Cue the romantic comedies, the candle-lit dinner and the release of the white doves because February is here and it’s the month of love. Whether you plan to celebrate with your family, gal-entines or significant other, there’s plenty of ways that you can up the ante this year and show your loved ones that you truly care. Everyone knows that the best Valentine’s Day gifts are the ones that don’t involve material things, so let us help you impress your nearest and dearest with these 20 ideas that they’re sure to fall in love with.
1. Make a Scrapbook
Print the best pictures you have with your loved ones and add them to a scrapbook that they’ll have for years to come. You can add unique stickers and decorations, and put your thoughts in writing too.
2. Host a Wine Tasting at Home
Take a trip to the store and select a few wines you’d like to try. When you get home, you and your guests can pour yourselves a glass of each and rate them to decide which you like best. You can even put together a charcuterie board to enjoy.
3. Enjoy an Afternoon Outdoors
When it comes to the outdoors, the world is your oyster. Take a hike in an area that you’ve never explored, sit by the water or walk a new trail.
4. Cook a Homemade Dinner
There’s nothing more comforting than a home-cooked meal. Throw on an apron, get to work in the kitchen and impress your loved ones with a homemade dinner.
5. Organize a Paint Night
Purchase a few blank canvas’, a set of brushes and multi-coloured paints for an evening that’s sure to spark some creativity. Find a photo on the internet to replicate, and let your paint brush do the rest.
6. Surprise Your Loved One with Breakfast in Bed
Who doesn’t enjoy waking up in the morning and having breakfast already cooked for them? We sure do. Run over to the grocery store and grab the ingredients you need to cook your loved ones’ favourite breakfast foods.
7. Arrange a Scavenger Hunt
Can’t choose which activity your loved ones will like best? Incorporate a bit of them all into your Valentine’s Day plans with a scavenger hunt. Start the day at home, and set up clues to guide them to their final destination along the way.
8. Book a Weekend Getaway
There isn’t much that gets more exciting than a spontaneous weekend getaway. Escape to the outdoors, a new town or a five-star hotel for a Valentine’s Day that won’t disappoint.
9. Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa
Bring the spa experience to your loved ones by converting your bathroom into a peaceful retreat. Fill the bath with bubbles and flower petals, set the mood with some relaxing music and candle light, and pour a glass of champagne or two.
10. Exchange Love Letters
Actions usually speak louder than words, but when it comes to hand-written love letters, we have to disagree. Take the time to express how you truly feel by professing your love through a note.
11. Recreate Your First Date
If you’re looking for an idea that has the potential to bring your partner to tears, recreate your first date. Whether it’s a walk, movie date or dinner for two, it doesn’t matter how simple the evening is because it’s the sentimental aspect that your significant other will love.
12. Plan a Couple’s Workout
Putting time aside to workout might not be everyone’s first choice for a date night, but for those who bond over their love of the gym, it might be a top pick. Take to YouTube and research some new exercises that you can try with your partner this Valentine’s Day.
13. Watch a Rom-Com
Spend this Valentine’s Day laughing with your loved ones by watching your favourite romantic comedy. Put some popcorn in the microwave, bust out your coziest pajamas and spend the evening curled up on the couch.
14. Have a Picnic
Don’t let the winter season prevent you from having a picnic outdoors. Make some hot cocoa, pack a few blankets and give your loved ones the heads up that they should bundle up.
15. Make a Fort
Channel your younger selves by making a fort at home. Drape a sheet over your lamp shades, pack some pillows inside, bust out a board game, and voila — you’re kids again.
16. Order Their Favourite Food
We don’t know about you but the key to our heart is food. If you can’t decide what to do this Valentine’s Day, order take-out from your loved ones’ favourite restaurant or café.
17. Bake Some Tasty Treats
Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be the same without tasty treats. Cake, cupcakes, cookies, chocolate, fondue — you name it, you can make it yourself too.
18. Hire a Photographer
Capture the special moments from this Valentine’s Day by hiring a professional photographer. Make a day out of it by dressing up, picking a place to be your backdrop, and enjoying the photography experience with your loved ones.
19. Wow Them With a Surprise
Decorate the house, pick up a bouquet of flowers or hire a sitter for the night — there’s various ways that you can wow your loved ones with a surprise.
20. Plan a Night Out
Who says you have to choose between entertainment, dinner and drinks? Plan an entire date night that has a little bit of all three. Start out at the museum, an art gallery or comedy show and then try out a new restaurant and bar.
If you’re looking for some more inspiration to kick off your Valentine’s Day plans, take a look at these easy and creative last-minute ideas. Need some recipe help for that homemade dinner we recommended? Here’s a dish your family, friends or significant other will love.
Photo courtesy of: Cascades Fluff (Pillow Fort).