Guard your hearts! Cupid takes flight this Sunday for everyone’s favorite commercial holiday: Valentine’s Day. Between cheesy TV ads, exorbitant grocery store aisles, and not-so-subtle texts from your girlfriend, no one will ever let you forget that V-Day is coming. This year, ditch the flowers-and-chocolate routine for a more creative option that’s sure to impress your valentine. Check out our list of original date ideas that will have you and your significant other swooning.
Take a Weekend Camping Trip
Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, which opens up your calendar for a weekend getaway! Trade the hustle and bustle of everyday life for the seclusion of nature with your special someone. Nothing beats a scenic hike followed by an evening of stargazing. An added bonus? The chilly temperatures will definitely allow for snuggling by the campfire. Up the romance factor by switching out the cocoa and s’mores for champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries!
Reinvent the Picnic
The cold weather doesn’t mean you can’t have a picnic––just move it to the living room! Rearrange your furniture to create a nice, open space and then spread a blanket across the floor. Surprise your valentine with an assortment of his or her favorite foods, and decorate the space with a vase of flowers and a few candles. Nothing says “I love you” like saying “I know you.” When it comes to Valentine’s Day, thoughtfulness trumps grandeur every time!
Home-Make a Meal Together
Instead of making reservations at a nice restaurant, consider trying out a new recipe with your valentine this year! There is something surprisingly intimate about working together to cook a meal, and you’ll both enjoy the satisfaction of having mastered a new dish! Even if it goes horribly wrong, you can always order pizza and laugh about it. Nothing brings couples closer than learning a new skill together, so give it a shot!
Plan a Scavenger Hunt
Disclaimer: this one requires some time, planning and creativity. Create a scavenger hunt for your valentine that will lead them to a romantic dinner or their favorite date activity. Try incorporating memories, inside jokes or other personal touches when writing the clues. Your valentine will never forget the time and energy that you expended on his or her behalf!
Recreate a First Date
If your love has withstood the test of time, a great way to rekindle that “young love” feeling is to recreate your first date. Remember getting butterflies every time you looked at each other? You can feel that way again by orchestrating a stroll down memory lane. For a date that is equal parts sweet and special, look no further.
Valentine’s Day is a great reason to celebrate love, but true love is year-round. Remember––you don’t need a holiday to justify a romantic gesture! Surprise your sweetheart with a thoughtful date any time of year.
