Are you looking for Valentine's Day date ideas that are a little more outside the box than dinner and a movie? Want to spice up your long-term relationship or "wow" your new flame with a unique idea? Sure, Valentine's Day is somewhat of a "greeting card holiday," but it is also one day during the year when you have an excuse to set everything aside and celebrate your love in a fresh, new way. Whether you are doing the planning or somehow slip this list to your partner, consider these ten unique Valentine's Day date ideas before you make your reservation at the "usual place."
1. Play in the snow. If you live in a colder climate, plan a snow day date this Valentine's Day. Try cross-country or downhill skiing, snowshoeing in a local park, or simply building snowmen and having a snowball fight. Warm up at the end of the day with hot chocolate and a roaring fire in a local coffee shop, ski lodge, or your own living room.
2. Go wine tasting. Have a local winery nearby? Perhaps they will be hosting a wine tasting that you could attend for an educational and unique Valentine's Day date. If not, purchase some of your own bottles of wine (or use those that have been collecting dust in your cellar or on the rack), pick up some cheese and crackers, and host your own wine tasting for two. Compare remarks and keep notes of your favorite flavors for future reference.
3. Visit a small town. Small towns are full of the character and charm that would make for a unique Valentine's Day date. Find a small town near you that you've never visited and take it for all it's worth. Try out its one-of-a-kind restaurants and shops, check out the library or local museum, and enjoy a peaceful moment in the local park. Even better, choose a scenic area, like in the foothills of a mountain or on the shore of a lake.
4. Do something for others. Perhaps you'd like to show love and service to others this Valentine's Day. There are many ways to have a philanthropic Valentine's Day date. Serve dinner together at a local soup kitchen. Go through your closets and basements and put together a donation bag for Good Will or Salvation Army. Shop for toys and blankets to bring to the local children's hospital. Check with your church to see if they are sponsoring any charitable activities. Whatever you choose, doing something together for others will bring Valentine's Day to a whole new level.
5. Book a private concert. Do you have a talented friend, acquaintance, or local performer who, in his or her not-yet-successful pursuit of fame would love to make a few extra bucks? As a unique Valentine's Day date, book this pianist, violinist, guitarist, vocalist, or whatever other "-ist" you find for a private concert. Even better, if you have musical talent, serenade your sweetheart over a romantic dinner. If you're not much of a live performer, make a recording and pop it in the CD player while you dine.
6. Photo shoot. Couples never seem to have enough nice photos together. Why not remedy that this Valentine's Day and have some fun in the process? Hire a freelance photographer friend to take you on a photo shoot, or, if you are skilled with a tripod, be your own photographer. Make it as romantic, fun, or comedic as you like - from matching outfits to breathtaking scenery. You'll come away with irreplaceable memories, both in your mind and in your photo frames.
7. Game night. Have a competitive spirit? Break out the board games, cards, or video games and spend the evening in play. From Boggle to Guitar Hero to Slapjack, you're sure to come across games that are entertaining for two players. Even better, show your creativity and make up your own games. If two players just don't seem to be enough, invite over another couple and have a Valentine's Day game night double date.
8. Comedy show. Laughter. Its medicinal, aphrodisiacal, and stress-relieving effects make it the perfect ingredient for a unique Valentine's Day date. Check out your local comedy clubs to see if you might catch a comedy show on Valentine's night. If you'd rather stay in, gather a collection of stand-up specials performed by your favorite comedians - from your DVD collection, Netflix, or on demand - and put together your own comedy show in the comfort of your living room. Pop some popcorn, grab a beer, and laugh the night away.
9. Revisit childhood. Who doesn't like a good dose of nostalgia? You and your date could revisit your childhoods this Valentine's Day. Make your favorite childhood meals and snacks, watch your favorite childhood movies, play your favorite childhood games, and share your childhood memories. You're sure to be brought back to a simpler time and enjoy a deeper bond as you learn more about your younger selves.
10. Progressive dinner. In this article, Cherie Burbach suggests visiting several local restaurants for their appetizers rather than sitting down for a meal in one place. I love her idea, but would take it one step further. Choose your favorite venues for each course of a meal. Have a cocktail at your favorite bar, an appetizer at your favorite grill, the main course at your favorite restaurant, and dessert at your favorite bakery. If you don't feel like doing so much traveling, set the local delivery personnel to work and have each course delivered to your home at the appropriate time.
Whether you use these ideas or come up with one of your own, put your creativity to use and make this Valentine's Day one to beat!
Source:
Valentine's Day Date Ideas by Cherie Howard. Suite 101.
Other date ideas:
Boredom Busters: Seven Ways to Keep Your Relationship Interesting
Five Creative Date Ideas for Your First Anniversary of Marriage
