Love is officially in the air, well, Love should really be celebrated all year round. This year is definitely different in comparison to last year before the pandemic hit. You’re probably wondering, what you could potentially do since maybe your annual or initial plans have been placed on halt due to restaurant closures or state policies, but I have you covered with these simple valentine’s day activities and gift ideas.
I’m here to spark some of that old school creativity, which I hope, will ignite something new into the relationship. After all, isn’t the point to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company no matter where or how? If anything this pandemic has taught us, is that life is precious, lives are fragile, and it’s all about the simple things.
For those of you who may be separated from your loved ones because of travel restrictions or lock-down, I also have you covered. You can still make the best of it, even if you both may not be in the same location, at the moment. Stay strong and look forward to the day you can be in each others arms again.
ACTIVITY IDEAS
Virtual Cooking Class
I’ve always wanted to register for a cooking class and it’s a popular valentine’s idea that most look forward to because it’s an activity couples can do together. Alas, since in-person classes are unavailable, you can research and see if there are any virtual classes available in your area. If not, YouTube is a great resource to try a new recipe together.
Dinner + Movie
You may argue this is super cliche and old school, but who doesn’t love dinner and a movie? It’s a moment for both couples to wind down from a busy day, turn off phones, and just enjoy each other’s company. Make dinner or order takeout and get those candles out for that beautiful touch of romance.
Game Night
Time to bring those board games that you’ve had stored away in the garage. Play those favorite games you enjoyed as a kid. Let out that child like innocence and remember what it was like to chill and have some fun.
Weekend Getaway
If neither of you are comfortable to fly anywhere, this is the perfect chance for a weekend getaway either to the coast or somewhere you’ve always wanted to go. Hotel rooms may be booked, but you can research on airbnb for some cute locations. If you can’t make a weekend getaway happen, then make it a one-day mini road trip.
Homemade Pizza
Have you ever wanted to make a homemade pizza? Now is the chance. Again, an activity that involves both people to participate and add their favorite ingredients.
Go on a Hike
We can easily feel so frustrated being cooped up inside the house all day, especially working from home. Take a look at any good trails or hiking places near your area. It’s important to get some fresh air and reconnect with nature.
Breakfast in Bed
Simple, but oh so delicious. Surprise your partner with breakfast in bed and add a rose for a romantic touch. Seriously, it’s the simple details that make all the difference.
Some good breakfast ideas are cheese and veggie omelettes, pancakes, or french toast! Can’t go wrong with adding a little maple syrup for some extra sweetness. Key is not to rush the morning and enjoy every second.
Watch the Sunrise & Sunset
We get so caught up in our busy lives that we forget the very things that occur on the daily. Question, when was the last time you watched the sunrise or the sunset? Go on a morning walk and watch the sunrise and later on grab a blanket to watch the sunset.
This activity helps you reflect on the day, appreciate the world and the people you have around you, watch something beautiful in silence, and feel grateful to another day. I challenge you not to grab your phone and take a photo. Make it a weekly ritual with your partner.
Recreate your First Date
If your first date wasn’t the greatest, you can try to recreate how you would have wanted it to be. If your first date went amazing, wouldn’t it be great to relive that moment again? It’s a cute activity to remind you both why you said yes to a second date.
Each Person Chooses an Activity
As with every couple, there will be things you’ll have in common, and other things not so much. You both may not like the same activities, but this is a good challenge to experience what the other likes. Whether it’s shooting some hoops or painting, you’ll both get to step into each other’s world and share one of your favorite hobbies together.
Dance with the Perfect Romantic Playlist
As I’m writing this post, I’m listening to Spotify’s Valentine’s Day playlist. Turn on some romantic tunes and slow dance the night away. Slow dance? Yes, bring back some of that old school love and make it better than Prom Night.
Talk to Each Other
You’re thinking, but we already talk to each other everyday. Yes, but do you actually TALK? I don’t mean discussing how frustrated you felt with your micro-managing boss or that you got stuck in traffic.
Have you ever seen those couples at a restaurant who would eat and neither would talk to each other? They would just stare at their food or one would end up reading a book. Don’t be like those couples.
This is a good opportunity to share what you admire about the other. To recall the details that made you fall in love with the other. Also, this is a good time to reflect on the relationship. Instead of talking about what could be improved in the relationship, discuss the ways YOU could strengthen the relationship.
At Home SPA
Time to really steam things up a bit. Light up some candles, grab the body oil and turn on your favorite spa playlist. Give each other a relaxing massage and end the experience with a shared bubble bath and some champagne.
Virtual Date Night
If you’re currently separated from your partner due to COVID and current travel restrictions, have no fear. You can still enjoy this day together, even if virtual is your only option at the moment. You both can make this day romantic.
Get dressed up as if you’re both going out for dinner, agree on a recipe you both can make from home, choose a bottle of wine that is available where you’re at, and watch a movie together using Netflix’s Party extension. You can share these experiences via Zoom, Skype, whatever form of method you currently have. It will be as if you’re both in the same space until you reunite again.
GIFT IDEAS
Gratitude Journal
We easily get caught up in the constant frustrations of the world. A terrible day at work can flip your entire mood. This gratitude journal is the perfect gift for couples to start the day and end the day with gratitude.
Create a Scrapbook
Remember these? Well, they don’t have to be so horrendous. Collect a few of your favorite memories together and write or share what you loved and thought during this moment.
A picture may not always say a thousand words, so this is a good opportunity to share what you were thinking and feeling in each of those moments. A cute way to tell your partner why each memory is your favorite and special to you. You’ll be surprised and enjoy reliving each moment.
Gift a Poetry Book
If you know your partner loves poetry, gifting them a book from one of their favorite poets is a good way to go. We all appreciate being gifted something that we love and are surprised when our partner remembers. Yeah, it’s the best feeling when someone remembers a detail about us and thought they weren’t paying any attention.
Frame a Photo
With Instagram and Facebook albums, you hardly see people developing and framing photos. I, myself, can’t even remember the last time I had a photo framed. Scroll through your photos, pick a favorite one that means a lot to you and frame it.
Order Flowers from a Local Business
You can easily stop by at New Seasons or Safeway to get flowers. However, if you know of any local floral shops or local businesses still open for pickup or delivery, show them a little love and order from them instead. You’ll help someone out that day and also receive a custom made flower arrangement.
Handmade Card
This doesn’t have to be as cheesy as it sounds. It’s not like you’re going to paint your hand and stamp the card. Unless, that’s your jam and she/he digs it. Write one of your favorite poems, include a favorite photo of you two, a couple’s massage giftcard that you’ll both use for when this pandemic is over, a voucher for a weekend getaway trip or anything else that sparks your imagination.
Create a Gift Box
Create a box filled with their favorite snacks, movies, books they’ve had on their wishlist for a while, face masks, wine or drink of choice, etc. This box is all about what they like. It’s more personal and your partner will appreciate the details.
Whether it’s on Valentine’s or not, these simple Valentine’s Day activities and gift ideas are perfect all year round for any occasion. If you’re currently apart, you can still do a lot of things from this list. Watch the sunset/sunrise together, you both can watch each other make a pizza, mail each other a gift box, TALK to each other, etc.
Love is a beautiful thing. If you have it in your life, embrace it, remember it, and hold onto it. Goodluck and keep the romance alive y’all!
