad you enjoyed! The living room camping is one of my favorites. So is the appetizer crawl 🙂 Thanks for reading!
I like number 37, it’s a classic romantic moment watching the sunset. But all in all, your ideas are truly awesome!
Agreed! I thought dinner on the balcony was also a bit of a classic. Both sounds great to me!
Thanks for the ideas, gives me some things to think about and plan. Good looking out! I wasn’t aware of the “Naughty Truth or Dare” games before, but I’m thinking that’s going to be in the cards this Valentines Day (pun intended)
I’m glad you enjoyed. The best part is some of these can be done so last minute that plans aren’t really needed…though the game might take a couple of days for shipping 🙂
These are some perfect date night and gift ideas for Valentine’s Day. I am going to be trying some of these. A dinner party with friends is always a fun idea.
Agreed. I love dinner dates with friends any time of the year. Valentine’s dinner is yet another reason to plan!