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One of A Kind Valentine’s Day Alternatives
What would you say if I told you that you don’t have to spend a fortune on Valentine’s day gifts? There are some amazing and one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day alternatives out there that won’t break the bank or leave you feeling guilty.
Valentine’s Day is a time to express love and affection to those you care about. While there are plenty of ways to show someone you care, there are other alternatives than buying a gift from a store.
The best thing about this list of one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day alternatives is that it doesn’t require any special skills or talents. It’s all about making your partner happy and spoiling them with something they’ve never experienced before. If you want to give your loved one something unique, then check out our list of ideas below.
Here are more best Valentine’s Day gifts for your loved ones of all ages and personalities:
- Practical Valentine’s Day Gift Alternatives They’ll Actually Use
- Best Valentines Day Gifts for Everyone You Love
- Will You Be My Valentine?’ Gift Ideas
Valentine’s Day Alternatives: Date Ideas You Need to Try
Valentine’s Day is not all about gifts. Nowadays, people seek for the experience, and Valentine’s Day date alternatives are getting more popular each year.
This can be as simple as going for dinner at a restaurant they enjoy, taking in a movie together, or playing board games. It doesn’t have to cost much to have fun together.
Another great option is to plan something special for just the two of you. If it’s been a while since you’ve done anything romantic, consider booking tickets to see a live performance together, take a cooking class, or learn something new.
For more Valentine’s Day date alternatives, check out our list below.
A Dinner Like in Paris or Madrid
Can’t get away for Valentine’s Day? Instead, make it yourself.
Gather together some of the best foods from your most memorable vacation spot to serve out as a picnic for your loved ones.
If your preferred destination is too far and really exotic, this may need some forethought, but if you happen to like Paris or Madrid, consider baguettes, brie, paella, cold meats, and so on.
It is all about taking a little time off work and enjoying a day with your sweetheart. It doesn’t matter where you live, what you eat, or even whether you go out or stay home — just spend quality time together.
BEST GIFT BASKET TO MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE IN EUROPE: Artisan Meat & Cheese Platter By Gourmet Gift Baskets | |
SPECIFICATIONS Gourmet foods are arranged on a keepsake wooden cutting board
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
This gourmet meat and cheese platter include a carefully curated selection of gourmet meats, artisan cheeses, crackers, and antipasto dishes. This is the ideal host or hostess gift for any event, with everything from smoked hot pepperoni to summer sausage, creamy cheese, artichoke bruschetta, and gourmet preserves. It arrives snuggled in a wood box tray, ready to use right away! | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“It was an Anniversary gift, and the couple loved it. Arrived right on time in a plain box, so it was a nice surprise. The variety in this item was exactly what I was looking for. I would order it again.”
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PROS Comes with a wooden cutting board
| CONS Recommended for a 1 or 2 people |
Relax Beneath The Night Sky
Spending time beneath the night sky is something you should definitely consider. It’s extremely lovely, and a great idea for a Valentine’s Day alternative!
Even if you live in the city, you can see the stars easily if you drive out into the countryside. Talk about life’s mysteries while lying on your back and stargazing, or simply share your thoughts and recollections with your partner.
Avoid talking about work and, if you have children, why not reminisce about life before they came along?
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, take some time to reflect on your relationship and look ahead. Now that’s a great Valentine’s date.
If you plan on going stargazing outdoors or in the woods, consider getting a tent that has a removable top cover to be able to stargaze while being cozy and not being bitten by bugs.
