By Rebekah Lowin, Feb 3, 2021 – CountryLiving.com
Whether you and your significant other have been together for years or just a little while, it’s been said that the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift is time spent together. (We’re not saying that there’s anything wrong with “receiving gifts” being your love language!). For some, there’s pressure to express your love with a grand gesture on February 14. Others believe it’s the little things that count. Whatever you decide to do on Valentine’s Day this year, you can’t go wrong with a thoughtful and sweet card. Need a little help putting your feelings into words? These Valentine’s Day wishes and messages will help you express how you feel to your loved one.
If food is the way to your honey’s heart, a surprise breakfast in bed or a fancy, at-home Valentine’s Day dinner for two (or both!) might be the way to go. Try a virtual cooking class for a truly unforgettable meal. Not in the mood to clean up the kitchen? Order takeout from one of your favorite restaurants near you. Then cozy up together in your winter finest (did you say comfy PJs on the sofa?) and settle in for a romantic Valentine’s Day movie marathon. No matter how you choose to celebrate, we’ve rounded up a list of some of the absolute best things to do with your spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend for a memorable Valentine’s Day 2021.
- Take a hike.
Even if it’s cold where you live, taking a scenic hike is a great way to unplug and unwind this Valentine’s Day. Maybe there’s a favorite spot where you live, or you might want to try one of the best hikes in the U.S. Either way, you’re bound to have a fun time because you’re in great company.
2. Take an online mixology class.
Learn how to craft cocktails with a James Beard honoree who has been at the forefront of the NYC craft cocktail movement and the founder of the world’s best bar, and become each other’s favorite bartender.
3. Play tourist in your own town.
Is there a landmark in your town that you’ve always wanted to visit? Or a museum you’ve never seen? Become tourists in your own home and finally check off one or two of those bucket list items you keep putting off. Get into the role by snapping tons of pictures throughout the day.
4. Set up a waffle bar.
Is brunch your favorite meal to eat together? Build the waffles of your dreams by setting up a DIY waffle bar. All you need is some waffle batter, a waffle maker, and all the toppings your hearts desire. Try the Sautéed Apples, Pear & Cranberries shown here.
5. Make a scrapbook of your relationship.
Even partners who aren’t so into crafts will get a kick out of this fun activity. Gather up photos of your relationship, old ticket stubs, and meaningful receipts, and make a beautiful book that you’ll both treasure!
6. Bake something sweet.
Baking is a fun way to spend more time with your significant other. And you’ll have a sweet reward to enjoy together, like these Caramel-Chocolate-Walnut Thumbprint Cookies.
7. Eat breakfast in bed.
Whip up a delicious breakfast spread on Valentine’s Day and enjoy it lounging in bed. It will be a nice
8. Go for a drive.
No destination? No problem. All you need for this fun Valentine’s Day activity is a sense of adventure and a full tank of gas! You’ll both get out of your comfort zones while you explore new terrain. There’s no telling what you might stumble across.
9. Enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting.
Wine and chocolate: Both delicious on their own, but even better together! Base your tasting off our
10. Play hooky.
Take the day off from work and enjoy some R&R. Have breakfast in bed, do a crossword together, and binge-watch your favorite shows. Reminisce about how and why you two first fell in love.
11. Craft something together.
Try your hand at some DIY Valentine’s Day crafts at home. Consider an art project that you can hang somewhere in the house or craft creative picture frames for favorite photos.
12. Cook dinner together.
A special home-cooked meal can be so much more romantic than going out to eat at a super busy restaurant. Even if one of you doesn’t have chef-worthy skills, you can still make a memorable dinner
13. Write love letters to each other.
If you’ve never done it before, now’s the time to put in writing why your partner is so special to you. Tell them which of their qualities you most admire, how they make you feel, and why you fell in love with
14. Have a romantic movie marathon.
Grab the popcorn and settle in on the couch for an evening filled with your favorite rom-coms, like these favorite Valentine’s Day movies.
15. Exchange heartfelt gifts.
No, February 14 doesn’t have to be all about presents, but it is nice to give—and receive—a little token of affection. Consider purchasing an item your loved one has always wanted or even just gifting a DIY Valentine’s Day card.
16. Have a Parisian date night.
Pretend like you’re in the City of Love this Valentine’s Day. Make sweet (or savory!) crepes, share a bottle of wine, and put on some romantic music to set the tone.
17. Send your partner on a treasure hunt.
If gift-giving is your love language, send your significant other on a scavenger hunt dotted with trails of rose petals and handwritten clues to find their Valentine’s Day gift.
18. Take a trip.
Take a day or an entire weekend and venture to a destination neither of you have been before. You’ll get out of your comfort zone and have a fabulous time doing it!
19. Take a bath.
For a bubble bath worthy of a honeymoon suite, surround the tub with candles, sprinkle rose petals in the water, and set a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of Champagne within arm’s reach.
20. Practice yoga together.
Enjoy some Zen time together while stretching and breathing in sync.
21. Take a class together.
Is there a skill you both want to brush up on? Learning something new together is a great way to bond. Try a cooking class, dance lesson, or golf clinic, or visit masterclass.com for more ideas.
22. Make some music.
Who cares if you (or he) can’t carry a tune in a bucket? Have fun singing duets like Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers’ “Islands in the Stream,” Gwyneth Paltrow and Huey Lewis’s “Cruisin’,” “You’re the One That I Want” from Grease, or check out this list of the best country love songs for more inspiration.
23. Make heart-shaped food.
If there’s ever a time to make heart-shaped food, well, this is it! Pizza, strawberry pie, eggs in a basket, cupcakes… your imagination’s the limit on this one. Or, take the low-effort route and order a heart-shaped pizza.
24. Get to know each other better over a bottle of wine.
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25. Give each other a massage.
Grab a bottle of body oil, set the mood with candles and soft background music, and give your partner at least 30 minutes of massage therapy. They can thank you by returning the favor.
REBEKAH LOWIN Lifestyle Editor
Rebekah Lowin is the Lifestyle Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering food, entertaining, home decor, crafting, gardening, and holiday.
