Better than any box of chocolates. (designlifekids.com)
Whether you are planning an intimate date night, the most epic Galentine’s Day party, or a cozy night at home, it’s no secret that coming up with some great Valentine’s Day ideas can be daunting. Some even consider it to be more stressful than figuring out how to plan the perfect first date. Not to worry — no matter how you have celebrated in the past, there are still plenty of ways to make Valentine’s Day special for your loved ones.
Considering no two relationships are the same, we have compiled a list of 25 unique Valentine’s Day ideas — some cheaper and more lowkey than others — that will make for a memorable occasion. From romantic, cute, and small yet meaningful gestures, to once-in-a-lifetime date ideas, look no further.
Now, what are you waiting for? Set a date and get ready for a fun time.
1. Serve Up Breakfast in Bed
The ultimate sweet something for your sweet someone? Breakfast in bed — homemade with love. There’s nothing more romantic than pancakes and waffles (or doughnuts, or bacon and eggs). Keep it simple with a satisfying heart-shaped egg toast or pull out all the stops with raspberry cheesecake French toast. You will fall in love with these sweet and savory recipes.
2. Make a Valentine’s Day Playlist
Let your love be music to their ears — literally and figuratively. Create a personalized playlist on Spotify or Apple Music to show just how much you care. Fill it with sentimental songs that take you back to your first date, kiss, or special moments together. Compile your top picks, then listen to the playlists together. It is totally free and will give you all the feels.
3. Bake Some Sweet Treats
Geometry Sweet Strawberries Towel
The way to a man’s (or anyone’s) heart is through their stomach. Wow your crush, BFF, partner or hubby with sweet Valentine’s Day treats. These red velvet bear cookies by Bianca and devil’s food chocolate cupcakes by Tessa are simply delicious. Sure to be a hit at any Valentine’s Day celebration!
Serve them with festive Valentine’s Day party plates, napkins, and cups to really get in the Valentine’s Day spirit.
Blushing Heart Party Plates, Blushing Heart Paper Napkins, Pastel Heart Party Cups, Gold Heart Shaped Party Plates, Wildflower Heart Party Plates, Wildflower Heart Paper Napkins, Doodle Heart Party Plates, Doodle Heart Paper Napkins
4. Enjoy a Concert
After you finish making them a Valentine’s Day playlist, take them (or give them a hint you would like to go) to a local concert. Consider both of your favorite artists, songs, or types of music. Maybe there is someone you have been dying to see live, but never had the chance. This will really take date night to the next level and create priceless memories.
5. Take a Painting Class
In lieu of gifts this year, put those funds towards a painting class. Classes such as Painting with a Twist, walk guests step-by-step through the painting process, while they gather to sip, socialize, and create. Listen to great music and get creative in an inspiring studio setting. If neither of you are artistic, it could get you both outside of your comfort zone (to spice things up!) and make for a good laugh.
6. Buy Museum Passes
Calling all art and history buffs! Buy passes to a local museum or exhibit, and you will have so much fun leisurely strolling around and learning new things together. Find your new favorite artist or explore a period of history that interests you.
7. Try Ballroom Dancing
Get that heart rate up and keep the sparks flying. Compared to other popular date ideas, ballroom dance lessons encourage you to hold your partner and look right into their eyes. Moving rhythmically to beautiful music is a turn-on that is hard to resist. In ballroom dancing, you learn the wisdom of respecting boundaries, trusting your partner, and working together, just like in a relationship. It has the potential to become a regular hobby that you both can enjoy too.
8. Watch a Rom-Com
Love them or tolerate them — romantic comedies are always good for a cozy night in and a life lesson or two. There’s just something so intriguing about all the different types that pull on our heartstrings. From enemies to lovers, opposites attract, the friend who was there all along, etc. The best part is they are incredibly versatile, so you can enjoy them with almost anyone in your life — from your significant other to your best friend to your parents. Take a look at the 90 Best Rom-Coms of All Time for more inspiration.
