If the idea of buying a box of chocolates and one-dozen roses sounds so cliché to you, here are 10 Valentine's Day dating ideas to enjoy with your date, that won't break the bank.
Plus, Valentine's is on a three-day weekend, so you can enjoy these activities, regardless of your relationship status over the period of almost 100 hours.
10 Out-of-the-Box Fun and Creative Valentine's Day Date Ideas
1. Take a Dance Class. Dancing to tango music can be very romantic. Dress up for the occasion and find a class near you. If tango isn't your style, try salsa or hip-hop as an alternative. It will get your body moving and can get you in the mood for a romantic and memorable evening. Even if you can't find a class anywhere, take your Valentine dancing at a local spot with live music anyway!
2. Ride the Ferris Wheel. There's something romantic about riding the Ferris wheel, especially when it stops and you're feeling like you're on top of the world. Remember to kiss your Valentine when you're staring at the stars together. Then hold your date tight as you ride the roller coaster together. Show them you're there to protect him or her. Snap some photos and post them on Instagram (with permission from your date).
3. Skate Away. Whether it's ice-skating or roller-skating, take your Valentine to the closest rink in town. You'll find yourselves reminiscing about your childhood memories, while you get a little physical activity. Remember to catch her if she falls!
4. Create a Digital Scavenger Hunt. We know you're attached to your mobile phones and tablets (it's okay, so are we), so create a little mystery with your very own personalized scavenger hunt. Not sure where to start? Begin the day with a "Happy Valentine's Day" text and send the first clue. When she arrives at the destination, send her a second clue requesting a Skype or FaceTime chat where you can wish each other a Happy Valentine's Day, video style. Third, send another text message on where you'd like her to go next. Have her pampered with a manicure or pedicure to get ready for your big date night, or even send her to a spa for a relaxing massage. Fourth, at the end of the day, post a lovey picture of the two of you on her Facebook page for her and her friends to 'like.' Finally, send her a digital invitation with the exact location for your Valentine's date. Remember to take photos along the way and share them on all of your social media accounts so everyone can see how you celebrated with you love.
5. Go to a Wine Tasting. Many local wine bars allow you to stop by and taste several options before deciding on your favorite selection. Take your date to a bar known for their wine tastings, where you both can get a wine card for samples and compare notes. At the end of the night, buy him or her their new favorite bottle for the two of you to share on another date night.
6. Enjoy In-Room Dining. If you've waited until the last minute and realize that your date's favorite restaurant is already booked, no need to fret! Pretend you're on vacation and opt for an in-room dining alternative. You can take care of the appetizers and main course, but ask your date for input on the dessert the menu. Create great ambiance with candles, music, rose petals, and perhaps a bouquet of red tulips, if roses aren't in your budget. After that romantic dinner, there's not need to get a room. You're already there.
7. Book His-and-Her Massages. Having warm oil massaged into your body is surely a treat. If your relationship hasn't moved in that direction yet, book Swedish massages for the two of you in separate rooms, so you both can enjoy the experience and compare notes afterwards and say hello to relaxation.
8. Take a Cooking Class. Guys actually enjoy being creative in the kitchen. It helps with relaxation, so take him to a cooking class, where the two of you can whip up a fancy meal. Find a place to go for dessert together, with your menus in hand and order chocolate. It's the ultimate aphrodisiac.
9. Make it About Music. There's something uber romantic about sharing music with the one you love (or like). Plus, Shakespeare said, "If music be the food of love, play on." Make your Valentine's a night of music. Buy your Valentine a music CD or create a playlist, then stay in and watch a recorded concert on TV. Download a mobile app where you can name that tune and see who wins.Make a music playlist for him or her as a gift, then go out to hear some live music together. If your date's favorite band might be playing in the near future, surprise them and pick up some tickets as a gift. If the show is months away, watch some live concerts on TV together and download some music to listen to together, so you can get pumped for your upcoming concert date.
10. Go to a Fortune Teller or Psychic. He love me, he loves me not? Stop by a fortune teller or card reader with your Valentine to see what the future will hold. Don't worry, you don't need to kiss-and-tell after your turn.
P.S. Take your profile down before Valentine's Day. It's a leap of good faith that will help you have a Happy Valentine's Day.
How will you be celebrating Valentine's Day this year?
Julie Spira is America's Top Online Dating Expert and Digital Matchmaker. She was an early adopter of the Internet and is the CEO of CyberDatingExpert.com. Julie and her team create Irresistible Profiles for singles on the dating scene. For more relationship advice, sign up for the free Weekly Flirt Newsletter and follow @Julie Spira on Instagram and Twitter.
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