9 Most Romantic Things to Do for Valentine’s Day
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Valentine’s Day 2024 is more than just exchanging gifts. Yes, it’s not something to get too excited about or do extraordinary things. It’s just an opportunity to spend quality time together and make memories. Making little romantic efforts on V-day can truly add an extra sparkle to our connections. So, whether you find yourself in the youth of 18 or navigating the richness of experience at 40, explore these ideas about the most romantic things to do for Valentine’s Day and make this day memorable for years to come.
1. Record “How We Met” video
Documenting your unique love story can have a long-lasting, memorable impact. And there are several ways to tell your love story too: from “the story of how we met!” like Nara and Lucky, Matt and Abby, Sam and Monica, Sarah and Derik, Ian and Lezl, to recreating the scene as if it’s a movie starring you two. Either way, pick a camera you have and record a video, sharing your first date, first “I love you,” and other memorable events that shaped your bond. But if recording the video somewhat feels uncomfortable, you can create the story using pictures, screenshots, voiceovers, and music, and upload it to YouTube for the sake of long lasting memory. Just make sure you understand YouTube copyright rules.
2. Write a “How Well You Know Me” list
You don’t always need to do something extra special for your BFFs on Valentine’s Day. Sometimes simple, playful moments can become as memorable as grand gestures. So add an extra dose of romance this V-Day by finding out how much you both really know each other. Grab a pen and paper, and sit down together to write a “How Well You Know Me” list. Take turns coming up with questions about each other’s likes, dislikes, and quirks. It could be anything from favorite movies to secret talents to all your whens, whys, and hows.
3. Take a “Slow Travel” together
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a unique twist this year by planning a ‘slow travel’ journey starting right from the month of love. Slow traveling means a journey that is free from jam-packed itineraries and travel burnouts but covers more ‘feel comfortable’ elements. It’s a trip where unwinding ‘rest stops’ and ‘being in the moment’ happen more often—and where couples could find themselves doing more ‘shoulder shuteye’ and less plugging into the world. In short, take a leisurely trip that eliminates the stress of a big bucket list, bypasses famous touristy (and noisy) spots on Earth, and prioritizes getting good rest that ultimately feels like you’ve completed all your much-needed sleep.
4. Plan a night under the stars
Alright, I know it might sound a tad filmy, but stargazing is not just about looking at the stars. But it’s a perfect excuse to spend some quality time in cozy outdoor blankets, enjoying the calming, peaceful, and intimate vibe together. You can start your stargazing setting right from your own backyard or rooftop space—or take this experience to out-of-home locations like the remote countryside, botanical gardens, nearby parks, or the sandy shores of a beach. Before you plan out things for stargazing, do some preparations beforehand. This could be a checklist and cozy date essentials, and some deep conversation starters. Avoid stressing about making everything ‘perfect.’ It’s okay if the guitar strings break down in the middle of “My Heart Will Go On…” The idea is to be with the person you want to spend your life with till your last.
5. Cook a romantic meal at home
“Home is where the heart is”, and on Valentine’s Day, let cooking brings that heart even closer. Whether you’re a kitchen whiz whipping up a feast every other day or someone who rarely dons the apron, romanticizing cooking for two at home can be a sweet way to celebrate love on this day. Now this might be a breeze for you, especially when you’re navigating the most home cooking department, but it can be challenging when you aren’t at all. In the second scenario where cooking doesn’t seem to like you, this is an excellent opportunity to try something to surprise your partner with your not-so-perfect cooking talent.
Either way, try to think about a home-cooked meal your significant other would love to eat or what kind of dish you haven’t had for a while together. Once you have an idea, put on your apron, turn up the tunes, and let the aroma of love fill your home as you cook up a special evening for the two of you. Need some inspo? Here are some easy-to-cook ideas for homemade romantic dinners for two:
- Grilled chicken with rosemary and lemon
- Pasta carbonara with a side of garlic bread
- Homemade pizza with your favorite toppings
- Salmon with a honey glaze and roasted vegetables
- Shrimp scampi served over a bed of linguine
- Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
- Pasta Aglio e Olio
- Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
- Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables
P.S. Cooking together is a more romantic and shared activity that strengthens our relationships.
6. Hide a secret message in a bottle
Do you remember we used to play those innocent games in our childhood? How about reviving that nostalgic scene again on the day of love? Storing a secret message in a small bottle is a cool Valentine’s Day idea for couples. All you have to do is to write your behind-the-scenes letter expressing yourself with a heartfelt message or tuck something personal inside like jokes, promises, a map to a secret gift box, or sweet memories. It could also be a note with tickets to planned future activities. For example, tickets to dreamy vacation spots, concerts, cozy staycations, live shows, or something your partner always dreamt of experiencing. The choice of the bottle will also matter like this small vintage bottle with corks will sure to add a unique touch to the overall experience.
7. Visit a favorite restaurant you went to for a while
What was the first restaurant you two stepped into together? Don’t worry if you find it challenging to recall. The goal is to relive the past by dining at restaurants that hold special memories of your relationship. A romantic dinner for two on Valentine’s Day becomes even more special when you revisit those initial favorite dating spots. And as you order your favorite dish, don’t forget to explore the menu, trying something new besides your usual favorites.
TIP: If you have some pictures from your first date at a restaurant, you can snap new pictures there and create a before-and-after collage for a sweet memory lane stroll.
8. See sunrise or sunset
@alesiakozik | Pexels
Just like the stargazing experience: spending quality time with peaceful sunrise or sunset settings is another most romantic thing to do on Valentine’s Day. Even if temps outside is cold, seize this ideal chance to have fun together.
Find a nice sheltered spot with a view in advance to watch the sunrise or the sunset. Check on the weather forecast and try to reach your planned spot about 30 minutes before the ideal set time. Bundle up warmly with layers, hats, scarves, gloves, and bring essentials like a camera, cozy blankets, snacks, and hot drinks to complete the experience.
9. Leave home for a romantic night out
Let’s admit it: during the chilling weather, we really don’t want to step out of our warm comfy space. But sometimes it’s alright to brave the chilly temps for the sake of a romantic night out. After all, we don’t have to stay outside embracing the chilling air as long as we plan a movie outdoors. So plan a surprise night out by keeping the event secret. It could be local events, concerts, ice skates, live entertainment, dance studios, romantic rooftop dinners with a view, a helicopter tour, or even a simple fondue night. Make sure anything and everything you plan has shared interests with your best friend.
