The V-day is almost here, and you’re still struggling to find the best Valentine’s Day ideas for couples? Whether it’s your first Valentine’s day together or you’re already married and with kids, organizing something special is a great way to say “I love you.”
But if you want to surprise your significant other with Valentine’s day to be remembered, you’ll have to come up with something more original than dinner at a fancy restaurant. There are dozens of traditional ideas out there, that’s why we now want to inspire you with some original and offbeat suggestions.
1. Homemade Dinner
A fantastic idea for those who usually don’t cook. Surprise your partner with a homemade dinner. Create a select menu and print it, learn how to set the table properly, and cook something delicious, yet extravagant and surprising. Candlelight, soft background music and a glass of the finest wine will complete the décor and contribute to making a romantic atmosphere.
2. Stargazing
On a chill February 14 night, most people expect either dinner at restaurant or cuddling under the covers. If you want to stand out, break the rules and go stargazing with your date. This is a splendid idea if you have your first date on Valentine’s day. A blanket, snacks, a flute of champagne, and the magic of the universe will undoubtedly help you steal the first kiss.
3. Bonfire Night
If you two are the outdoorsy type, surprise your partner with Valentine’s bonfire night. A beach would be the perfect setting, but any corner of nature would do. Play a guitar, roast marshmallows, and get warm by the fire while enjoying the company of the one you love.
4. Karaoke Night
If you’re starting dating, why not propose a karaoke night? This idea is particularly suitable if you two met online but have never seen each other in real life yet. Going out in a public place can offer some security to your potential partner, making your night out more fun. Enjoying yourself with a cocktail and good music will also contribute to making the atmosphere less awkward if you run out of conversation topics.
5. Theatre Premiere
Does your partner have a more thoughtful soul? Surprise them with a theatre premiere. Most theatres propose romantic plays or modern interpretations of classic operas on this special night, so finding something suitable shouldn’t be hard. Alternatively, go for a movie night at your favorite cinema.
6. Day at Home
Sometimes, nothing can beat Valentine’s day at home. Just you and your significant other. Things don’t have to be less romantic just because you decided to stay home. Fill the house with good food and sweet treats. Invest in a chocolate fountain and serve the goodness with fresh fruit. Cuddle under the covers while watching your favorite rom-com, then conclude your day with a relaxing bubble bath.
7. Relaxing Spa
Wondering what to do on Valentine’s? When you’re short of ideas, a relaxing spa day can be the answer you were looking for. Many spas offer exclusive Valentine’s Day packages including private access for two, welcome drinks, and maybe even chocolate. But what’s more important, you’ll get to relax with your loved one.
8. Couple’s Massage
A spicier alternative is opting for a couple’s massage, or even squeeze a massage in your relaxing spa day. Chocolate massages are perhaps the most romantic ones. They’ll moisturize your skin and relax your body, awakening the desire in you.
9. Ice Skating
Another great idea for a first Valentine day together is going ice skating. Whether it’s your first date or one of the first dates with someone you truly like, skating can bring you two very close together. Not to mention the fun you’ll have if you’re not exactly mastering this activity.
10. Adventurous Getaway
Do you both love travels and adventures? Then nothing can beat an adventurous getaway to somewhere you’ve never been before. Whether it’s a city break or an escape into nature, discovering new places together is incredibly romantic.
11. Pamper in a 5-Star Hotel
If leaving your hometown is not an option but still want to spend the perfect Valentine’s night, book a luxurious — and all-inclusive — hotel room. Rose petals, champagne, and chocolates can give the final touch, but don’t forget to treat your partner with a-la-carte dinner directly in your room.
12. Treasure Hunting
A sure way to make Valentine’s special is by organizing a treasure hunting for your loved one. Hide clues and hints throughout the city, draw a map, and ask your partner to discover the treasure. This can be a nice restaurant, the place where you first met, or any other place with a significance for you.
13. Breakfast in Bed
While most people tend to organize romantic night outs, you can start pampering your significant other right from the dawn, with a delicious breakfast in bed. Set your alarm half an hour earlier than usual, prepare your partner’s favorite breakfast and don’t forget to add a little Valentine’s card or present on the tray.
