When you’re dating someone, it can be difficult to come up with ideas for Valentine’s Day. You don’t want to get too big or bold too quickly, but you also don’t want to underestimate the holiday for fear of possibly upsetting your new partner. Here are a few different date ideas for you and your Valentine that are low-key yet fun and thoughtful.
Make a home-cooked meal
If you want to do something different from the usual dinner date, try cooking a nice dinner for you and your valentine. Not only is it cheaper than eating at a fancy restaurant (and much easier to get a reservation), it’s a thoughtful gesture that’s more meaningful than eating out.
If cooking isn’t you or your Valentine’s forte, try a cooking class for a couples. Learning new skills and achieving something together is a great way to grow a relationship, and it’s sure to make for an unforgettable date night.
Have a bonfire
It certainly takes some skill and planning, but building a campfire is a fun way to stay warm on a frosty Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re lighting the fire pit in your backyard or warming up outside, cozying up in front of the fire with your Valentine is sure to be a romantic evening. Roast s’mores or enjoy other campfire snacks and stay warm with hot chocolate or a boozy beverage.
Whatever activities your date entails, it’s important to be safe, and if you’re planning to host a bonfire, that includes fire safety.
Go on a ghost tour
Ghosting on Valentine’s Day may not be your idea of a great time, but going on a ghost tour with your Valentine is sure to be a terrifyingly fun time.
If you live in or near an older town, chances are there are a few ghosts hanging around, and a few people eager to introduce them to you and your valentine. Ghost tours are a great way to explore your city in a different light (or lack thereof) and learn more about its history. Additionally, many ghost tours include other activities, such as dinner or a pub crawl. What better way to get closer to your Valentine than to hold each other for dear life?
Take a pottery course
Speaking of ghosts, a pottery class is another fun, hands-on date activity. You will both feel the satisfaction of learning a new skill and creating something together. Many pottery studios offer date night specials, especially around Valentine’s Day, so check your local studios for events.
Experience a night in the museum
A museum is a great place to mix up your date routine with a typical dinner, drinks or a movie. And you might not have to stick around during normal business hours either. More and more museums are hosting evening events, such as cocktail hours, concerts and more. Contact your local museums, botanical gardens, science centers and more for the perfect event for you and your Valentine.
Get pairs of STD tests
Sure, it might not seem like the most romantic date ever, but Valentine’s Day is about showing your partner that you care about them, and what better way to show that you care about them and their health than by to get tested?
Partners who get tested before their first sexual encounter can dramatically reduce the risk of passing on a sexually transmitted disease or infection to their new partner. When both you and your valentine know your status, you can seek the treatment you need, if necessary, and practice safer sex so you can avoid more hassle for both of you later.
No matter which of these Valentine’s Day date ideas you choose, the most important thing is that you and your Valentine have a safe, fun time together.