January 16, 2020
36 Valentine’s Day Ideas for You and Your Sweetheart
Valentine’s Day can be stressful for all parties involved. Regardless of how long you have been together, from young love to a well-burning flame, picking the perfect date for February 14th can be a challenge. We’ve curated a list of Valentine’s Day ideas to help you create the perfect celebration for you and your sweetheart.
From special dates to thoughtful gift ideas, our guide below will help you plan the perfect day no matter what stage of the relationship you’re in. Our extensive list also includes socially-distanced Valentine’s Day ideas — however you decide to celebrate, make sure you follow your local safety guidelines.
Shop Best Selling Valentine's Day Flowers
There’s nothing more rejuvenating than spending Valentine’s Day with your partner in the great outdoors. Step outside and get some fresh air, whether it’s planning a camping trip in the woods or stargazing in the back of your car.
1. Bundle Up and Look at the Stars
Pack a blanket, some snacks and a bottle of wine for a low-key date that has plenty of romance. Cozy up with your partner and enjoy the spectacular views for a Valentine’s Day date that you won’t forget. Bonus points if you can get your hands on a telescope for the date.
2. Go on a Camping Trip
If you and your partner are looking to spend Valentine’s Day in the wilderness, planning a romantic camping trip may be your calling. Be sure to pack all the essentials, like hiking gear and bug spray so you can comfortably spend the day exploring the great outdoors!
3. Pack a Picnic
Create an intimate set-up at your local park with a blanket, basket, your beverage of choice, and delicious treats. Bring a speaker and enjoy your partner’s company while getting some fresh air.
4. Play a Round of Golf at Your Favorite Course
Get your clubs ready and enjoy a beautiful day together out on the course. If you don’t have time to play the full 18 holes, take your love to a driving range to practice your swing or play a round of mini golf for some lighthearted fun.
5. Plan a Snow Date
If you’re looking to spend Valentine’s Day in the mountains, planning a fun trip to the snowy peaks is the perfect romantic getaway. Whether you choose to hit the slopes or rent a cozy cabin, this date will have you both never wanting to leave.
6. Ride Your Bikes on a New Route
If weather permits, grab your bikes and explore your neighborhood or take a ride around the city. You may discover some new and exciting spots along the way!
Taking on some fun DIY projects with your loved one is a great way to spend quality time together while trying something new and exciting. Tap into your creative side with these romantic activities!
7. Take On a Big Home Improvement Project
Is there a home improvement project that you’ve been putting off? Turn it into a date and get it done with your partner. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty- it’ll make the date even more fun! While this might not seem super romantic, any time you look at the finished project you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you did it together.
8. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with a Dessert Buffet
Valentine’s Day is all about indulging in sweet treats, so get out the baking supplies and recreate your favorite dessert recipes. Spend the evening experimenting in the kitchen and trying each other’s decadent creations — it can’t get any sweeter than that!
9. Have a Wine-and-Paint Night
Get in touch with your creative side and plan a wine-and-paint night. Pour each other a glass of wine and try to recreate an image of your choice. Even if you’re not the most artistic, this inexpensive Valentine’s idea is perfect for couples who want to spend that quality time together.
10. Make a Date Ideas Jar
Spend your Valentine’s Day planning a year of romantic dates for the two of you to enjoy. Write your ideas on popsicle sticks or pieces of paper and store them in a jar so you’ll never be stuck deciding on what to do again. Make a plan to pull one out on a specific day of the week and turn it into a cute tradition for years to come.
11. Set Up a Taste Testing Flight
Organize a taste testing flight complete with your favorite beverages. If you’re planning on tasting wine, check out our list of delicious flower aromas in wine to take your taste testing game to the next level. Try writing down your opinions and beverage ratings as you taste, you may find a new favorite drink along the way.
Choosing to spend the holiday at home is a safe and fun way to celebrate this special occasion. There are plenty of sweet Valentine’s Day ideas out there that will surely create long-lasting memories.
12. Have a Favorite Take-Out Contest
Want to put a fun twist on dinner when spending Valentine’s Day at home? Try a take-out contest. Each of you can order your favorite take-out meal and after you’ve had a chance to try them both then you can vote on whose is best. Loser buys drinks and dessert!
