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18 Unique, Last-Minute Valentine's Date Ideas Your Partner Will Love

Feb 14 2018 - 6:15am

Going out to dinner, to the movies, to a spa — I love it all. I just don't love it on Valentine's Day [1]. Because let's face it: taking your loved one out to any of these places, on this day revolving around romance, can be about as cheesy as showering him or her with an oversize teddy bear or a box of chocolates. (And you can bet I'm crossing my fingers my husband reads this!)

So if you, like me, are seeking some last-minute, non-cliché ways to surprise your partner this year [2], you're in for a real treat. Ahead are 18 unique — and budget-friendly — date ideas guaranteed to spark some romantic vibes!

Grab your laptop and head to your favorite spot for a DIY outdoor movie screening.

We all know going to the theaters on Valentine's Day can be a bit cliché — not to mention pricey and overcrowded. So why not stretch your budget a whole lot farther by creating your own movie screening? (Bonus points for timing the film around sunset!)

Create your own signature cocktail.

A little gin here, a little tonic there — Shake the night up by concocting your own signature cocktail together. Not only will taste-testing be a blast, but you and your SO might just become skilled mixologists by the end of the night.



Hit up an open road and get lost on purpose.

Sometimes, no plans are the best kind of plans. With an open road in front of you and no set agenda in mind, you're guaranteed to have an unforgettable, spontaneous adventure together.


Play tourists in your own neighborhood.

Take time to wander the streets in your own neighborhood and uncover all the hidden gems that have yet to be discovered. And if you're eager to take your exploration to the next level, create your own local bucket list [3] for the night.

Go dessert-hopping and end the night with a romantic stroll.

Craving an extra sweet date? Skip the fancy dinner and go straight for dessert. The more places you stop by, the sweeter the night will be.

Amp up your adrenaline and get outside.

Whether you and your SO head outside to hit the slopes, bike, or simply venture on a nice, long hike, there's no better way to get your heart racing than by ramping up your adrenaline.

Have a spa day at home and learn how to give great massages.

Since spas can be expensive and are usually booked solid around this time of year, why not save time and money by making a romantic, serene spa-like environment in your own home? Light candles, bring out the oils, and give yourselves permission to stay in robes all day.

Spend the night dreaming about the future.

Sometimes there's nothing more soothing as a couple than to simply dream together. Spend the night igniting your imaginations and sharing your wishes for the future. By the end of the conversation, you're bound to be bursting with excitement and inspiration.

Take a walk down memory lane and build a relationship time-capsule.

Tap into your creative side and craft your own relationship time-capsule. Not only will you share a handful of belly-laughs when reminiscing about old photos from the past, but it will also be fun to revisit these memories in years to come.

Have a boozy picnic in the park.

Avoid the frustrations of making overpriced dinner reservations by having a romantic picnic in the park. Fresh air, an open sky, and lots of Champagne — what's not to love?

Dress up and tour your dream homes together.

In the mood for a little fantasizing? Find a list of dream homes for sale in your neighborhood and get all dressed up to attend the open-house showings. Who cares if it's just wishful thinking; you never know what the future might hold.


Sign up for a Valentine's Day race.

Before Cupid showers you with chocolate and wine galore, lace up those sneakers and bundle up for a heart-racing run outside. No matter the distance, nothing will compare to the feeling of crossing the finish line together.

Be a kid again by spending the day at an amusement park.

If you're seeking an afternoon filled with thrills and chills, an amusement park is the perfect place to go. Exhilarating roller-coasters, spinning carousels, and a surplus of arcade games — non-stop fun is guaranteed.

Take a cooking class — without leaving your apartment.

Thanks to a ton of online cooking tutorials, you and your partner can partake in your own private cooking class without getting dressed and leaving your apartment. And the best part? The majority of these lessons are free!


Make homemade pizzas and have an in-home game night.

If you're looking for little playful competition, gather a stack of your favorite boardgames and have an in-home game night. The loser can be in charge of making dinner. (But save the dishes for another day!)


Go off the grid and spend a night under the stars.

For the ultimate date night, pack your bags and get out of town. Take the opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and simply focus on each other. Your heart — and mind — will thank you.

Have a spoil-each-other kind of day.

Whether it's serving your partner breakfast in bed or whipping up his or her favorite treats, spend the day spoiling one another. Take turns pampering each other for no other reason than simply because you both deserve to feel loved and appreciated.


Take the day to play hooky.

With all the chaos life can throw at us, let's be real: romance is usually the first thing to get shoved to the side. So instead of waiting until you both get off work, if you have the extra vacation time, why not consider taking the day off to spend together.

No matter if you plan an adventure or simply stay in the sheets all day, there's no doubt it will be a day to remember, as you'll be with the one you love most.



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