SPECIFICATIONS A camping tent with roomy space for four people, 7'3'' x 7'8'' floor size with 4'7'' center height easily fits the whole family
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
With an internal length of 7 feet and 3 inches, the Clostnature Lightweight Tent is one of the biggest two-person tents. The tent is 70% mesh, allowing excellent ventilation and sunshine. Its rainfly can be linked to heavy downpours.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“I bought this for solo camping, mainly because it was affordable, reasonably light-weight, had pole clips and aluminum poles. Also, it is a full 87 inches long, which was really appealing. For this price point, it has a lot of convenient features: the fly buckles to the tent, the roof has two side vents that can be opened with a velcro stay (see photo) or left closed, and there are a couple of mesh pockets inside and a hook at the top for hanging a light. After taking this on a couple of solo trips, I bought a second one my kid uses when camping with his scout troop (he's tall and likes the longer length compared to the other options we found at this price point). I bought a footprint from another company (it needs a tarp or footprint under it) that works great. The big question for most shoppers is always how it holds up in the weather: I've had it on two really rainy trips, and it has stayed completely dry and held up to the weather just fine. Downsides: the 2-person tent only has a door on one side; pole clips are so stiff that it's easier to slide the pole through (as if they were a sleeve) than to clip them on. I'm totally happy with this tent! Dimensions are true to the listed numbers. I'm considering this my go-to budget-priced backpacking tent (I have had two people sleep in it) and quick and comfortable solo trip tent.” | |
PROS Best budget backpacking tent
Waterproof Better breathability | CONS Clips on rainfly are plastic |
Create Your Own Room Service Menu
If you’re looking for something more creative than a dinner reservation, why not consider a DIY Valentine’s Day gift?
Not so much a date, but a sweet alternative idea for Valentine’s day! Create and print out a little room service menu that has all your loved one’s favorite breakfasts, snacks, or indulgent foods on it. It need not be fancy – how about a toast menu with a selection of spreads?
Serve on a tray and bring it to them before they get out of bed. Homemade breakfast in bed is a lovely way to start the day. Or maybe you’d prefer to surprise your partner with a special meal cooked by someone else? Either way, don’t forget to include a bottle of wine or two!
Make a Romantic Dinner at Home
It doesn’t matter where you’re living, there are always lots of things you can do around the house to create an intimate atmosphere.
If you’re cooking something special, set up a table with candles and flowers. Or, if you’re more comfortable with a takeaway, then order in.
If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, try browsing through Pinterest for inspiration.
You don’t even need to spend a fortune to make your home feel warm and welcoming for your romantic dinner. There’s no reason why you can’t add some personal touches to your space.
Sometimes, going out for dinner can be difficult because of the waiting and the crowd. That is why some prefer to have a romantic dinner at home. You can elevate your Valentine’s Day dinner with this portable outdoor pizza oven by Gozney is the best one on the market that every household should have.
BEST OUTDOOR PIZZA OVEN FOR YOUR ROMANTIC DINNER AT HOME: ROCCBOX by Gozney Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven | |
SPECIFICATIONS A premium, portable fire, and stone pizza oven - Reaching high temperatures of over 932ºf to give you the ideal balance of thin base and perfectly puffed up, charred artisan crust - in just 60 seconds.
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
This premium portable pizza oven gives you the perfect balance of thin base and nicely scorched artisan crust in just 60 seconds.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“Got this for my husband (and myself) for Christmas, and we're now basically rearranging our home to accommodate this fantastic oven (think, outdoor kitchen as we've never had before). "The Pig" needs a place of honor.
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PROS It is rated No. 1 Outdoor Stand-Alone Pizza Oven by Forbes, GQ, and The Times
| CONS It would be great if the heat knob would control the flame and heat |
Get Creative With Your Food
Cooking is a fun way to bond with your partner. This is especially true when you cook something special for them.
You could choose to go simple by making a meal with ingredients you both know and love. Or, if you want to impress, you could whip up a gourmet feast using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
You may think that cooking is hard work, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, cooking can be one of the most relaxing activities you can engage in with your loved ones.
It’s also a great way to spend time together as a couple. If you’re looking for ways to make your relationship stronger, consider taking some time out to cook together.
Everyone needs an extra pair of hands in the kitchen. We just discovered that üutensil makes innovative and elegant cooking tools to make kitchen work much easier. An automatic pan stirrer can be handy for you while creating new dishes with your lover.