13. Play Truth or Dare
Write out a variety of questions (from silly to more serious) and dares to spice up the evening. Get creative with your ideas and have fun with it. While you may know each other well, you can use this opportunity to learn even more about each other.
14. Try Each Other’s Favorite Hobby
Spend half of the evening doing one of your favorite activities together and then try theirs. Who knows, you might find a new hobby that the two of you can start doing together. Whatever it is, this exciting date idea will get you both out of your comfort zones and show your partner that you care about their interests.
15. Have a Relaxing Spa Day at Home
Pamper yourselves with an at-home spa day retreat. Surprising your girlfriend with a massage or other treatment could be one of the best Valentine’s Day ideas for her, especially if she’s been stressed. After all the time spent together, you should celebrate with some blissful relaxation set with bubble baths, face masks, and massages.
16. Dig Out Your Photos and Stroll Down Memory Lane
Get out your yearbooks, home videos and all those old photos to reminisce. Sharing those special moments in your life with that special someone is a great way to grow closer and learn more about each other. Dust off those photo albums and take a blast from the past with this fun date idea.
17. Recreate Your First Valentine’s Day Date
Want to bring some new heat to an old flame? Set up a romantic date in your home that takes you both back to your very first Valentine’s Day or one of the most memorable dates you had when you first started seeing each other. Not only is it fun to reminisce, but it will also help remind you of why you fell for each other in the first place.
Sometimes, less is more. If you’re looking to go the more classic route for Valentine’s Day this year, these classic and simple Valentine’s Day ideas could be just right for you.
18. Setting Up a Romantic Dinner
If this is your first Valentine’s Day as a couple, make it special by cooking your loved one’s favorite meal, paired with a nice glass of wine, flowers and candy. This list of wine and chocolate pairings will complement your dinner perfectly. Set the table, add a special display with candles and a sweet photo then add a bouquet of flowers to add the finishing touch.
19. Host a Movie Marathon
Are you a big Star Wars fan? How about Harry Potter? Whatever franchise or theme you choose, it’s time to bring out the blankets and popcorn for the ultimate movie marathon date. Choose your favorite movies and snuggle up for a cozy and entertaining night.
20. Have a Game Night
Get in touch with your competitive side and bring out the board games! This is a fun and easy-going way to celebrate a special occasion without breaking the bank. You can also host a trivia night and quiz each other on various topics, like the history of Valentine’s Day.
21. Make a Fondue Feast
What’s the quickest way to your date’s heart? Melt their heart with ooey gooey cheese or chocolate fondue. Gather all the necessary supplies and create the feast of your dreams. It’s equally as fun as it is messy.
23. Visit Your Hometown
A perfect date idea for Valentine’s Day can also be a short car ride away. Plan a trip to your hometown and show them around all of your old stomping grounds. This is a cute idea that can help you connect on a deeper level. Check out all the hot spots, share stories from your past and make new memories together in a place that means a lot to you.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be so serious, especially if that isn’t your style. If you’re looking for some lighthearted activities, we’ve got a few in mind. Share a laugh this Valentine’s Day with these silly date ideas.
24. Go Skinny-Dipping
If you have access to a swimming pool or body of water try skinny-dipping together. This will get your adrenaline pumping and have you both laughing about your mischievous behavior. If the February weather where you live is far too cold for this, a hot tub works too.
25. Karaoke Night
If you two are ready to put your singing skills to the test, get out the lyrics of your favorite songs and pull up some backing tracks — bonus points if you have your own microphones or a karaoke machine. Show each other what you’ve got and laugh as you both belt out your favorite songs. If you’re feeling a little cheesy, you could also sing a romantic duet together!
26. Watch a Virtual Comedy Show
You don’t have to leave your house to enjoy a comedy show with your boo. There are plenty of live streaming options online to get a good laugh in even if it’s not in person. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu have a wide variety of options to choose from – find your favorite comedian or watch someone new.
27. Have a Dance Party
So you think you can dance? Put your dancing skills to the ultimate test by learning some new moves. Learn how to foxtrot, tango, and two-step to your favorite tunes or music videos. When the mood is right you can always throw in a classic slow dance to end the night.
