Holidays can be stressful...and one of the most stressful of all can be Valentine's Day. There is so much pressure from movies and store advertisements to make this day special, and to make things worse, your friends and colleagues are probably asking you what your plans for the day are too. Sure, we all know that we don't have to wait until Valentine's Day to show love and affection for our sweethearts...but who says we can't plan a little something special on this day? Whether you want to do something big and fancy, or just celebrate casually in the comfort of your home, we've got some great V-Day date ideas for all!
Date Night Out
Painting With A Twist
These BYOB painting classes are all the rage right now and we can see why! Even the most amateur painter can bring home a fabulous looking painting. Check the schedule of your local Painting With A Twist location and sign up together. Who knows, maybe you'll both love it and take up painting as a new hobby!
Wine Tasting
Sign up for a wine tasting event at your local winery. Follow it up with dinner or an ice cream date.
Ice Skating
Bring out your inner child! A visit to an ice skating rink is always fun...and a great workout!
Book A Staycation
If taking a weekend trip is too pricey, or just out of the question due to logistics (children, work...), book a one or two night 'staycation'! Find a nice hotel in the closest city or town to you. Whether you take advantage of the location and explore the local dining and nightlife, or stay in and enjoy the pool and room service, it's sure to be a great and refreshing night.
Date Night In
Cook a Romantic Dinner Together
Pick out a new recipe to try, or a classic favorite. Don't forget a decadent dessert! Spend the afternoon cooking together and setting the table—complete with a tablecloth and candles to set the mood. You'll enjoy your meal even more knowing it was made with love. Consider recruiting the kids to play hostess and wait on you.
Home Movie Night
Going to movie theaters can be so expensive! Sometimes it's more fun to relax and watch a movie at home anyway. Stock up on treats and cuddle up on the couch for a movie night. Whether you watch a rom-com or an action movie, you'll have a laid back evening with your better half.
Home Spa Night
This is your chance to try out all the Pinterest DIY face mask and bath bomb recipes you've been dying to test. Relax in a nice bubble bath complete with candles and wine. Give each other massages, do some face masks, and enjoy your time together.
Dessert Sampling
Make Valentine's Day extra sweet! Go to your local bakery and pick up a variety of desserts to bring home and sample together. This is a simple and cheaper way to enjoy some time together...and eat lots of chocolate!
Practical Ways to Spend Time Together
Save for a Future Getaway
Not so into the 'Hallmark holidays'? Take the money you'd spend on gifts for each other and a date night activity and put it towards a future weekend getaway. Hotels are expensive during Valentine's Day weekend so your money will go further on a different weekend in the future.
Home Project
Spend Valentine's Day weekend doing something beneficial for your home. Paint, build something Pinterest-inspired, rearrange furniture, or shop for new bedding. Whatever it is that you decide to do will make you feel refreshed and accomplished. Plus, you'll get to spend time together by doing something productive.
Do Errands...Together
You don't have to plan extravagant activities to have a nice time together. Spend time together doing something simple that you wouldn't ordinarily do together. Go grocery shopping, run errands, walk the dog, go to the gym, etc. Taking everyday tasks and doing them together for a change can make them so much more enjoyable.