SPECIFICATIONS This new and updated version features LED lights to indicate speed, which moves forward and backward during operation.
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
The üutensil Stirr is a portable automated pot-stirrer that runs on AA batteries. Its spinning speed may be modified. The user can help the stirrer mix the contents rather than letting it do so independently.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“Awesome for thin style sauces. It has some problems with thicker-style foods like chili, but it still works for them. Love this product!!”
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PROS The product is cordless
| CONS It is not rechargeable
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Take a Trip To Somewhere New
A weekend away can be just what you need to recharge your batteries.
There are plenty of places you can visit that don’t require a lot of planning. Just grab your bag and head off to a nearby beach, mountain, forest, lake, museum, theme park, or whatever else takes your fancy.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even spend a few days exploring another country altogether.
You might think that visiting a foreign country requires a lot of planning. In fact, all you really need to do is pack some clothes, check out where you’ll stay, and make sure you’ve got enough cash to cover any expenses.
Once you arrive, you can explore the sights, sounds, and tastes of the place. And if you want to take advantage of the local culture, you can learn about its history, language, traditions, and more.
Maybe it’s time to get you and your partner a brand-new carry-on for your future travels.
SPECIFICATIONS Offering the versatility of a packing case this 2-in-1 wheeled, upright carry-on features a garment section that holds 1-2 suits and a packing compartment ideal for clothing and accessories
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
The Briggs & Riley Domestic meets all of the same airline size standards as any conventional carry-on, but it can accommodate far more than the competition. As a result, we've picked this suitcase as our Top Pick for Serious Space. It includes a one-of-a-kind compression technique that works incredibly well and prevents your luggage from getting outrageously front-heavy when filled. Its reinforced corners, protected wheels, and intelligent material coloring are remarkably robust and rarely exhibit wear and tear. It's short in pockets and organizational features but not completely lacking and is best suited for a traveler with a decent organized system in place. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“After a year of use and over 30 flights with this bag, I can honestly say this is my favorite piece of luggage. So much so that I bought another for my wife (she likes it too).
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PROS Exceptional compression Deceptively large capacity
| CONS Only has two wheels
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Take an Online Course Together
If you’ve never taken an online class before, now might be a good time to start. There are many different types of courses available, including those focusing on languages, art, music, dance, history, science, health, fitness, cooking, and more.
Some classes will teach you skills while others will help you learn about topics you’d like to explore further.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you find something that suits your interests and abilities with your partner.
If you’re looking for a way to improve your life, consider taking one of these classes. They’ll give you new skills, knowledge, and confidence. And when you finish them, you’ll feel like you’ve accomplished something great!
Online classes also have their benefits. You get to enjoy the comfort of your own home plus you don’t even have to get dressed. To experience the beauty of online classes with your partner, why not get a tablet that can do all?
SPECIFICATIONS Apple M1 chip for next-level performance
Thunderbolt port for connecting to fast external storage, displays, and docks
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
The Apple iPad Pro is a pricey alternative, which is unsurprising considering its top-quality price. However, you get what you pay for here, with all the power of a laptop compressed into a slim, robust, and extremely portable form. The screen is gorgeous, the cameras are fantastic, and the power is snappy regardless of the many fantastic applications you're using.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“Short Version: comprehensive, intuitive, beginner-friendly, incredible clarity My first Apple iPad Pro purchase through Amazon was for a used 1st gen in December 2016, my current model was purchased in December 2021, I’ve had a fantastic experience with each. (The 1st gen is currently enjoyed by Dad.) I appreciate the availability, lower price, and quick shipping on Amazon through Amazon Prime. My current IpadPro is fantastic thus far; returning to a PC is not an option. Apple is intuitive and comprehensive; everything works together, including iPhone and AppleTV, though one can keep everything separate if that’s the preference. I don’t have to remember logins or passwords either (one less thing). A new user may wish to press every button to see what it does; for example, the tiny icon of gear is for “SETTINGS’, so touch everything on the list, top to bottom, to become more familiar with the function, do the same with the apps— any way that’s what I did. The fantastic organization and overall security are appreciated features too. A few things are lacking for hard-core users, but for one who primarily writes and dabbles in art, it has everything required to suit my needs. Amazingly, whether new or old, every iPad sold is kept up-to-date for YEARS through Apple updates—my seven-year-old 1st gen iPad Pro has the latest operating system, iOS 15 thus far, same as my latest model So cool—
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PROS Superb screen and cameras
| CONS Costly |
Join a Marathon
Marathons are an excellent way to challenge yourselves physically and mentally. They also provide a great opportunity to celebrate your achievements afterward.
