Alright, folks, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you start planning right now—yes, today—you can go all out and be a hopeless romantic this Valentine’s Day. However, if you wait until the last minute, you’ll end up taking your date to Taco Bell for dinner, followed by kiddie cupcakes and wine for dessert. Neither of those options will show your loved one how much you care. If you have children, now is the time to find a babysitter—before you’re left with the mysterious punk rocker teenager who wears chains on her boots to watch your kids for a few hours. (Trust me, that will ruin your date night.) So, pick up the phone, start dialing, or send an email—and make those plans!
Far too often, Valentine’s Day isn’t just a day of love, but also one of sadness and self-pity. The woman in your life may say that she doesn’t want flowers, doesn’t care about candy, and doesn’t expect a piece of jewelry. Still, there isn’t a woman alive who wouldn’t love a hopelessly romantic Valentine’s Day. The truth is, no matter your budget, how many kids you have, or what you do for a living, there’s always a way to make Valentine’s Day special—and incredibly romantic! The worst thing you can do is let this Valentine’s Day slip away unnoticed.
Think of this upcoming Valentine’s Day as if it’s the last one you and your loved one will ever have together. Honestly, you never know. If you’ve skipped the romance the past few Valentine’s Days because of a house full of kids or a tight budget, you’re making a BIG mistake.
Here are a few ideas to make Valentine’s Day romantic!
- A helicopter ride around the city. If you’ve never taken a scenic tour of a big city at night from a helicopter, you must try it. If money is tight, you can always share chicken nuggets during the ride and sip on wine. In big cities, the fees for such rides are often more affordable than you might expect. It’s a romantic experience you’ll never forget. The city lights are beautiful.
- How about a scary movie night to get you and your significant other snuggled up on the couch? Order pizza, send the kids to Grandma’s, light some candles, dim the lights, and curl up under a cozy blanket to watch something thrilling and gory. This is how many teenage romances start—and you might be surprised how enjoyable it feels to just be together.
- Make a reservation at the restaurant she’s been dying to try. If you make reservations in advance (as in, today), you might just get a spot before the Valentine’s Day rush. She’ll be so impressed by your thoughtfulness that the night will likely end in an extremely romantic way.
- Are you outdoorsy? How about setting up a romantic tent getaway? Who cares if it’s in your backyard? Build a fire pit, bring a sleeping bag, and spend the evening ‘roughing it’ together under the stars. The cool air and starry sky will definitely set the mood for romance.
- Renew your vows. No one else needs to be there but you and your significant other. Even if you didn’t get married on Valentine’s Day, it’s a perfect occasion to renew your vows—especially if you both write them yourselves and then exchange them in a private ceremony for just the two of you. If you have children, invite them to witness the renewal, and then escape for a short and sweet honeymoon.
- Make a reservation at one of those “cook it yourself” restaurants. This experience will have the two of you working together in the kitchen to prepare a gourmet meal that you can then enjoy together. When was the last time you created something as a couple?
- Send your spouse on a scavenger hunt. Start with sweet little cards that guide him or her to various locations. Be sure to include lingerie as one of the stops! The hunt could end in your bedroom, with rose petals scattered on the bed, romantic music playing in the background, and you waiting on the bed. Start with a massage and take it from there. All the thought you put into the scavenger hunt will definitely pay off.
You don’t need to spend an extravagant amount of money to have a romantic Valentine’s Day. What matters is that you’ve put time and effort into creating a special evening for just the two of you. It’s the thought and planning ahead that will show your significant other just how much they mean to you. You don’t have to splurge—Valentine’s Day is about celebrating the love you share with someone special. It’s a perfect time to remember those initial feelings that brought you together in the first place—and to create new memories that will last forever.