9. Give Them a Cute Valentine’s Day Gift
Big or small — make it heartfelt and meaningful. Show your little one, BFF, sibling, or partner, that they are loved and appreciated. Make their day by surprising them with a special Valentine’s Day gift.
Scratch-A-Game Valentines, Scratch-A-Sketch Valentines, Honeycomb Pop Up Bear Valentines, Scratch-Animal Puns Valentines, Scratch-A-Heart Floral Valentines, Paint With Water Unicorn Valentines, Scratch-Animal Puns Valentines, Scratch-A-Snack Valentines, Scratch-A-Pet Valentines, Honeycomb Pop Up Bunny Valentines, Scratch-A-Sweetheart Valentines, Scratch-A-Video Game Valentines
The cutest Valentines for the special people in your life. There are so many options — scratch offs with personalized messages underneath, paint with water cards, and adorable pop-up cards. Whether you have an avid gamer, animal lover, or pun enthusiast at home, there’s something for everyone.
When you're sweet, but not enough to share. These colorblocked sugared candies are heart-shaped and filled with peachy flavor, deep in color and jam packed in a beautiful black jar. Place the jar for everyone to see, because no one would know that your sweet treats hide inside. Start collecting.
Pink Vanilla Cotton Candy, Strawberry Cotton Candy
Spread the love with a sweet treat this season. Makes for the perfect addition to Valentine’s Day goodies bags.
Strawberries — the ultimate love language. Featuring beautiful, embroidered strawberries and daisies on top and fully lined in a sweet gingham fabric, this jewelry box has a popper fastening to reveal four compartments, a slip pocket and a dedicated space to slot earrings and rings.
10. Plan a Spa Day
Valentine’s Day calls for some much needed rest and relaxation, so enjoy a little R&R together at your local spa. Book a couples massage, spend time in the sauna, or indulge in a facial with all the extras. If you would prefer to stay home, you could also stock up on self-care staples to relax, unwind, and pamper yourselves. You two deserve it.
11. Test Your Teamwork with Bar Trivia
Hit up your favorite local eatery or bar to play trivia together! Many host occasional or weekly trivia nights — likely listed on their website or social media. Brush up on your knowledge of pop culture, sports, entertainment franchises, and more. While this is fun as a two-person trivia date, this is also a fun outing to do with other couples or a group of friends.
12. Adopt a Pet
Become a dog mom for the first time or add another pet to the family. After all, nothing says love quite like welcoming a furry friend into your home and heart.
13. Mark Something Off Your Bucket List
There is nothing so bonding as reaching your goals as a couple. Planning dreams and making bucket lists of all you want to do. Maybe you enjoy doing things that terrify you because you love the thrill and overcoming the fear. Consider skydiving or swimming with sharks. Suppose you have always wanted to backpack through Europe or fly first class. There is no better time than the present. Do something you have always wanted to do and make those memories together.
14. Book a Mini Getaway
What would be cooler than going on a mini vacation to mark Valentine’s Day? This will require a little planning in advance, but that makes it all the more exciting. Book an overnight or weekend trip down the shore, in the mountains, or anywhere else your heart desires. Make it one for the books!
15. Create a Scrapbook
Scrapbooks are a great way to commemorate your love. Whether you just toss in a page every anniversary or document all of your adventures together, they are a special keepsake to look back on as your relationship matures. You can include the story of how you met, love notes, dates, your wedding, anniversaries, etc. Keep in mind this is something your kids will be able to remember you by. Be creative and get some laughs out of it!
16. Host a Flower Arranging Party
If you are interested in hosting a Galentine’s Day Party, look no further! This interactive soiree will give each guest the chance to arrange their own bouquet and take it home. From greenery to different sized flowers, this free printable explains flower arranging in 4 simple steps. Get ready for you and your gal pals to have a blast.
