How to Plan a Valentine’s Date If You’re Stuck in a Rut

Photo: dezy (Shutterstock)

Planning a date for Valentine’s Day is tricky. You want it to be special, but roses and a reservation seem cliché. Stay home and cook dinner together if you want, but if you’re looking to get out and do something a little different this year, we’ve got some ideas to get you started.

(On the other hand, if you’re DGAF about romance, we’ve got date ideas for you, too.)

Create a pot of dates: This is a good idea if you are both undecided. You can either do this as an activity with your partner or surprise them with a jar full of your own ideas. As you can see from this TikTok, you’ll need a jar, some craft sticks, markers, and simple date ideas that you color code into a range of categories, such as dates stay-at-home plans, outing ideas, affordable dates, expensive dates and required planning dates.

Download the official app: This app can help you find date ideas based on your location and common interests. Think of it like Tinder, but instead of swiping on people, you both swipe on curated date ideas for your area. Whatever date ideas you both like will come across as a “match.” And if you have your own date ideas for your area, you can share them on the app for other couples to enjoy.

LET SOMEONE ELSE DO THE ENTERTAINMENT: Why put all the pressure on yourself to entertain when there are plenty of people willing to do it for you? Get tickets to a comedy or improv club, a local concert, a play or musical, or a basketball game.

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CHOOSE FRESH AIR: Winter often means being stuck indoors, but for a day, you can change that. Go hiking (bonus points if you bring a good picnic); explore the main street of a nearby town you’ve never been to; go skiing or snowtubing; or just set up the fire pit in the backyard and toast some marshmallows together.

Gamify your date: If ever there was a day for fun, it’s probably Valentine’s Day. There’s mini-golf, bowling, archery and ax throwing, of course. Or if you’re both competitive, challenge them to a game of racquetball at your gym. The loser buys dinner afterwards.

Escape a room or rage through a room: Escape rooms have been popular for several years (and rightly so, they’re fun as hell). But if you’ve never heard of a rage room, you’re really missing out. As the name suggests, it’s basically a room where you can destroy anything in sight. If you’re comfortable with your partner seeing you at the peak of their stress relief rage, now could be a good time.