28. Play Old-School Video Games
Dust off your controllers and get out your favorite video game system for some nostalgic entertainment. Play against your partner in classic games like Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, and Just Dance. Make it a friendly competition by having the loser cook dinner or give the winner a shoulder rub.
29. Go Shopping for Formal Attire
Hit up your favorite stores or thrift shops and find some formal attire that you both can wear for a show-stopping evening. Buy each other snazzy outfits and prepare to show off your new look later that night. If you’re up for it, strut for each other on a makeshift runway and cheer the other on. Even if that’s not your style you can still gush over how great you both look dressed to the nines.
30. Escape Room
Think you’re ready for a challenge this Valentine’s Day? Find a local escape room and prepare to work as a team. You’ll get a good laugh in trying to figure out the puzzles and once you’re finished, you’ll both get to share a sense of accomplishment.
Being away from the one you love can be difficult, especially on Valentine’s Day. If you’re not with your sweetheart this year due to long-distance, don’t fret. There are still plenty of ways to celebrate the occasion!
31. Sign Up for a Virtual Class
Find some live stream or pre-recorded classes on Youtube and learn something new with your long-distance partner. From workouts to cooking classes, there are a wide range of fun virtual activities out there that will bring some fun and excitement to your Valentine’s Day. The best part? Most virtual classes are free!
32. Play a Virtual Card Game
Find a virtual card game app or website and challenge each other to a game or two. This is a great way to connect with your partner even if you’re not physically with them. Feel free to hop on a video call or Facetime so you can chat as you play!
33. Go for a Walk Together
Take a stroll around your neighborhood and catch up with one another via Facetime or a phone call. The change of scenery is a great way to switch up your regular calls and can boost your mood. Though you two may not be enjoying the sunshine side-by-side, you’ll still be in each other’s company no matter the distance.
34. Plan Your Reunion
Long-distance relationships can be difficult. Instead of being sad that you can’t be together right now, take a more positive approach and plan your next reunion. Do some research and start looking into hotels and flights so you two can once again be in each other’s arms. This date idea will give you something to look forward to — let the countdown begin!
35. Have a Romantic Zoom Date
Just because you aren’t physically together for Valentine’s Day does not mean you can’t still have a romantic dinner. Choose a recipe you both can make and spend the night cooking together. When it’s time to eat, you can prop up your computer on the table and celebrate your commitment to each other.
Now that you’ve decided on what to do for Valentine’s Day, you may need some creative gift ideas to surprise your partner with. Remember, it’s the thought that counts!
36. Pick a Valentine’s Day Gift Idea
Whether you’ve just begun dating or have been married for years, our list of gift ideas has just what you need to top off a perfect Valentine’s Day.
Almost Official
You two just met recently or just decided to take your friendship to the next level. If you are in the first chapter of your love story, make Valentine’s Day fun rather than trying too hard to be romantic. Surprise your significant other with these simple gift ideas.
A simple bouquet of flowers
A stuffed animal
Tickets (or a virtual pass) to see their favorite band
A box of macarons or chocolate-covered strawberries
A bottle of champagne
More Casual Dating
The two of you are officially an item and this may not be your first Valentine’s Day together. While they are definitely your sweetheart, the relationship still feels new! Feel free to get a little more romantic with the gift ideas below.
Nice headphones
A silk robe
A gift set from her favorite cosmetics line
A custom name necklace
A plant that pairs with their zodiac sign
A dozen cake pops
Long-Term Relationship
You two feel really comfortable with each other, which means you have a good idea of what they like. Feel free to splurge on some fun and thoughtful gifts like the ones we listed below.
A nice watch
A spa kit with candles, lotions and soaps
Gear for their favorite hobby
A lucky heart-shaped bamboo plant
Married + Life Partners
You and your partner have been together for years and have seen it all through thick and thin. Show how much you care about each other with these cute Valentine’s gifts we’ve listed below.
A rose for every year you have been together
A nice leather wallet
A luxurious fur throw
A weekend getaway
Personalized phone case with a sweet message
You don’t need a holiday to have a reason to show someone you care. These romantic date ideas can be used year-round so feel free to shower your sweetheart in affection any day of the year! For even more ideas, check out these anniversary date ideas and Valentine’s Day flowers and gifts for inspiration.