Valentine's Day is right around the corner. It is a day celebrated all over the world; love in the traditional sense, but also as a form of self-love and more recently friendship love. Of course, like everything else we celebrate, in the last years it has become more and more consumer-oriented. Things to buy, places to go, flowers, dinners, chocolates, presents. There's obviously nothing wrong with spending time with your significant other on a special day, but it doesn't have to involve spending a lot of money. If you agree with me, read on for some more intimate ways you could spend your date night. No flowers and chocolates, I promise.
1. Create something yourself
I'm a huge fan of personalized presents. Unless I know exactly what the other person wants, I like to make things myself: a painting, a meal, a knitted scarf. If you lean towards the creative side, this should be easier for you. If you're not, however, don't fret, there are other things on this list that might suit you.
2. Create something together
Time spent with someone you care about can turn into time doing something creative in and of itself. A date could involve cooking a three-course meal together and sharing it. I always encourage people to cook because it's so amazing; it tastes good, it smells good, it looks good, and it's healthier and cheaper. What could be better than cooking together with another person? Personally, cooking is my way of showing people that I love them. If that's not your thing, however, try gardening-I know I said no flowers, but this is different-painting, cosplaying, or anything that suits you.
3. Get them something they need
Sometimes it's better to get people something they want. Most of the time, however, I go with things someone might need. Whether it's a garment for the cold weather, or a new toaster, getting something that will undoubtedly be used is usually much appreciated.
4. Get them something meaningful
There are times that call for more sentimental presents; something that is very personal to your relationship. That could be a framed star map with the positions of the stars on the night you first met, kissed, got married, etc., if that's your thing. OR you could adopt an endangered animal from the World Wide Fund For Nature in their name (or both your names), if that's you're thing.
5. Go for a long walk
A long walk on the beach with a bottle of wine in one hand and a guitar in the other is always so romantic, isn't it? If the weather doesn't allow for the beach, the park or the woods would do. Just going for a hike together could be fulfilling for some people.
6. Watch a movie
Do you have a childhood favorite? Perhaps a date night is the right time to revisit it and get a little nostalgic. If you're not on a date with yourself but with someone else, a moviethon is what I would suggest. That way, everyone's happy.
7. Get them a book
Of course there would be books in this list! They're the best present you could get someone. They're inexpensive, fun, and there's a genre for everyone. It doesn't have to be fiction, it could be a book on something the other person is interested in: football, gardening, self-help or the history of socks. There are plenty of books to choose from. I bet you can't go wrong with this one.
So there you have it: last-minute ideas for Valentine's day that don't involve flowers and chocolates. Of course all the above apply to any special occasion, not just Valentine's: birthdays, anniversaries, promotions.
How will you be spending this Valentine's?
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