14. Watch the Sunrise
If you’re both early birds, get out of the house before dawn, drive to the most magnificent viewpoint near you, and enjoy the sunrise. There is hardly something more romantic than watching the sun go up on a cold winter morning.
15. Fancy Brunch
Getting up early doesn’t sound like you? Why not have a fancy Valentine’s brunch. A rooftop restaurant could be the perfect place where to enjoy your day.
16. Cooking Class
Do you remember the old saying about love passing through the stomach? Well, if that’s true, perhaps joining a cooking class together isn’t a bad idea. We promise you’re going to have loads of fun while learning how to prepare a delicious dish.
17. Arts and Crafts
As an alternative to the cooking class, you can take an arts and crafts class. Be it painting, sculpting, or making pottery; there are plenty of hobbies to consider. If you decide to attend a specialized jewelry making workshop, you can even craft an engagement ring all by yourself to then surprise your better half.
18. Winter Picnic
A picnic is always a good idea if the weather is on your side. Prepare your basket of goodies, throw in a blanket, and enjoy lunch and the outdoors in your favorite secret place.
19. Sweet Surprises
Make this Valentine’s special by hiding sweet surprises where you know your significant other will find them. For instance, put a box of chocolates in the fridge, pastries on their desk, and stick a lollypop on the bathroom’s mirror. These sweet treats will definitely cheer up your partner.
20. Themed Museum Trip
A cultural Valentine’s day could be a great alternative to a hyper-romantic one. Take your date to a museum you know they’ll enjoy, to an art gallery or a temporary exhibition.
21. Dancing Class
If you’re looking for romantic night ideas for Valentine’s day, consider inviting your date to join a dance class with you. Nothing can create more atmosphere than a samba class, but you can choose whatever dance you like.
22. Wine Bar Crawl
Wine tasting with a twist? Why not. If your date’s into wine, propose a wine bar crawl. You’ll get a chance to taste more wine varieties and will make your night out a bit more memorable.
23. Second First Date
Romance tends to fade away after you’ve been together for years, but you can light up the sparkle by asking your partner on a second first date. Meet in the same place where you first met, wear similar clothes and do exactly what you did on your first date. You’ll sure revive a bunch of memories.
24. Stand-Up Comedy
A sweet idea if you don’t know each other quite well is going to a stand-up comedy show. The relaxed atmosphere will transform your night into a success, and you’ll also have a chance to say whether your date truly is your Valentine.
25. Burlesque Show
A spicy date night idea is to take your significant other to a burlesque show. Half-way between art and striptease, burlesque shows are truly erotic and can easily fire up the sparkle.
26. Tandem Bike Ride
Another way to wow your partner is with a tandem bike ride. If your partner loves sports and the outdoors, we’re sure they’re going to remember this Valentine’s day forever.
27. Ice Cream Tasting
Wine tasting is a classic Valentine’s activity, but what if your date doesn’t like wine? Propose an ice cream tasting session instead. Your living room is the perfect venue. Fill ten or twelve bowls with different flavors of ice cream, serve a drink that pairs with your choices, and invite your significant other to attend the sweet tasting.
28. Fondue Night
Fondue is a traditional French dish that’s all about sharing special moments with friends. So, why not use it to share a special night with your loved one? Either it’s cheese fondue or chocolate fondue, you’ll definitely have a great time.
29. Progressive Dinner Night Out
If you both love eating out, pimp up your usual date with a progressive dinner night out. Pick three to four restaurants and start with appetizers in the first. Have the first course in the second one. Eat the second course in the third one, then have dessert at a fourth restaurant. Lastly, go have a cocktail at your favorite bar.
30. Poetry Date Night
The romantic type will certainly love a poetry date night. Take your Valentine either to a bookshop or to a library to read them classic love poems. Alternatively, read to them famous love letters poets, writers, and artists have sent their loved ones.
While there are many things you can do on this special day, we hope these Valentine’s day ideas for couples got you inspired. In the end, don’t forget that Valentine’s is not about expensive gifts and fancy restaurants. It’s about sharing love and affection with your partner.
Tell them what they mean to you, make them feel special, loved, and above all, appreciated for who they are. These are undoubtedly the only things that can make this Valentine’s day truly special.