Valentine’s Day is supposed to be the most romantic day of the year, so you may be feeling a lot of pressure to make it perfect. With so many gifts, cards, flowers, and restaurants to choose from, it can start to feel a little overwhelming. Fortunately, we’re here to help you find a unique Valentine’s Day date idea so you can focus on what really matters: your Valentine.

In our opinion, the perfect Valentine’s Day is made up of the following three things: The Dinner, The Date, and The Gift.

The Dinner

To create the perfect Valentine’s Day, the first thing you’ll need is a little advance planning. This is especially true if you have your heart set on a specific restaurant for your V-day dinner. Remember, Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular holidays for restaurants, so reservations book up fast.

But you also don’t have to spend a ton of money or go to a five-star restaurant to have a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. If you and your partner are obsessed with that ramen place around the corner, go for it! Restaurants that are more casual are less likely to be crowded on Valentine’s Day.

Pro tip: Restaurants get so much business on Valentine’s Day that their Prix fixe or set menu is actually a way for them to serve more efficiently, not to serve their best food. In the industry, Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve are often referred to as Amateur Night.
If you hate crowds or loud places, you should consider getting takeout and having a romantic candlelit dinner at home. There are plenty of restaurants that have delicious takeout options. This is a great option if you’re tired from a long day of work – after all, Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year.

If you love cooking, you can still get great deals on meat and fish from the supermarket. To make the evening special, consider cooking a dish that neither of you has tried before. Creating a nice meal with your partner can still make for a fun evening. Whether you choose to cook or get takeout, whip out a tablecloth and those nice dinner plates that you rarely use, and light some candles. Making your dining room slightly different than usual will make your evening feel more special.

The Date

There are plenty of fun activities to do on Valentine’s Day with your partner. If you live in a cold climate, your options may feel limited. Fortunately, this is not actually the case. Here are some simple but memorable Valentine’s Day date ideas.

Game Night

Invite some couples over for a night of board games. You could also do guys versus girls – a little friendly competition never hurt! This is a great option if you don’t want to spend a lot of money. If you don’t own many board or card games, ask your friends to bring some of theirs so you have more options.

Or, if you and your partner love sports, consider getting tickets for a sports game, like basketball or hockey.

Movie Night

Forget watching movies in bed or on the couch. Create a comfy, adult-sized pillow fort using sheets and blankets. It’ll feel super cozy in the winter. If you have string lights, try to incorporate them into the fort for a romantic vibe. Plus, when was the last time you made a pillow fort? Bring your laptop into the pillow fort and watch movies. This is another great option if you want to do something special without spending too much money!

Taste Something New

Tour your local brewery or winery. Beer and wine tastings are a perfect way to try something new and after a few glasses, you’ll both start feeling the romance of the day. You may even learn something new.

See Something New

Visiting a museum is a great way to bond and learn new things with your partner. Immersing yourselves in beautiful art or rich history is a lovely way to spend an evening. You could even try visiting an aquarium and see the wonders of the sea. These options are all indoors, so they’re perfect for a chilly winter evening.

Treat Yourselves

Spend the evening at a spa with your significant other. Getting a massage towards the end of the workweek will be a great way to destress. Plus, if the spa has a sauna, it’ll be a great way to escape the winter chill.

The Gift

Get your partner a gift to show them how special they are to you – and get them one that’ll last. Flowers and chocolates are nice, but it’s not the kind of thing that reminds them of your love every day.

If you’re looking for a more personalized gift, consider a letter pendant with their initial.