There are many marathons taking place throughout the world during February. The London Marathon is particularly popular, but check out other events such as the New York City Marathon, Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon, San Francisco Marathon, Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Montreal Half-Marathon, Vancouver Sun Run, Dallas Marathon, and many more.
The best part about running a marathon is that you don’t need any special equipment. All you need is good shoes, a water bottle, and some energy bars. It’s a great way to push yourself outside your comfort zone.
One of the basic needs of joining a marathon is owning a fitness watch. This way, you can track your progress and monitor your health.
SPECIFICATIONS Get up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. In GPS mode, get up to 42 hours. And in UltraTrac mode, go even longer with up to 80 hours.
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
The Forerunner 955 is an improved version of the Forerunner 945. It's a high-quality running watch and maybe the finest Forerunner.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“I bought this to replace my Garmin Vivosport. I have had no issues. My vivosport was touchscreen, I thought I'd miss that. I don't miss it at all, and it's actually nice not accidentally starting an activity when the water runs over it in the shower, or something grazes it. The GPS is extremely accurate. The buttons are pretty easy to figure out. Obviously, you want to orient yourself before an activity. I have a small wrist, so I was a little concerned that the watch would look huge. It DOES have a lot larger face than my vivosport, but it looks more like a traditional watch and doesn't feel big at all. It almost feels lighter, although I'm not sure that's possible. ”
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PROS Touchscreen
| CONS Can’t sync running power sensors to watch |
Go Hiking
Hiking is a fantastic way to connect with nature. And, if you’re lucky enough to live near a national park, you’ll have access to some amazing scenery.
Many parks offer guided hikes, which means you won’t have to worry about finding your own path.
If you prefer to keep things low-key, you could simply walk along a trail.
If you want to experience the beauty of the outdoors, but don’t want to spend hours hiking, consider taking a short hike. A few minutes spent outside can make all the difference between feeling refreshed and relaxed and feeling exhausted and stressed.
SPECIFICATIONS Conquer uphills and descents with the X Ultra 4 GTX; Designed for women with the agility of a trail running shoe and the stability, grip, and waterproof protection you need for technical hikes
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex is the latest in a lengthy line of X Ultras. Hikers liked them all, and they continued to wow us as the lineage grew into one of the most well-known and respected hiking shoes.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“I’ve really enjoyed these so far. They fit well and were comfortable from the very first time I wore them. These have a great tread and feel secure, especially downhill. I love how light they feel on my feet. I haven’t had them for very long, but I have worn them in mixed terrain and wet/dry weather, and my feet have been happy in them. I hope they hold up for a while!”
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PROS Excellent performance
| CONS Cuff can be uncomfortable on the ankle for some
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Visit a Local Attraction
Many attractions offer free entry on Valentine’s Day. If you’re not sure what to see, why not take advantage of this?
You could visit a zoo, aquarium, planetarium, botanical garden, natural history museum, historical site, children’s museum, or any number of other options.
If you want to make your visit more memorable, consider taking a tour of one of your city’s most famous landmarks. There are plenty of iconic sights to check out.
Go To Amusement Park
Amusement parks are a great way to get out of the house and enjoy yourself. You can ride roller coasters, go down slides, play games, watch shows, eat food, drink alcohol, and much more.
