Low-Key Valentine’s Date Ideas
Article by Lizzie West
Big gestures, fancy flowers, chocolates, and elaborate dates – these are the things we think of this time of year. Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us and it may already be too late to make a reservation at the fancier places around town. Whether you’re in a newer relationship and don’t want anything high-pressure, you have a million kids and no sitter, or you just waited too long to plan something hugely extravagant, the evening doesn’t have to be a dud. Here is a list of thoughtful and low-key ideas to celebrate your romance this Valentine’s Day. This is a great list of ideas to use for a Galentine’s get-together, too!
Indoor Picnic
Whether you make the food yourself or you take a trip to the store for a fruit tray and some pre-made sandwiches, sitting in the living room with the lights low and reconnecting with your loved one is the point of this exercise. Add in your partner’s favorite adult beverage, play some great tunes, and make an evening out of it.
Game Night
This is great because you can do this on your own or make it a couples night with some besties. You can choose a more intensive game if you want that challenge, or something lighter like cards if your focus is more on conversation while you play. Order in your favorite takeout or maybe something you two ate together often when you first met for a nostalgic feel.
Watch a Guilty Pleasure Movie
Pick a goofy movie you are both a little embarrassed to admit you love and never have time to watch together. Give yourself an excuse to veg out in your PJs. While you decide what movie to watch, head over to the store and make it a proper movie night with your favorite candy, popcorn, and drinks – for a cheaper price tag than you’d pay going out. And the best part – unlike going to the theater, you can pause the movie if you want! This is the ultimate in low-key dates to keep things chill and laugh the night away together. The focus in this idea is just to laugh and have a blast together.
Cook Together
This one might be scary if you two aren’t comfortable in the kitchen, but the name of the game here is teamwork. This doesn’t have to be a five star meal. Maybe you just make some store-bought pasta and sauce with some ready to bake garlic bread, at least you’re doing it together. Or go to the store and buy some fancy cheese and tomato soup to make your version of “gourmet” grilled cheese. Getting out of the house is also an option, with places just about everywhere that have cooking classes and provide everything you need to make the meal together. Have fun with it and realize, you can always order a pizza if things don’t work out. Don’t take it too seriously and enjoy each other’s company and a few moments to yourself.
Treat Yo-self
Instead of a big elaborate date, go out for ice cream, indulge in your favorite dessert, or go to a local coffee place. This is really great for busy parents that can’t afford hours of babysitting or newer couples that aren’t ready for that full-on Valentine’s date commitment. And if you’ve got kids at home, you can bring them back a treat and show them some love also. Make sure you take your time, don’t rush, and commit a moment to really showing your partner some love.
Go for a Walk
Scout out some nice parks, hold hands, and pack a snack. When the weather is nice and you have comfortable shoes you can create a mini getaway for you and your love. Take in the beautiful scenery and be mesmerized by how great it is to just have a moment to breathe together! Commit some time and reconnect with your partner with a few quiet moments, some chirping birds, and you might have a change to watch the sunset together.
Day Dates
Many times, Valentine’s falls on a weekday. Whether you are a student with time between classes, or your kids are at school and you want to take a little time off, sometimes a day date is the best way to have time together. If the kids are at school, there is no need to pay for child care and you can pick from a ton of restaurants that are open for a lovely lunch together. It’s ok to splurge a little and enjoy a lunch and maybe a trip to the store without kids where you can look at anything you want. Talk about your future and reminisce about your past, celebrate your present and steal a kiss or two while you’re at it. Another great option for a day date is going to a museum or antique shop where there is no romantic pressure.
The main idea with these dates is to think of something that will provide the right atmosphere to enjoy time with your partner, connect without the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and hit the reset button so you can wake up the next day with a renewed spirit and a smile on your face. None of these things have to be super romantic, but they leave room to create that little romantic bubble as well if that is your goal. Don’t be afraid to get creative or recreate a memory. And it’s not frowned upon to include a heartfelt card with flowers, candy, or a small gift as well. Happy Valentine’s Everyone!