Trying to break out of the candy-and-flowers mould this Valentine’s Day? Some of the best gifts are experiences.
Valentines Day
Whether you’ve been married for years (with or without kids), are in a long-term relationship or haven’t officially declared that you’re in a relationship yet, there are plenty of experiences you can create to make your Valentine feel loved and special.
When you do something special with your partner, you tend to remember feeling warm, safe and loved long after the experience is over. Long term relationships should be a confetti of good things; add a wonderful experience to your life together. And if you want to add to the experience, you can also send them a valentines day gift box.
1.Recreate Your Favourite Date
We all have that one date that always makes us smile. The first date? The one you proposed on? That time when everything just fell together perfectly? You can attempt to recreate this ideal night and reminisce on how far you’ve come since then. It may not be exactly the same the second time around but it’s a lovely way of bringing back those memories and feelings. If you and your partner disagree on which date was the most memorable, just do a mash up of your favourite parts.
2. Plan an Activity That Both of You Enjoy
Chalk in a few hours to spend some relaxed, quality time with your significant other in a way that you both appreciate. It could be shutting out the world and cosying together on the couch for a movie marathon, or leaving the world behind for a scenic drive through the countryside. If you’re the couple that enjoys hiking, there’s nothing better than finding a picturesque trail for the day. Clear your mind, take in the fresh air and focus on one another without the hundreds of distractions that daily modern life comes with.
3. Learn Something Together
Choose something both of you are beginners at and are interested in learning. Sign up to learn how to make cocktails or cook a new cuisine. Not only is it a delicious way to spend an afternoon but a fun way to get to see a new side of your partner. If you both enjoy tip-tapping your feet to the latest tunes, what better way to spend Valentine’s than dancing the night away? There are classes for nearly everything from crafting to cooking, book yours ahead of time so you’re not in danger of everything being sold out.
Choosing to take a class or activity-based event takes away the awkwardness of spending your first Valentine’s together. Especially if you haven’t really decided if your ‘situationship’ has graduated to a relationship yet. Propose a ‘sip and paint’ type of activity where you can relax, let your hair down and focus on a creative activity.
4. Take the Day Off to Tour Your City…or Stay In
Some couples like to spend time together outside their living space. If you fall in this category, why not plan a day playing tourist in your own city or a neighbouring one? Take in the sights, eat the local treats, visit kitschy shops and pose for photos by the landmarks.
On the other hand, if you’d like to just stay in and take the time to unwind together. It sounds like a slow day is in order. Enjoy some rest and recreation, maybe you could book a couple’s massage, cook a favourite meal together, or order in. Just do exactly what you feel like throughout the day.
5. Make a Couple’s Bucket List
How well do you know your significant other? Even if you’ve been together for years, it may surprise you to know what they want on their bucket list! Valentine’s Day is a great time to have an open and unabashed conversation on what your shared bucket list would look like. Depending on what you come up with, you could start ticking items off right away or plan to in the weeks to come. This way you can carry the warm glow of a Happy Valentine’s day, beyond that one day.
6.Go to a Concert, Play or Live Event
It’s hard to go wrong with music. Book tickets to celebrate your shared love of a song, band or genre of music. It’s an excellent way to relax and spend a beautiful, musical night with your partner. If you’d prefer a play or a dance performance that’s a great way to make the night special as well.
7. Make an Ordinary Day Extraordinary
Turn an ordinary day upside down. The practical part of this idea is that it’s generally very achievable and ideal if your work commitments prevent you from making Valentine’s a whole day’s celebration. Spread out a chequered mat in your living room for a romantic indoor picnic or organise a slow morning with breakfast in bed.
8. A Thrifty Valentine’s
If you’re saving up for a bigger event or purchase you may not have a big budget for Valentine’s. But if you don’t want to ignore the day altogether, there are plenty of budget friendly options to choose from. Fine dining is not the only way to show your Valentine that you care. Think from the heart. Write your significant other a letter or cook their favourite meal. Order from their favourite fast-food place. Your date will love to know that you care enough to have memorised their favourite order. Send them valentines flowers.
Rather than a trip to the country, take a romantic walk through the conservatory or the public gardens in your city. The most important part of Valentine’s Day is to let them know how much they mean to you.
9. Hold a Game Night/Bake Off/ Cookoff
A couple with a competitive side? Hold a boardgame night with friendly stakes to make it more interesting. Or hold a cook-off or a bake off that you can both enjoy the results of. Invite one or two other couples to join in the competition to add to the fun.
10. Rent a Cabin in the Woods
If you’d just like some peace and quiet time with your partner, getting away from the city is a great way to unplug. Hole up in a cabin in the woods or if the weather permits, go camping to enjoy a night under the stars. Escape into the natural world around you.
There can be a lot of pressure to make Valentine’s Day unique and unforgettable with gifts and expensive price tags. Just remember that people often forget about the stuff and remember how they felt much more clearly. Focus your energy on making your loved one feel just that and you can’t go wrong.
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