Most parks offer discounts on admission on certain dates each year. Check their website for details.
Go Skydiving or Something Equally Terrifying
It’s Valentine’s date that’s genuinely out of the ordinary. This is not for the weak of the heart.
If you’re a thrill-seeking pair who likes to push each other, free-falling from the sky at a tremendous distance might be just the ticket. Your memories will be forever enriched by sharing an encounter that comes along only once in a lifetime.
Think about bungee jumping, white water rafting, or skydiving as possible joint activities, and take at least one photo to commemorate this out-of-the-ordinary date.
Build a Blanket Fort
Gather all of your blankets and get creative!
There is no limit to the number of years you can live. If you’re strapped for cash and can’t buy a present, this could be a sweet alternative.
In order to get away from all of the other couples celebrating Valentine’s Day, you can build your own blanket fort. It’s the ultimate sanctuary, complete with a TV, books, magazines, snacks, pillows, and Netflix.
Blanket forts can be fun but imagine taking your fort to the next level by going glamping in the woods. You can bring anything you want and you can even bring your whole family.
SPECIFICATIONS The tipi tent for the stove is made of cotton fabric with waterproof treatment. Heavy duty to withstand wind and moderate rain.
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
Our top pick for the best luxury tent for glamping is the PlayDo 4-Season Bell Tent. It's made of sturdy, long-lasting canvas with a waterproof finish. The heavy-duty fabric is resistant to rain, wind, and snow. It's fireproof, so you can use a wood burner or cook meals inside without worry. The tent is also exceptionally breathable. Ample ventilation is provided through mesh side windows and a top air vent. In the summer, you may even roll up the sides of this canvas tent to increase air circulation. If you match it with a wood stove for cold season camping, a stove pipe vent ensures that the room is appropriately ventilated. The PVC floor and large design are other features. There's enough area on the floor for a tiny bed, table, and wood burner without taking up the entire space. There are several sizes available. Despite its size, this canvas tent is simple to put up and disassemble. Once you're comfortable with the technique, it takes around 15 minutes for one person to set up. The PlayDo 4-Season Bell Tent's sole disadvantage is its weight. This sucker is hefty, which makes it unsuitable for people looking to transport it into their camping. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“First off, I would've rated more than 5 stars if I could've done it because the quality of a test is awesome and the response of CS members was so quick and professional. I ordered this tent for the family camp this Summer. A 5m tent is big enough for my family (a total of 5, incl our dog). I couldn't find the instruction in the bag, but the setup was intuitive and pretty straightforward. Actually, it didn't take 30 min for my wife and me. Only the negative factor was the weight. It was so heavy for us. But you know the weight from the spec info on the page. So highly recommend checking it out before placing the order. We had to cancel it due to some reason, but their communication was awesome. Overall, we are really satisfied with the experience. When I searched the bell tent, there were many brands, products, and sellers. I would highly recommend buying this tent from this seller.” | |
PROS Waterproof and fire-resistant
| CONS Very heavy and bulky |
Final Thoughts
Valentine’s day is all about showing how much you care about someone. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your partner, friend, family member, pet, or anyone else in your life.
But, just because you love them doesn’t mean you don’t have to remind them. So, if you want to show them how special they are without having to say anything, you should consider doing any of the above.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good alternatives to flowers and stuffed toys to gift on Valentine’s Day?
Instead of giving gifts such as flowers or stuffed toys, consider going out to dinner together, watching a movie, playing board games, spending time outdoors, or even going on a date night.
Is there a better alternative than giving chocolates on Valentine’s Day?
Chocolate is delicious, but it isn’t healthy. There are plenty of healthier treats available.
Instead of eating candy, try making homemade marshmallows or truffles. Or, make your own dark chocolate bars instead of buying store-bought ones.
Is Valentine’s Day only for couples?
No. In fact, it’s a holiday that celebrates relationships of all kinds.
It’s also a chance to show appreciation for single friends, family members, pets, and everyone else who has helped us through our lives.