Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, meaning shelves will soon be stacked high with heart-shaped candy boxes, pink and red flowers and piles of plush teddy bears. It’s true that we should show love and appreciation year-round, but there’s something so fun and romantic about Valentine’s Day and the romantic flowers and gifts that accompany the holiday.
It’s a great opportunity to flex your creativity and show her how you feel. There are different Valentine’s Day ideas for every relationship stage and some women care more about the holiday than others, so keep that in mind when picking out gifts or planning dates. Whether you’re looking for a laid back idea or something more extravagant, we’ve got all the ideas you need to wow her this Valentine’s Day.
Your girlfriend is sure to be impressed if you plan her a special outing on Valentine’s Day. There are many romantic indoor and outdoor date options depending on her tastes and interests. For additional inspiration, check out the top Valentine’s Day ideas in your city. Here’s a tip: Take your surprise date to the next level and blindfold her while you’re driving there so she has no idea what to expect. Just remember to make plans and reservations in advance since everything books up quickly on and around Valentine’s Day.
If your girlfriend loves to get out and explore, cater to her adventurous side and plan a romantic outdoor date. Depending on the weather and where you live, some options include hiking, camping, boating, hitting the slopes and kayaking. A great gift to pair with this date could be some outdoor gear that’s on her wish list like a sleeping bag or a thermal water bottle.
For a fun and quirky Valentine’s Day, think roller skating rinks, carnivals, arcades, diners, and drive-in movie theatres. Even if you live together, make a point to get ready separately, pick her up and arrive at the doorstep with roses in hand. Spend the evening sharing milkshakes and fries or snuggling at the drive-in.
Whether she loves pinot noir or pale ales, a tasting is a low-key and fun idea that can be its own date or a precursor to dinner. Go on-site to a winery or brewery or just visit local spots to make an adventure out of it. Pro tip: Keep an eye out for which drink is her favorite so you can buy her a bottle or growler as a gift — either for Valentine’s Day or a future occasion.
If her favorite artist or sports team happens to be in town on or around Valentine’s Day, surprise her with tickets. If the event is out of town, make a mini vacation out of it by getting a hotel and exploring the area. She’ll love the show and be impressed by the effort that you put into the experience.
Spend time with each other on Valentine’s Day by learning a new skill together. There are all kinds of classes to suit everyone’s interests — like cooking, baking, massage, painting, sculpting, dancing, mixology and many more. As a bonus, if you both like the class, make it a regular date night or a new hobby for you both to enjoy.
For a romantic and glamorous night out, get dressed to the nines and take her to an opera or symphony performance. Not only are the venues gorgeous, but there’s something so powerful and romantic about live classical music.
Take your girlfriend on a weekend getaway to spend quality time together, explore a new area and be tourists for the weekend. If you aren’t at the level in your relationship for a weekend-long outing, a fun day trip to a nearby city is a good option.
If you’ve been together for some time, recreating how you first met or your first date is a fun and romantic way to celebrate. Your first date is a sentimental blast from the past that she’ll love — plus, it’s a great opportunity for a proposal if you’re at that point in your relationship.
