That overpriced menu need not apply. Valentines package for him 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. 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.
Are you and your partner total bookworms? Head over to your favorite local bookstore and spend some time picking out a book for your plus one to read. 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.
Is there a better comfort food than homemade pizza? 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. 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. 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 orgasm. 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. What’s more romantic than making your own chocolate-covered strawberries at home with hot melted fondue? 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 cocktails—with some help from a virtual mixology class.
If the daily grind is interfering with your ability to connect, watch a comedy show, says relationship expert Rori Sassoon. The ultimate sweet something for your sweet someone? Breakfast in bed—featuring a spread that only includes heart-shaped treats. For a more interactive evening, Mary J.
Gibson, a relationship expert for DatingXP, recommends dancing to get your heart rate up. 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. 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? 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. Activities like rock climbing not only release endorphins but also require couples to lean on teamwork skills and trust one another, says licensed psychologist Michele Leno, PhD. For Valentine’s Day, we recommend indulging your sweet tooth with a dessert-making class. You may not be able to root for your favorite sports teams in person—but, luckily, you can have just as much fun watching “the big game” from the comfort of your couch. Want to get in on the action?