What do you think about Valentine’s Day? Are you an all-in, rose petals-on-bed person with a personal poem, or do you think Valentine’s Day is overrated and overpriced and that there are far better ways to show someone you love them than giving in to the mass hype that surrounds this one day of the year?
The reality is that none of us need a bunch of expensive roses that will die within a week, or a fluffy teddy bear hugging a satin heart embossed with “I love you.” If you do it Valentine’s Day gifts you have to do them right. I’m thinking of cute pink-red clothing sets, maybe a bit of jewelry, otherwise I wouldn’t turn down a box of fancy chocolate milk, if I’m being completely honest.
But the thing is, as I get older, I realize that the time I spend with my husband is far more precious to me than any physical gift. Because life is super busy, right? Especially if you have children, work and other life matters. We’re coming to the end of a few weeks and I’ve barely spoken to him, let alone spent any good quality time together. That’s why I wanted to share some Valentine’s Day date ideas with you. And most importantly, Valentine’s Day date ideas that go beyond the classic dinner reservation. Because let’s face it, no one should have to pay three times the usual price for a meal just because it’s February 14th!
Here are 5 Valentine’s Day date ideas that are all about spending time together, having fun and making memories.
Climbing outside
I’m an active girl, so the perfect date for me involves doing something physical and if it pushes me a little out of my comfort zone, even better. I’ve tried outdoor climbing a few times now: once on a via ferrata course in the Scottish highlands, and a few times on the treetop course in my local forest. That’s the beauty of climbing: you can scale it up or down depending on how adventurous you feel.
When it comes to climbing, safety is obviously crucial. Most climbing companies provide all the necessary equipment such as harnesses, ropes and clips etc., so you don’t have to worry about that. But you need to think about what clothes and shoes you wear. Shoes should be comfortable and grippy. It can be very slippery when climbing and although your safety equipment will prevent you from falling, it can feel quite nerve-wracking if you can’t hold on properly.
Climbing shoes are the ideal choice because they act like a second skin, providing support and also letting you feel the surface underneath, which provides a better grip. If you don’t have one, a good pair of outdoor trail running shoes with good traction will work just fine. And you should wear comfortable clothes that are not too loose. Running leggings and a sweat-wicking top are perfect. Oh, and don’t forget to have your waterproof clothes with you in case it rains. As you can see from the photo, it was an absolute mess when we went, but that all adds to the fun!
As Valentine’s Day ideas go, outdoor climbing is a great choice. It’s fun, full of adrenaline and guaranteed to be something to talk about.
Pottery class
If outdoor climbing feels a little extreme, a pottery class can be the perfect alternative.
Besides enjoying leading an active lifestyle, I also love everything that has to do with arts and crafts. And what I love even more is sharing these passions with my husband and watching him enjoy them as much as I do.
Pottery classes are a brilliant option if you lead a busy, stressful life. I can tell you that sitting for an hour at a pottery wheel, with your hands in clay, and focusing purely on making something that vaguely resembles a pot is honestly one of the most relaxing, mindful activities you can do.
The studio we went to offered one-off sessions or a short course to develop your skills. We spent a morning making pots of different shapes and sizes (my husband even made a mug and I managed a small vase) before choosing our colored glazes and leaving them to the left potter to fire in the kiln. A few weeks later we collected them and now we have six beautiful, mismatched pots scattered around our house. They are a beautiful memory of our wonderful date. Time spent together, creating, laughing and maybe trying to recreate that famous scene from Ghost. Well, it would be rude not to, right?!
Hiking
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the most meaningful date ideas are completely free.
As dog owners we love walking and we are lucky that there are plenty of woodland paths and well-marked walking routes where we live. It’s a chance for us to talk without distraction, to reconnect, and there’s something about being out in nature that just makes you feel good.
All you need for a successful Valentine’s Day walk is a marked, comfortable route outdoor shoeswaterproof clothing, snacks and a water bottle. And if you can plan a route with a pub stop or two along the way, even better.
Golf
Neither myself nor my husband are golfers. We play some mean crazy golf, but real golf… hmmm yeah, Tiger Woods, we’re not. But who says you have to be good at something to enjoy it? It’s all about running, right?
This photo was taken last year during a holiday in Turkey. Yes, I know, I don’t wear it golf clothing and I definitely don’t have the right footwear, especially since when I packed I wasn’t exactly planning on playing golf over the holidays. And yet we played golf.
And we rightly laughed. Missing holes, dodging sprinklers, driving golf carts, all while topping up your tan and getting some essential vitamin D. What’s not to like?
Okay, so granted, this isn’t your average golf date. As far as Valentine’s Day date ideas go, a luxury trip to Turkey for a round of golf puts some pressure on the budget. But my point is that playing golf with your loved one is a fantastic opportunity for some alone time, a chance to talk, be a little competitive and then end up in the clubhouse for a debrief.
And if golf really isn’t your thing, there’s a lot to be said about crazy golf. I could actually stick to that from now on!
Children’s stuff
And finally, I’ve saved the best of my Valentine’s Day date ideas for last. Yes, this is me and my husband in a giant ball pit. Because who said that only the children can enjoy all the fun!
Ball pits, escape rooms, inflatable assault courses, outdoor gyms, swings, sensory play, slides, trampolines… there are so many things that us big kids can enjoy as much as the little ones. Some soft play centers even run adult sessions in the evening and often have a bar if you fancy a drink afterwards.
Because when else in life do we give ourselves permission to let ourselves go so freely, and laugh so uncontrollably, and let the joy burst out of us. And when you feel relaxed in such a moment, it reminds you exactly what you love about each other and what a great relationship you have, allowing you to share moments like these together.
Final thoughts
Valentine’s Day is about celebrating the love you have for each other. It’s a chance to slow down, spend time together, and appreciate all the little things that make your relationship special.
And yes, that is of course possible every day of the year, but we don’t always make time for that, right? Valentine’s Day gives us the push we sometimes need.
I hope these Valentine’s Day date ideas have inspired you to think beyond food and flowers, and instead choose something fun, different and meaningful, something that celebrates you as the wonderful couple that you are.
*post written as a gifted collaboration with adidas
Happy Valentine’s Day
Author biography
Becky Stafferton is a full-time content creator, web publisher and blogstrategycoach. She is also half of the Bex & Ben duo that helps small business owners take control of their websites and their content OWN IT membership.
She continually strives to promote a realistic, sustainable and positive view of how to live a healthy life. When she’s not writing, you can find her running through muddy puddles, talking to her dogs in funny voices, and renovating her house in the woods.
