For many of us, Valentine’s Day is a guilty pleasure. I like to say that I live my life subversively; that I enjoy experiences that are out of the box. But when it comes to Valentine’s Day… I enjoy a sugary-sweet day with my honey just as much as anyone else. Whether you enjoy Valentine’s Day with someone or on your own, here are five great Valentine’s Day date ideas that take you both indoors and outdoors.
Dinner and a box of chocolates with your sweetheart is a lovely, traditional way to spend Valentine’s Day, but it isn’t the only way to do it. Valentine’s Day is a great time to partake in a unique date idea. It’s also the perfect excuse to take yourself on a date, or to spend some quality time with another single friend!
1. Get lost (in each other’s eyes) outdoors
An outdoor date is a fantastic way to connect with your partner when you’re tired of being cooped up indoors. Check the Valentine’s Day forecast in your area to determine whether a winter hike might be a good option—or if you should consider a road trip instead.
The magical feeling of being alone together in the world offers the perfect setting for a romantic day, and portable snacks like mulled wine, charcuterie, and apple crumble are a wonderful companion for a winter hike. I recommend taking a map, compass, and wearable GPS device to make sure that the only “getting lost” you and your sweetheart will be doing is in each other’s eyes. Make sure that your hike will be in a service area for your GPS before heading out, too!
2. Try something different for your Valentine’s Day date
No matter how old you get, classic winter activities from your childhood make for a great date. Try something you haven’t done in ages with your honey, like winter activities such as tobogganing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or skating. The nostalgia of your favourite parts of your childhood pairs perfectly with snowy kisses outdoors. You can even bring along a camp stove (in permitted areas) to warm up a winter snack to go along with your activities.
In areas of Canada where the snow is off the ground by February, consider couples’ roller skating or orienteering in your local walking trails. I love the smooth pavement of shared pathways for anything with wheels, but when it comes to walks and explorations, going to the city’s edge can deliver an altogether new experience. There are often plenty of gorgeous, quiet walks in large suburban parks, so try driving to a new area of the city if you’re searching for something fresh and exciting.
3. Put a twist on a classic Valentine’s Day date idea at home
Valentine’s Day dinner doesn’t have to be a limited two-hour seating at a local restaurant. For an indulgent date night at home, I recommend picking up a finish-at-home meal in advance from your favourite restaurant. Add a few romantic candles and some mood lighting to create ambiance, then add a bottle of wine to complete the evening.
Valentine’s Day date night menus can be pretty pricey, so dining in can help save a little money, too. For something really special, I like to recommend that couples set aside the budget that they would have spent in a restaurant—and then use it to enjoy something really nice at home. Whether that’s a meal upgrade, a well-aged bottle of wine, or a full flight of your spouse’s favourite desserts, it’s easy to make Valentine’s Day at home stand out.
4. Stargaze and wildlife spot on a romantic hike
You can gaze into your partner’s life any day of the week… but during this Valentine’s Day date idea, you can do more gazing than that. A pair of binoculars and an intimate hike are perfect for wildlife watching and birdwatching. (I live downtown, and I have a city version of this, too: we like to spy on the neighbouring office buildings with my binoculars!)
If you’re staying indoors, a telescope will let you stargaze in detail with your loved one from the comfort of your own home. Stargazing is a great date on its own, but it pairs perfectly with other plans, too! Forget about a dinner reservation and a movie featuring your favourite Hollywood stars; dinner at home and stargazing between kisses is where it’s at this year.
5. Play a two-player video game for Valentine’s Day
One final Valentine’s Day date idea that I love is a two-player video game. This date idea is relatively casual and low-stakes, but choosing a game that you’ll both enjoy is a sweet gesture that any gamer would love. For some couples, that means playing a noisy shooter together (one of my best friends and her husband bond over Halo; it’s strange but extremely endearing). For others, that means starting a new farm together in Stardew Valley.
Raise the romance level with a game that’s a dedicated multi-player game. I’ve really enjoyed Unravel 2 and Child of Light, but there are plenty of options out there to suit your sweetheart. There are also more ideas on how to spend Valentine’s Day at home (indoors) here on the Best Buy blog, so consider trying something new this year!
Explore Valentine’s Day at Best Buy today and start planning your date early.
