Creative Valentine’s Day Date (or Girl’s) Night Ideas, Because You’re Not Basic
The last things most of us want to think about are the ridiculous pressures and expectations that come with Valentine’s Day. All the prepackaged versions of love that get served up to us can be lame and unfulfilling. You may feel left out if you don’t have a partner, or you may just not want to participate in a so-called Hallmark holiday. But watching all the people around you get loved up can still be a total bummer, no matter how stoic your façade.
We’ve rounded up a few ideas for a very nonbasic Valentine’s Day. You don’t have to get wrapped up in the old trope of a dinner date and a box of chocolates to feel the love.
Volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue organization
There’s no more immediate way to feel unencumbered love and thankfulness from other living beings than to spend some time with a dog or cat that needs some attention. The cuddles and kisses will be exactly what your heart needs to warm right up. Don’t do it for just one day though; keep going back!
Treat yo’ self in the seasonal aisle
Seriously: Hit up Target, the grocery store, Walmart, or whatever retailer you like, and indulge in the seasonal aisle. If you love heart-shaped chocolates, get them. You want those pens decorated with hearts, the “follow your heart” paper plates, or that string of heart-shaped lights? Buy them! Reclaim the holiday. It is not about couples. It is about love.
Take a flight
If you’ve got a crew of besties or one special person, go out for a themed night you can both agree on, and take a flight. We mean a flight of the tasting variety. Go for wine, whiskey, tequila, beer, or whatever you like to wet your whistle with — just make sure you arrange for a ride home.
Visit a psychic
Do it alone, do it with friends, do it with a significant other. Ask about your love life, or ask when you’ll get rich. Take it seriously, or don’t. Consider it a glimpse into the future, or consider it inconsequential. Whatever you do, get into the spirit of this adventure.
Dine
Loads of people go out for dinner on Valentine’s Day, but they typically stick with the prix fixe dinner menu at a run-of-the-mill restaurant and end up having an ordinary dinner. Make yours an experience. Try eating Ethiopian, Filipino, or Burmese cuisine, or try a Vietnamese-inspired take on French food. Give your taste buds a jolt!
Skip the hearts, and scare the crap out of yourself
If you really can’t stomach all the hearts and flowers, go for blood and guts instead. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, along with many other movie theater chains, offers a horror movie alternative on Valentine’s night for true haters. You can stage the same type of fright night in your living room with Netflix if you prefer.
De-stress
Seriously, the world is hectic right now. Valentine’s Day and all the heavy work that goes with it might not be worth your time. Take a yoga class, practice progressive muscle relaxation, do Reiki, or take a walk instead. If you try one of these activities with a partner, it can be seriously romantic as well as seriously relaxing.
Learn something new
This is a good one for people rolling solo, hanging with friends, or coupling up: Learn something new. Have you always wanted to take up flower arranging, learn about different kinds of cheeses, make your own candles, or learn to juggle? There’s a class for that. Sign yourself up!
Have a laugh
Go to a comedy show (amateur night is the best budget option). Go to a funny movie. Stay in, and watch a marathon of Parks and Recreation. Multiple studies have proven that laughter is a great stress reliever, lowers your blood pressure, burns calories, releases endorphins, and boosts your immune system.
Go on an adventure
Your local YMCA (or similar recreation center) has a whole book full of classes that will likely include group bike rides, hikes, climbs, and walks to get you out into nature. Breathe in some fresh air, take in the scenery, and make Mother Nature your Valentine.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
