21 Romantic Ideas for Valentine’s Day - COVID EDITION
Years ago, Billy and I started a class on marriage at our church. It was a sweet season for us, and as we approached Valentine’s Day, we asked all 130 participants to PLAN a Valentine’ish date…execute…and if possible, share photos of their efforts.
Back then, we created a list of our favorite, inexpensive ideas for Love Day to share with our students. As the holiday once again approaches, and we find ourselves in the middle of a world-wide-pandemic, I thought I’d alter the list to reflect necessary limitations and safety concerns.
21 Romantic (and Inexpensive) Love Day Ideas
Linger over a fashionably late dinner.
Put those kids to bed. Order take out. Bust out the nice plates, light candles, play music. Pour a glass of wine. You aren’t in a hurry.
Whip up something new together in the kitchen.
Years ago, my cousin bought Billy and I a book called Dinner Dates. It contains detailed menus, shopping lists, and “who-does-what” lists. Similar lists can be found online, or just make it up as you go!
MOVIE NIGHT!!!
Put a little something extra into it though. Move the furniture. Pull your mattress out into the living room (or blow up an air mattress). Pile it HIGH with pillows and blankets, and have fun watching the movie as long as you can! I dare you not to fall asleep.
Cuddle by a fire.
Sure, where I live, I may have the air going in February. But what’s the big deal really about having a fire with the air on for one evening? Add a little chocolate, great conversation. What’s not to love?
Virtual Tours.
Hey, we do what we gotta do right? Did you know, many museums, such as the Smithsonian have AMAZING online tours, that are F.R.E.E. Take an hour. You’re not in a hurry, there is no line. Read about the exhibits. You might learn something.
Read a book out loud together…with a warm drink.
Go on a hike (or walk) together.
Get your heart pumping, enjoy nature, get some vitamin D. It’s a win for everybody.
Try something new.
Sure, right now indoor sky diving, or rock climbing may be hindered by COVID restrictions, but what about roller blading in your own neighborhood? How about trying a new bike trail, or a couple hours spent in a borrowed kayak? Hit your friends up. BORROW SOME GEAR. Then, head to the great outdoors. PRO TIP: Return gear in better condition than you found it…that way your friends will remain your friends and not mind lending to you again in the future.
Do a scavenger hunt.
There are literally thousands of these free online. Pinterest has a ton of them. Research for yourself. Works best when you are in a silly mood. It just might be hilarious.
Head to the movies…the movie movies.
You might not be able to access the movie theaters in the traditional ways where you live. However, here in Alabama, our Drive-In-Theatre is alive and doing really well! Bonus, you get to see TWO movies for the price of one. Also, if you have a little cash to spend, AMC is renting ENTIRE THEATRES out for $99 and in some cases, you get to choose the movie! How fun to have an entire theatre to yourself.
Create your own Painting with a twist night.
Order a Paint-By-Numbers kit off Amazon (if you want to finish in one evening, don’t be to ambitious). Pour a glass of wine. It’ll be more fun than you think! Trust me.
Spa Night.
(Use your own imagination)
Campfire.
One evening, we drove to a small campground. It wasn’t open per say, and we didn’t plan on spending the night. We drove to a secluded spot, that happened to have a lovely view. We pulled two camping chairs from our trunk, some logs for the fire pit, and marshmallows. We watched the sun go down, and froze our butts off, but it was all good. All good.
Camping/Star Gazing.
For that matter, you can actually go camping. Sleep in a tent…without the kids. Might be more fun than you think.
Break our the wedding video.
Ours is on VHS tape, but maybe yours isn’t? :)
Make chocolate covered strawberries.
…or chocolate covered anything for that matter.
Sit beside one another on the couch or bed.
Send playful texts.
Pillow fight!
Take an online yoga class, or kick boxing, or Tai Chi or anything!
Learn something new.
Write an old fashioned love letter to one another.
Read them out loud to one another. Extra points if you can make it rhyme.
Kiss
Free, healthy, and goes with out saying….
Now, get to it!
Celebrate love, trying, forgiving, being forgiven, friendship, creativity, trying again, and fun!
Blessings,
Shanna