Check out our unique selection of planters and vases for all of your floral arranging needs.
17. Throw a Valentine-Making Crafternoon
Hearts, glitter, and shades of red and pink define Valentine’s Day — but they are also a recipe for adorable crafts. Plan a Valentine’s inspired craft making afternoon for your little ones and invite some friends over. These Valentine’s glass cans are the perfect beginner friendly project that your girls will love! The hearts are made with a really pretty Barbie pink vinyl. For another option, these Play-doh Valentine’s are adorable. They are a hit for classroom Valentine’s and can be put in cute treat bags to give out. Thanks to April and her Cricut for all of these super cool Valentine’s Day craft ideas!
18. Use an App to Stargaze
Put on your warmest gear, bust out a blanket, and take some time to admire the universe with the help of the Night Sky app, which makes it easy to discover the wonders of space wherever you go. Day or night, just aim your device skyward to see a live 3D map of the heavens, complete with beautifully illustrated constellations, stars, planets, and satellites.
19. Go Ice-Skating
Try something you probably have not done in a while — like ice-skating. Many cities host sweetheart skates or winter festivals this time of year, so be sure to check your local events calendar. Celebrate your love under twinkling lights, enjoy delicious food and warm beverages, and cozy up in a warm cabin. And, if you are feeling a little wobbly on the ice, that makes for a great excuse to hold your special someone’s hand.
20. Recreate Your First Date
Take it back to the beginning with this creative Valentine’s Day idea. Reminisce on your very first date with your significant other. Whether you met for dinner and drinks or miniature golf, go back to the same spot to relive your early days as a couple. No matter how long it’s been, this will have you in all the feels.
21. Set the Scene at Home
Maybe your partner and family have a lot going on with work and school. Spruce up your home with Valentine’s Day decorations — balloons, flowers, candles — to surprise them with when they come home. Not only will this brighten their day, but it will impress your guests and have everyone ready for the holiday of love.
Add these giant balloon decorations to your celebration for a fun and luxurious Valentine's Day. The dusky pink balloons are decorated with red, white, and pink crepe streamers.
Embrace the season with this beautiful hand-tufted Love Rug. Designed by Pia Weinberg — made of 100% pure new wool and finished with different levels of piles and carved elements to add an extra dimension to the statement rug. Fits perfectly in the nursery, hallway, or just about any room!
These beautiful pillows feature a modern print designed to fit any aesthetic and every home. It's an easy way to bring some love and coziness into your space! Features a black distressed print, invisible zipper bottom, machine washable cover, and hypoallergenic, ultra plush faux down insert!
22. Make a Vision Board
Show your loved one you are serious about your relationship. Bring your distinct backgrounds together by organizing a board with images and ideas representing your goals, aspirations, and objectives. Include that dream vacation, the business you hope to start, or any personal hurdles you would like to overcome. There’s no limit to what you can accomplish.
23. Go to a Local Bookstore
Are you and your partner total bookworms? Us, too! Clear up your busy schedules and head over to your favorite local bookstore. Spend some time picking out a book for your plus one to read. Let them do the same for you. If you go for romance novels in honor of the holiday, take turns reading each other your favorite (or cheesiest) passages.
24. Head to a Local Theme Park
Take a break from your everyday routine and have some real fun. Ride a rollercoaster, go down a water slide, and indulge in some ice cream. This is a great way to spend time with the kids and embrace your inner child.
25. Enjoy Fine Dining at an Elevated Restaurant
A meal with a view — be it of a stunning landscape or your hot date — is one of the best ways to spend a couple of hours. Given that you are normally pretty busy, take this opportunity to be present and really take everything in — from the food to the scenery to the conversation. Feel free to dress up and make it a night to remember!
Shop Our Valentine’s Day Collection
Celebrate the season of love and the special people in your life by shopping our Valentine's Day Collection. Let us know what your favorites are and be sure to tag us on Instagram @designlifekids and #designlifekids.