5 Creative Date Ideas for St. Valentine’s Day…with a Twist!

Think beyond flowers, cards, dinner, and candy. These creative date ideas for St. Valentine's Day are guaranteed to be as enjoyable as they are unforgettable. 

What do you think about when you hear the phrase "Valentine's Day"? Maybe you picture your significant other, the color red, heart shapes, flowers? Do you think back to elementary school, when everyone was required to give out Valentines to kids in your class? Or does the very mention of the holiday fills you with dread, either because you're single or because you have no idea what to do this year? 

St. Valentine's Day can be a fun day where people exchange love letters, have a date night, maybe even practice the art of seduction (our sheer and lace lingerie can help if that's your goal!) Some people choose to stay in, cooking a nice dinner at home. Or maybe you prefer waking up to breakfast in bed. Most of us associate Valentine's Day with romantic relationships and plan to celebrate this holiday by spending the day with a special someone.

This might be a controversial opinion, but we believe you don't have to have a romantic partner to enjoy this holiday. The idea of getting together with friends to celebrate "Galentine's Day" or "Palentine's Day" has grown in popularity over the years, and we're extremely here for it. We're also huge proponents of self-love. 

That's why we've compiled this list of date ideas that are perfect for couples or groups of friends...but wait for the twist at the end!

5. Game Night at Home

A perfect, lowkey option for those who want to avoid the VDay dinner rush! Plan a game night with your significant other and/or a small group of friends.

This Valentine's Day date option is as chill as it is versatile. Video games are perfect for 2 or more people (as long as you have enough controllers!) and board games can be great for groups or couples. Be sure to buy some of your favorite snacks ahead of time. You might even want to pick up a bottle of good wine to share!

No matter what games you choose, the goal is to chill. You can even wear your pajamas if you want to get extra comfy. While other people are out there getting dressed up and dealing with crowded restaurants, you'll be relaxing at home with your favorite snacks, games, and people.

4. Get Physical

Ice skating is a popular activity for couples on Valentine's Day. It's a great indoor or outdoor activity and it gives you an opportunity to hold hands with the person you're dating (for balance, of course). However, because this activity is so popular, it can be hard to find space to skate. 

To avoid the crowds at the skating rink, we suggest that you try other fun activities.

If it's warm enough, ask your partner and/or your friends if they'd be up for a Valentine's Day hike. This combines the excitement of adventure, the rush of cardio, and the reward of pretty views when you reach the mountain's summit. Bring some of your favorite Valentine's candy to reward yourselves with when you get to the top.

If it's too cold, why not visit your local indoor trampoline park? This is a fun way to get your heart pumping and show off how high you can jump. Some trampoline parks even have discounts for first-time visitors, so be sure to browse deals before you head out.

3. Unleash Your Inner Artist

Valentine's Day is one of the top holidays for wine sales every year. Many couples bring home a bottle and share it between themselves, but why not add a twist to this tradition? 

Instead of imbibing at home, consider going to a Paint and Sip event. Paint-and-sip studios are everywhere nowadays, and the reason for this phenomenon is simple: it's fun! Invite your friends and/or partner to attend a wine and painting party with you. You can each paint a masterpiece, sip some delicious wine, and have a good time. Plus, you can bring your painting home with you as a beautiful reminder of the fun you had together.

Of course, you don't have to go out to paint. For an extra low key hangout, buy some easels and paint and create a masterpiece at home! 

2. Show Love to the Community

It's the season of love, and we don't think that only applies to romantic love.

Why not share the love with your local community? Choose a cause or organization and invite your friends and/or partner to volunteer with you. Call your local community centers, shelters, charities, or other organizations and ask how you (and your group) can help. Volunteering is a great, non-traditional Valentine's day date for people who love helping others.

Another great way to give back is to do some cleaning up. Invite your loved ones to help you pick up garbage in your local community. The last thing people associate with Valentine's Day is trash, which is exactly why this will be a chill activity without crowds. Make sure to bring gloves, plastic bags, trash pickers, and a can-do attitude! If you're more athletically inclined, you can even try plogging: the Swedish fitness craze that involves jogging while picking up trash. 

No matter which of these activities you choose, you can make your city a more beautiful place while bonding and having fun!

1. Show Yourself Some Love

You know what? There's nothing wrong with dating yourself. 

You don't have to spend Valentine's Day with a significant other, nor do you have to spend it with friends. Sometimes it's hard to coordinate with people, sometimes you're single, and sometimes you just don't feel like socializing...all of these are valid reasons to avoid the festivities!

If you still want to do something special, dating yourself is an excellent way to show yourself some love. The best thing about dating yourself is that you don't have to take anyone else's preferences into consideration. Think about what it is you really want to do...and do it! 

Stop by a grocery store or florist and buy yourself a beautiful bouquet. Do some online shopping for items you've been eyeing. Go out to a restaurant you love and order something delicious. (Having it delivered is also a great option if you'd rather stay at home.) Take a bubble bath, do a face mask, read a good book, watch your favorite shows, try a body gel, dance to your favorite songs, eat some discounted candy...the options are endless!

What's your dream Valentine's Day date? Let us know down below.