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Jan 27, 2025
Valentine’s Day can be so overrated when it’s all about overpriced red rose bouquets, heart-shaped plastic everything, and those teddy bears holding signs that say “Be Mine” that are cute on the day, but quickly become out of season. Now, if you love teddy bears and roses, don’t let us dull your shine! But if you’re looking for Valentine’s Day date ideas that can be celebrated in cozier, more creative ways (with bonus points if they don’t cost a fortune or harm the planet), we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a roundup of cute and romantic date ideas that will have you and your partner falling head over flannel for each other without feeding the capitalist machine.
Source: Pexels
Local thrift stores and consignment shops are full of secret treasures. There’s so many items that are waiting to be reworn, reloved, and reused. Agree on a budget with your partner and pick out an outfit for each other. This can show how well you know one another’s style and vibe while having fun on the cheap. To add some stakes, let the one who creates the best outfit choose the next date night!
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Now, sapphics are no strangers to scissoring. But this Valentine’s Day, let’s pick up the scissors, paper, glitter, and glue to make a scrapbook of your relationship. This is the perfect time to gather all those little odds-and-ends that you might have scattered around (or is that just me?) like movie ticket stubs, music festival wristbands, or little love notes. Design the book together with a Valentine’s Day sapphic playlist playing in the background while you reminisce about all the amazing times you have spent together. Maybe you even have valentine’s day cards from years past that would make a perfect addition!
Source: Pexels
Are you both lovers of astrology and horoscopes? Do you both just love an excuse to cuddle under a warm blanket? Grab that blanket, a warm jacket, and a thermos full of hot cocoa and find a quiet spot to look up at the stars. Impress your partner by pointing out the constellations or have fun together making up your own. (Might I recommend celebrating a day early to catch the full moon on February 13th?)
Source: Cosmopolitan
Valentine’s Day gifts that are homemade with love can be some of the best ones to receive. I did this one for my partner a few years back and it was a HUGE hit. It’s still something my partner keeps around for a rainy day.
What you’ll need is just a resealable jar (a leftover pickle or jam jar will work!), paper, and something to write with. Cut the paper into 365 slips big enough to write a message on.
I used three different colors of paper: pink, lime green, and blue
There’s no rules here though! Use whatever colors you want or have in your craft supplies. Use other categories that speak more to your relationship like reasons I love you, places you want to travel together, or silly jokes. Use this space to tap into your sapphic yearning and make your romantic confessions. (What’s more sapphic than writing love letters?).
When you have all 365 notes written and folded, add them to the jar and give them a shake. This way, each morning for a year, your partner can grab a slip of paper from the jar and get a loving little boost to their day.
Source: Pexels
….In the kitchen, I mean! Harness your inner Food Network chef and have a cooking competition right in your own kitchen. Each of you create a delicious dish using only the ingredients that you have in your kitchen. Whether you’re both intense when it comes to cooking or you’re more on the silly side, you’ll spend some bonding time together and have something tasty to share together at the end. Bon appetite!
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…By getting a disposable camera and taking photos while you’re on your Valentine’s Day date. We recommend hitting up that new museum exhibit you’ve been meaning to check out, grabbing a bite to eat at a local cafe, or taking a class to learn something new together (dance, knitting, fruit carving- whatever floats your boat!). When you have them developed, you’ll have physical mementos of what a beautiful night it was to look back on for years to come.
Source: Pexels
Maybe you’re focusing on yourself this year. Maybe you just haven’t found the perfect #CoupleGoals other half yet. Self-love and the love you have for your friends or family is still worth celebrating! We have a few ideas for those looking for a little less romance.
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Potlucks are back, y’all! Invite your chosen family to each make a dish that means something special to them (or to shake it up a little, try a fun theme or color scheme!). Crank up the Chappell Roan and spend time trying everyone’s food, chatting, and enjoying all the love of your community together under one roof.
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Remember the good old days of elementary school, where we all had those foil, folded paper valentines (mine were Lisa Frank as often as possible) that were sealed with a red heart sticker that we passed out to all of our friends? Just because we’ve grown up doesn’t mean we have to stop showing our friends how much we care about them. Let your inner-child play and break out the glitter and stickers, and create beautiful homemade cards for all the people in your life who mean the most to you. You’ll absolutely make their day.
Need some inspiration? Check out our Valentine’s Day card inspo!
Source: Pexels
Self-love is important, and you can definitely celebrate Valentine’s Day by showing that love for yourself! Turn your home into a cozy spa. Run a bubble bath, light some candles, turn off your notifications, slap on a face mask, and play your favorite soothing playlist. Bonus: no awkward small talk with a spa attendant—just you and your glowing skin.
You don’t need to give into all the pink and red Cupid-covered hype to have a romantic Valentine’s Day. Love is all about the little moments, the thoughtfulness, and spending time with your person. So, get creative, light a eco-friendly candle, and make this day one for the books- without funding Big Valentine.
Looking for that special someone to join you on an anti-corporate Valentine date night? Download HER app!
Chicago-based community manager, content writer, and professional cupid who’s still in her emo era. When she's not hosting HER virtual events, you’ll find her creating oddly specific playlists on Spotify and hitting up way too many concerts with her partner. Catch her where the music’s loud, the food is cheesy, and the eyeliner’s smudged just right!
