Two years into the pandemic, we've seen tremendous changes in how we take on various special occasions in our lives—from birthdays to holidays. And now that Valentine's Day is coming full throttle, regardless of the situation we're in, it's apparent that many of us can't wait to beaver away and cave into the season's festivities through and through.
Although it's pretty overwhelming to make Valentine's Day extra special with big and fancy presents, it's important to note that the best Valentine's gift you can give to your significant other is time spent together. (But if your love language is gift-giving, go on, it's totally fine.) Whether you surprise them with pieces of jewelry, their favorite home fragrances, a romantic dinner, or just a thoughtful yet straightforward card, there are tons of things you can do to express how you feel about your loved one genuinely.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, we've rounded up the ten best things to do with your boo, as featured in Country Living Magazine, to take this year's Valentine's Day to a whole ‘nother level.
Play a game.
Do you still remember the last time you played a game with just the two of you? Pick a favorite from the closet or cupboard, or try a new couple's themed game, like Talk, Flirt, Dare, The Picture Game, or if you're feeling a bit naughty, Drinking Roulette.
Make playlists for each other.
Spend some time putting together playlists for each other on your favorite streaming service. Pick out some songs that spark beautiful memories of your relationship or tunes you know your partner will love. You can also accompany this with some good wine or your favorite Yankee candle fragrance.
Volunteer together.
Isn't it both fun and fulfilling to spend an entire day together taking action in support of the cause you are passionate about? Celebrate Valentine's Day by doing volunteer work. Besides, volunteering is a great way to know more about your community and those surrounding it.
Set up an intimate backyard dinner.
Hold your thought of spending the night in a fancy restaurant or elsewhere. Why? First, COVID-19 is still upon us; second, it's a lot more intimate and memorable if you'd just set up a nice backyard dinner with a warm outdoor blanket and do stargazing afterward.
Make a scrapbook of your relationship.
Whether you're into crafts or not, we're 100% sure that you'll get a kick out of this fun activity. Gather up photos of your relationship, old ticket stubs, and meaningful receipts, and make a beautiful scrapbook that both of you will treasure.
Bake something sweet.
It's no secret that baking is a fun way to spend more time with your sweetie pie. You get to create and enjoy delectable, sweet treats together.
Make Valentine's Breakfast in Bed
Surprise your significant other by whipping up a breakfast spread and enjoy it lounging in bed. It will be a nice change of pace from the typical morning hustle.
Go for a drive.
If you really can't keep yourselves indoors this Valentine's Day, you can also opt to get your gas tank packed and take on a fun road trip. This way, you'll both get out of your comfort zone while exploring new landscapes.
Enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting.
Probably one of the best food pairs: Wine and chocolate. Now is the perfect time to scour for a virtual wine appreciation class online. You can also opt for a chocolate and wine pairings guide.
Play hooky.
Take the day off from work and treat yourselves to a rejuvenating R&R. Feel free to do all the things you've always wanted to do together: Read books together, binge-watch your favorite shows, or just reminisce on how and why you two first fell in love.
Pam Halpert is right (to those of you who don't know who she is, sorry, but we can't help you): There's a lot of beauty in ordinary things. And we couldn't agree more. In celebrating this year's Valentine's Day, go for romantic things that don't require too much spending, straightforward yet worthwhile.