22 Swoon-Worthy Valentine's Day Date Ideas
Now that the holiday decorations have been taken down and the New Year’s ball has dropped, it’s time to set your sights on the next big holiday — Valentine’s Day! Although showing people you love them should be an all-the-time occurrence, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to take it one step further.
Of course, you don’t have to break the bank! Statistics show that in 2021, Americans spent almost $22 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts. (That’s right, billion.) The average amount spent per person was around $164.76. Insane, right?
Instead of the traditional pricey dinner and giant heart filled with chocolates (that never gets completely eaten), why not switch things up a bit? Sometimes, the best dates are the ones that are most unique. From breakfast in bed to staycations, there are plenty of options for any budget, whether you’d rather keep it modest or go all out.
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No matter how long you’ve been together, we have a Valentine’s Day date idea to fit! Here are 22 swoon-worthy date ideas to spark some extra romance this February 14th:
1. Breakfast in Bed
Talk about romantic, right? Make yourselves the best brunch ever — eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, mimosas, all the good stuff — and get comfy in bed to eat it. Put on a romantic movie and enjoy a peaceful morning together. (And who knows, maybe it will lead to even more romantic things!)
2. Take a Cocktail Class
There are many cocktail classes online to take! Learn how to make your own concoctions and try each other’s to see who is the better bartender. (Just be sure you’re not driving anywhere!)
3. Go on a Shopping Spree
Why not treat yourselves on this day of love? Try finding some local small businesses to support and plan a day of shopping. (Or hit the mall, your choice!) Buy something you’ve been wanting to splurge on for a while, or find Valentine’s Day gifts for each other.
4. Set Up a Photoshoot
How about setting up a couples’ photoshoot this Valentine’s Day? Contact a local photographer and make some memories in front of the camera! Sure, some may feel it’s a little cheesy, but you’ll have a great time doing it and can laugh about it next year when you look back on them.
5. Have a Fondue Dinner
Buy a fondue set, find some popular recipes, and have yourselves your own homemade fondue dinner! Don’t forget to end the meal with strawberries dipped in chocolate fondue — delicious and romantic.
6. Go to a Comedy Show
Laughter really is the best medicine! Seriously — research shows its health benefits included stress relief, a boosted immune system, and the release of endorphins. In short, it makes you happy!
Check the schedule for your local comedy club and plan a date. Not only will you have a blast, but it will put you both in a great mood for whatever happens after! (Wink)
7. Take Dance Lessons
Dancing is actually a great way to strengthen your emotional bond! You’ll feel more energetic, connected, and happier, thanks to the release of endorphins. Taking dance lessons is a surefire way to help you feel closer!
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8. Have a Spa Day
Book a couples massage, get facials, or anything else to help you feel relaxed and refreshed. Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to get pampered!
9. Go Stargazing
Grab a blanket and a bottle of wine and park yourselves right under the starry sky. Is there anything more romantic than cuddling up under the moonlight? (And if it’s cold, you’ll have to bundle up and cuddle closer!)
10. Visit a Botanical Garden
Yep, even during winter, there are gorgeous flowers to take a stroll through. Visit your local botanical garden and add some floral beauty to your Valentine’s Day.
11. Have a Staycation
Book a hotel room downtown (or anywhere close to home) and enjoy a staycation! Just because you’re not going out of town doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the perks of a snazzy hotel room. Order room service, binge your favorite movies, and get intimate on that California king bed you so desperately wish you owned.
12. Try a Paint Night
Look up paint nights in your area and give it a try! You’ll sip wine, create art, and have fun. The best part? No skill is required! (And you’ll have a cool keepsake to bring home to remind you of an awesome night.)
13. Play Board Games
A little friendly competition never hurt, right? Pop a bottle of wine and break out all of your favorite classics — Monopoly, Clue, Life — you name it. It’s not just fun, but nostalgic too!
14. Try an Escape Room
Escape rooms are all the rage nowadays, and for good reason — you’ll have a blast! Challenge your analytical side, team up to find clues, and see if you can escape before the timer runs out. It will take a lot of patience and communication, so you’ll definitely get to see how each other handles the pressure!
15. Take a Pottery Class
Gather the tools you need and try a virtual pottery class online. It’s exciting to learn new skills together! (And we’re not saying you have to reenact the scene from Ghost, but it’d be pretty sexy, right?)
16. Go on a Bar Crawl
Explore your local downtown bar crawl-style! Find a rideshare (safety first) and hit some of the most popular spots. Try a different beer, glass of wine, or cocktail at each place and pick your favorites. (And don’t forget to eat something!)
17. Order Takeout
Think of this as a bar crawl, but in takeout form! Pick different dishes from local hot spots and have them all delivered at the same time. It’s your own homemade buffet!
18. Go Ice Skating
Find a local outdoor skating rink (or indoor, if there isn’t one) and hit the ice! Bundle up, hold hands, and keep each other from falling. (Or, if you have any stellar moves, show them off!)
19. Volunteer Together
Helping others can actually have a big impact on your relationship. You’ll show each other your compassionate side and connect on a more intimate level. Not to mention, you’ll both feel good doing it!
20. Rent a Cabin
Try finding a cabin on Airbnb and escape the chaos of everyday life. It’s nice to go off the grid every now and then! Try to avoid your phones and focus on the natural beauty surrounding you. It’s romantic, stress-relieving, peaceful, and probably much-needed.
21. Cook Dinner Together
Cooking together improves communication and cooperation while boosting your connection. Pick a recipe neither of you has made or tried and tackle it together! Eat your home-cooked Valentine’s Day meal over candlelight with a bottle of wine. (And if it’s burnt, see the takeout date above!)
22. Visit a Brewery or Winery
A beer or wine tasting is always a good time! Many places offer “flights” to try (smaller tasting portions), along with tasty snacks. Make a day of it! (And call a rideshare if you need to!)
At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is ultimately about showing how much you care about someone. Whether you go all out or keep your date simple, remember to express how you feel!
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