5 original Valentine's Day date ideas

Valentine’s Day is just one day out of the year to show your appreciation to the ones you care about. But it’s also a great excuse to try something different or exciting for a change.

Maybe you’re dating someone new and really want to impress them. Or you’re in a long-term relationship and feel stuck or out of fresh ideas. Or maybe you’re just looking for something fun to do with your friends!

This Valentine’s Day, commit to spending quality time with your loved ones — even if you’re also giving them a gift! To help you do this, here are 5 Valentine’s Day date ideas for every style and budget.

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Dancing

If you really want to impress your date, choose a classic activity like going out dancing. It’s easy to see why this romantic Valentine’s Day date idea is a perfect fit for the occasion. There are so many different options, whether you’re more into classic dance or just want to get your groove on under a disco ball.

And if you have two left feet, there’s still hope! Dance lessons double as a great gift and a bonding experience, and they’re available in many different styles. Plus, you can build your confidence up to hit the dance floor come next Valentine’s Day.

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Ice skating

If you live somewhere where it’s already cold, why not take advantage of a fun, seasonal activity like ice skating? You’ll impress your partner with your creativity and learn something new in the process. If the weather does not allow you to visit an outdoor ice rink, you can always check indoor ones in your area.

If it’s your first-time ice skating, here are some tips to ensure the experience goes smoothly. First off, dress comfortably. Avoid restrictive clothing, and wear something that you can easily move around in. Thick socks will also help you avoid blisters from your ice skates. Last but not least: don’t take yourself too seriously and don’t be afraid to fall down. Having a sense of humour is the best way to ensure this kind of date is a success. Just bring some warm gloves to protect your hands, and have fun!

Photoshoot

If you and your date are the types that like to get glammed up and strike a pose, this one’s for you. This Valentine’s Day activity counts as both a date and a gift, since you’ll also end up with a memento of your relationship that will last forever.

There are many ways to do a Valentine’s Day photoshoot, beyond filling a studio with red, pink, and white everything. Our top suggestion for this Valentine’s Day date is to choose an activity that you both enjoy doing. Another fun idea is to recreate your first date by returning to the same location or incorporating the small details that made that day so meaningful. If you have your own professional camera, you could also DIY this date and make it more candid and authentic.

Look your best in your Valentine’s Day photos. Find and book hair, barber, makeup, and nail appointments on Booksy!

Staycation

Sometimes a staycation can just mean staying in and recharging. But staying home doesn’t have to mean being cooped up inside your house. If you’re itching for a change of scenery but a trip isn’t feasible right now, consider turning your Valentine’s Day weekend into a luxury staycation.

The key to a staycation is to change up your routine without actually going far from home. Step 1: pick a radius that you’d like to stay within. Then, surprise your partner by booking a hotel stay in an area where you’d like to spend more time. Step 2: act like you’re actually on vacation. Play tourist in your own city, take an extended spa day, go see a play or a concert, or have a five-course dinner.

Tattoos

This one’s definitely not for the faint of heart! But if you’ve found your forever love or BFF and want to make things permanent, getting a tattoo together can be a special shared experience. Matching tattoos can be clever and fun, but they’re also quite risky. If you’re dead set on getting a matching tattoo, here are some pointers to help prevent buyer’s remorse and avoid expensive cover-ups or tattoo removal in the future.

For matching tattoos, it’s best to start small and choose something that can easily be covered up in the event that the relationship doesn’t work out. Tattoo artists also recommend choosing images rather than text or special dates. Most importantly, think outside the box. The internet is full of inspirational pics, but the best idea will be meaningful to each of you individually and as a couple. If you’re stuck or need inspiration, your tattoo artist can help create the tattoo of your dreams and give you tips to avoid doing something you’ll regret. Pssst – you will find the best tattoo artists in your neighbourhood on Booksy!