35 Unique Valentine’s Day Ideas That Go Way Beyond Dinner and a Movie (2024)

Whether you've been together three months or three decades, it's no secret that coming up with some great Valentine's Day ideas can be can be stressful. (We'd even go as far as to say it causes more anxiety than figuring out how to

plan the perfect first date.) There is good news, though. There are still plenty of ways to make Valentine's Day special for your partner, girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, or wife, or even someone you're not dating...yet.

If food is the way to your significant other's heart, skip that fancy-schmancy dinner and take a virtual cooking class together or treat her to a sweet breakfast in bed. Perhaps you could learn how to do the salsa (there are online classes for that, too), paint a museum-worthy still life, or make a vision board. Not to mention that there are also plenty of things you can do if you're celebrating Valentine's Day on a low budget (think: a scenic hike, a competitive game night, or a mind-blowing at-home massage).

Are you and your partner total bookworms? Us, too! Head over to your favorite local bookstore and spend some time picking out a book for your plus one to read. Might we interest you in a new romance novel? If you do go in that direction, take turns later reading each other your favorite (or cheesiest) passages.

Going to a rage room might seem like a strange idea to celebrate romance, but it’s actually the perfect way to blow off some steam! If you and your partner have been stressed lately, visiting a rage room gives you an opportunity to let out all of your worries. According to Healthline, smashing things together is a “great way to start a conversation about what’s getting us so worked up in our lives.” It will not only bring you and your lover closer, but it'll also be an energizing and empowering activity that gets you out of your emotional comfort zone.

Is there a better comfort food than homemade pizza? The answer is easy–no. If you’re planning on having a night in filled with board games or a movie marathon, spice things up by engaging in a competitive pizza-cooking competition. Both you and your partner get your own dough and then have creative freedom to add any toppings you want to make the winning pizza. Whether you want to design your pizza off the top of your head or get some inspiration from Simply Recipes or A Couple Cooks, this activity will definitely be adrenaline filled as you both race to be the best. Hint: If you want to be clever, mold your dough into a heart-shaped pizza to one-up your partner!

The right vintage thrift shop is like a treasure trove of old goodies waiting to be newly discovered. Grab your partner and go on a scavenger hunt in your local vintage shop—even if you don't find something to buy, the items might spark conversation, or nostalgia from beloved bygone eras.

After you finish making a Valentine's Day playlist for each other, take date night to the next level with a local concert. If your favorite music venue is closed, consider a virtual concert instead.

According to Psychology Today, the bond that forms from teamwork releases the brain chemical oxytocin in humans, "which is also linked to experiences of empathy, generosity and org*sm." So, put on your coziest pajamas, grab plenty of snacks, pop a bottle of bubbly, and use an app like HouseParty, which features fun trivia, or JackBox games to re-create that pub feel at home. You can also bring out your favorite board games. It's not just a fun way to pass the time—studies show that having fun together is one of the most important factors when it comes to marital satisfaction.

If the weather allows, take a mini adventure in your own neighborhood or city. You may discover some hidden gems on your new route. Plus, the physical exercise releases endorphins. Alternatively, you can go to a spin class together, try yoga, or have some fun doing dance cardio.

If you get wanderlust looking at all those beautiful travel posts on Instagram, use Valentine's Day as the perfect excuse to take your significant other on a scenic train ride date where you can marvel at the great outdoors.

Spend the day sampling a selection of local brews at a nearby brewery. Or, hit up the grocery store's beer aisle and create your own flights at home.

More likely to order a piña colada than a pilsner? Then you'll raise a glass to this date idea: Craft your own co*cktails—with some help from a virtual mixology class. Renowned bartenders Lynnette Marrero and Ryan Chetiyawardana teach the essentials of co*cktail making—including how to mix the perfect old-fashioned, whiskey smash, martini, and sherry spritz—in a series of Masterclass courses, while New York City–based mixology company Liquid Lab offers a variety of interactive Zoom classes, in which you can learn how to make everything from their signature (and seasonal) Rudolf Spritz and Jolly Gingersnap to classic tiki drinks and whiskey co*cktails.

If the daily grind is interfering with your ability to connect, watch a comedy show, says relationship expert Rori Sassoon. A study in the published in the journal Human Nature found that the very act of laughing together helps people open up. Chicago’s legendary improv theater The Second City offers a variety of weekly online shows, Denver's well-known Comedy Works is livestreaming a select number of performances, and Nowhere Comedy Club, which launched shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic began, has an impressive lineup of stand-ups nearly every night. Of course, you can also skip the live part entirely and stream specials from some of the best comedians on Netflix.

The ultimate sweet something for your sweet someone? Breakfast in bed—featuring a spread that only includes heart-shaped treats. (We recommend picking up these heart-shaped pans, cookie cutters, and/or mini treat molds.) Think: red velvet pancakes or waffles, breakfast pizza, frosted doughnuts, raspberry streusel muffins, peanut butter cookies, freshly baked bagels, cheesy egg toast, and just about anything else you can come up with. Oh, and, of course, we'll make an exception for mimosas.

For a more interactive evening, Mary J. Gibson, a relationship expert for DatingXP, recommends dancing to get your heart rate up. A variety of dance classes are now offered online: Learn how to foxtrot, tango, and two-step during one of Ballroom Dance Chicago's Zoom lessons; Dancio teaches beginners how to do a plié and a pirouette; and CLI studios offers lessons on everything from tap to hip-hop. (Pro tip: Just make sure to put on some romantic background music.) You can also, of course, fire up YouTube and learn choreo to some of your favorite music videos.

If you have the time, plan a romantic day to relax and focus on each other, says psychologist and relationship expert Paulette Sherman. Some spas offer a full day fee that includes a massage, as well as access to hot tubs and indoor pools. If that's not in the budget, a cheaper alternative is to fill your bathtub with essential oils, line it with candles, and take a couples bath. Or give each other a massage. You can find tips for that here.

Raise those feel-good endorphins by getting in some outdoor exercise, if weather permits, says Sassoon.

If you prefer to stay home, consider a fun and interactive cooking experience instead of ordering takeout. Try a "cook-off"—you each make a dish, then fill out score cards to determine whose skills are superior. If you're ambitious, you can even challenge yourselves and make a full course meal. Or, you can bring the show Chopped to life, says Sassoon. Give each other a mystery basket of ingredients, and see what you can come up with.

Want to step up your Valentine's Day date? Put on your warmest winter coat, lace up your hiking boots, and hit your favorite local trail—or an entirely new one. Either way, you're guaranteed to see some stunning scenery, and you'll have a chance to have a deep, meaningful conversation (start with these thought-provoking questions), without any interruptions or distractions. And if it's not too chilly, make sure to pack some sandwiches, pasta salad, potato chips, and chocolate chip cookies, so you can stop at a particularly gorgeous overlook and set up a picnic lunch.

No art skills to speak of? No matter—studies show that when couples do activities, like take a painting class together, their bodies release more oxytocin. You can look for studios like Painting With a Twist or Pinot's Palette in your area, or participate in one of Yaymaker's virtual paint nights.