Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!

I believe this day is a great excuse to spend time connecting with your partner and making them feel special. You might be thinking that it’s too late to get a reservation for Valentine’s Day, but if you’ve worked with me then you know I love getting creative with date ideas. Below I share Valentine’s Day date ideas for couples who can’t find a babysitter, for couples who have a tight budget, and for couples who want to splurge.

If you haven’t yet, it’s important to discuss expectations before any holiday. Your partner can’t read your mind; so if you’re secretly hoping they will do something special for Valentine’s Day, it’s time to let them know. Set your partner up for success by being clear about your desires. My husband knows that I desire flowers for Valentine’s Day and our Anniversary. It was vulnerable to share that with him in our first year of marriage, but I knew it wouldn’t be fair to have unspoken expectations.

Knowing your partner’s love language can be helpful in determining how to show your partner love on Valentine’s Day.

If their love language is words of affirmation, writing them a love letter might make them feel cherished. To make it extra special, spray the letter (from afar, so it doesn’t stain) with your perfume or cologne.

If your partner’s love language is quality time, leave the phone alone on Valentine’s Day and give them your undivided attention. For the partner who longs for quality time, spending time just the two of you without the TV on might be preferred.

For those who desire acts of service, take some tasks off of their to-do list so they can relax. If your partner carries the majority of the mental load, take it upon yourself to be the one who books the babysitter, plans the date, and cleans up a bit before you have to leave for the evening.

For physical touch, a romantic, candle-lit massage at home might be a nice way to end the evening. Throughout the day, intentionally going out of your way to hold your partner’s hand or give them a hug might make them feel loved.

If receiving gifts makes your partner feel loved, make sure you put some thought into the gift you give them. Buying your partner a generic box of chocolates on your way home from work might not make your partner feel loved unless your partner loves chocolate.

If you don’t know what your partner wants, ask them!

If you don’t know what your partner’s love language is, ask them to do this quick free quiz: Love Languages Quiz

Here are some last-minute Valentine’s Day date ideas!

For couples who can’t find a babysitter or prefer date nights at home:

– Order a heart-shaped pizza from Boston Pizza

– Download the free Gottman App “Card Deck” and ask each other questions from the “love maps” card deck: 

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gottman-card-decks/id1292398843

– Make a meal together and eat it by candle light

– Cozy up on your patio with a glass of wine

– Buy a fondue set, some fruit, and chocolate and have a fondue night at home

– Have a spa night at home

– Play board games at home

– If your partner is into DIY’s: buy the supplies to make something together

– Have a wine and paint night. Follow along with one of Bob Ross Videos on YouTube for some creative inspiration: 

https://www.youtube.com/@bobross_thejoyofpainting

– Have an indoor picnic in your living room