Whether it involves splurging out on a spiffy 4-course dinner for two or overdoing it on a hefty bouquet of roses (which, if neglected, may not even last a full week), it may be time to throw in the towel on those grand romantic gestures and get back to the basics.
Take a bit of pressure off of your Valentine’s Day (and wallet) this year and instead, focus on the more genuine and simple gestures that will leave a more lasting impactful, impression than that overpriced platter of shellfish.
1. DIY Love Coupons
Put your creative skills to the test and let your inner artist be free. Get crafty by making your very own booklet of love coupons that your other half can use at their leisure throughout the year. Start off by labelling each one as “This coupon is good for…” and go wild filling in the blanks! Give them the luxury a free foot rub or a movie night of their choice. Need further inspiration? Why not check out our arts and crafts magazines to help get you started.
2. Cook Up a Storm
So you may have to sacrifice a quid or two (depending what’s in your kitchen), for a romantic home cooked dinner. Stay in, crack open a bottle of wine, pop on a couple of goofy chef hats and cook up a storm. Make it a team effort with your Valentine to cook up your very own Valentine’s Day feast, follow a recipe from one of our many food and cooking magazines, or follow your hearts and enjoy it all in the intimate space of your home.
3. Board Games
Monopoly, Poker or Scrabble, there’s nothing like a bit of healthy competition between you and your Valentine to ignite the romance. Grab a bunch of your favourite board games, a couple of beverages and get ready to take down your opponent. Or if you prefer to battle it out on your TV screen, then check out our gaming magazines to gain an upper hand.
4. Spa Day at Home
Download a playlist of super zen tunes, light up a few candles, draw bath full of bubbles and create your very own mini spa break from the comfort of your home. Who needs a professional masseuse when you’ve got your wonderful Valentine? Indulge in a romantic night of pure relaxation, with a couple of homemade face masks and shut out the world for a little while.
5. Jar of Hearts
Who says all the romance has to be crammed into one single day? Keep the love going by writing down different date ideas, little notes or places to visit in the future and place them all in a jar. A little jar of hearts is like a bank account of date nights for you and your Valentine; never feel indecisive about what to do together again!
However you choose to mark the occasion this time around, just remember that it’s always the thought that counts!