If you’re looking for the secret to the best Valentine’s Day date ever, we’re here for ya. Definitely read on! But first, in the spirit of transparency, we have to confess. When we first started interviewing women for this article, we had a “big date” mindset. We were set on giving you some awesome, crazy unique ideas (from our panel) to wow your wife or girlfriend this Valentine’s Day. But guess what? Along the way, something very interesting unfolded.
We discovered that the average woman isn’t looking for grand gifts or gestures. The dates that they fondly remember are the ones that are surprisingly simple — with romantic, thoughtful little touches sprinkled throughout. Yep, that’s it. That’s the best kept secret! The women we talked to (of ALL ages, mind you) aren’t looking for all of that Instagram overly-styled stuff! What they want is time with YOU. You’re the main ingredient to the best Valentine’s Day around. (Well, you, and some chocolates.)
So with that in mind, please take a big ol’ sigh of relief and check out the our top ten ideas for a memorable date – shared by the girls on our panel. Yes, sometimes grand gestures are fun, but take some of the pressure off of each other and plan a Valentine’s Day date (or anytime date) that is simple, thoughtful, and relaxed. Those are the times she’ll always remember!
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First Valentine’s Day Ideas
Before we get into the “seasoned” daters, we want to help you with the first Valentine’s date! Quick Tip: You might not want to make Valentine’s Day your actual first date ever – just for your own sanity. Ha! If you meet right around Valentine’s, it’s acceptable to give her a little box of chocolates, then ask her out for a later date. It just might be too much pressure (for both of you) to make Valentine’s Day the first time you ever go out. Of course, it’s up to you. Read on for some ideas for new relationships!
Brand New Dating Relationships | Valentine’s Day Ideas
If you’ve been dating a short while, and aren’t deep into the relationship yet, these date ideas are fun & low-pressure. Since most restaurants are stuffed to the gills on Valentine’s, try some of these activities:
*head to a bookstore with a little coffee shop area for some fun conversation & getting to know each other
*check out local festivals around town and head there. (Some will have Valentine’s themes going on). There will always be something going on or something to focus on at festivals, & it takes a little pressure off of both of you.
*Go ice-skating, roller skating, or play some indoor mini-golf. It’ll be fun & also won’t require a lot of sitting-across-from-each-other awkwardness.
*Have a food truck evening. If your city has a designated area where food trucks congregate, be sure to tell her to dress warmly & head over to sample ALL the foods!
*Go Cosmic Bowling or glow-in-the-dark bowling. Bowling is a fun activity by itself, but add the music and the glow & it’s romantic without being awkward or over-the-top!
Above all, keep it fun & light. In addition to these ideas, a little box of chocolates lets her know you are aware it’s a romantic holiday while keeping it pretty low-key.
Seasoned Relationships |Head to A Favorite Place
Do you remember the movie “My Best Friend’s Wedding”, when Jules was trying to locate Kimmie? She asked, “Do the two of you have a ‘place’?” Think of a location that has special memories or significance to the two of you as a couple. Somewhere that has a little history – maybe the first date you had, or a cozy coffee shop with live music and mood lighting that you both love. Building on past memories is a great way to strengthen your relationship, too. Be sure to bring a card & a small box of chocolates with you & present it to her after coffee or dinner!
If you live near a beach or lake (& have warm weather), try locating a little mom & pop restaurant on the beach, preferably with “live” guitar or piano music. Sit outside nearest the shore if you can, so you can hear the sound of the waves while you dine. Be sure to call ahead to find out if you need reservations -they may even have a Valentine’s special for the two of you.
Bonus points if the singer or band takes requests — get them to play “your song”!
Valentine’s Day Movie Night Ideas
Stop by your local grocery, dollar, or discount store and pick up the fixings for a fun & romantic movie night. Don’t forget the popcorn & boxed candies –just like the ones at the movies! Make a “watch list” ahead of time of some fun movies so you don’t spend the whole evening searching. Here are some of our panels favorite romantic comedies:
A Walk to Remember (not really a comedy, but great movie)
And there are plenty more to choose from out there – just pick one or two and go with them!
Have a Romantic Dinner at Home
Cooking together can be a fun & romantic way to spend the evening. Find out ahead of time what her favorite dinner is, google the recipes, & pick up the ingredients.
If you’re a beginner cook, & you feel like her faves are too detailed or difficult, go to plan B. Call a restaurant and pick up her favorite dinner to go. Turn on some music (we have a romantic playlist here!) & set up your table with candles & real plates. Have a vase of flowers for her on the table as well. You can pick up inexpensive roses or any kind of flower bouquet at your local grocery store. And if they aren’t already in a vase, just stop by your local dollar store and grab one.
Mix it Up & Add Some Humor with a Waffle House Valentine’s Day
Doing something fun, unexpected, & maybe even a little quirky can bring romance to the forefront of an long-term relationship. Go online and search for Valentine’s activities in your area, or even look on Facebook under “Events” to find local activities. One of our panelists told us of one of her most funny, memorable Valentine’s Day below:
If Waffle House is something you think your girl would like, be sure to check here first to see if any of the restaurants near you will be participating. Then call them asap to put in your reservation. Easy peasy!
Make it a Museum Date!
Museums can be a romantic place to slow down, enjoy some art for the soul, and spend quality time with each other. And it can also be economical! One of the women we surveyed told of how much fun she & her husband had, doing just that:
Stay in and Slow Dance
Set up a romantic slow dance playlist on your phone or Alexa a couple of days before Valentine’s Day. Then pick up a take out dinner, and set the table (see romantic dinner at home above). Afterwards, light some candles or the fireplace, dim the lights, & put on your slow dance music. Never fear if you don’t know how to dance. You can get by with just putting your arms around each other and shuffling slowly back and forth, if need be. But if you’d like to step up your game a little bit, check out some videos like this one!
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
If you’d like to also give your Valentine a gift, we’ve put together a gift guide – Top Ten Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her. Be sure to check it out for unique & thoughtful gifts she’s going to love.
Here’s to cupid & a great Valentine’s Day for the two of you!
Related posts:
Top Ten Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her
15 Romantic Slow Dance Songs | Our Ultimate Romantic Song Playlist
14 Cute, Simple, & Memorable Proposal Ideas She’ll Love
