Just because Valentine’s Day will likely be more low-key this year due to social distancing, doesn’t mean it can’t be just as fun or romantic. Valentine’s Day isn’t canceled, and neither is love. In fact, a date at home can sometimes be even more gratifying than a night out, because you have everything you need already: each other’s company. Plus, you don’t have to worry about making reservations, dress codes, or dealing with traffic. Here are 15 creative Valentine’s Day date ideas that will keep you and your partner celebrating safely together, even if it has to be virtually this year.
Pasta with the Grandmas – airbnb.com
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There are few things better than an authentic home-cooked meal, especially if you’re using a grandmother’s tried and true recipe. With this Airbnb virtual experience, you and your partner can learn how to hand-make pasta from the experts themselves: Italian Nonnas. Five “crazy grandmas” (they said it, not us) and their granddaughters are ready to teach you different recipes — think ravioli, classic lasagne, gnocchi, and more — and give you a taste of la dolce vita straight from your own kitchen.
Take a Mixology Class Together
Lynnette Marrero and Ryan Chetiyawardana Teach Mixology – MasterClass
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Chances are, you and your partner have become amateur bartenders during your time and home. Level up your skills with Masterclass’ Mixology class, taught by two pros that know their way around a shaker: a James Beard honoree and a founder of a bar once named World’s Best Bar. You’ll learn about craft cocktail culture, home bar essentials, and how to balance flavors. You can make and then taste some of their recipes together, you know, for homework.
Kick off a Recurring Monthly Date Night
Crated with Love – Monthly Date Night Subscription Box: Month to Month – amazon.com
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Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be the only night you plan something a special date. Make it a point to have a monthly date night that requires little to no planning for either of you. Crafted With Love will send you a monthly date box with a fun theme (past themes have included reliving the awkward ‘90s and solving a crime in Hawaii), 4-5 games and activities, and a themed Spotify playlist. There will be no more endless discussions around “what should we do tonight?” Simply open the box and enjoy your night in.
Let’s Get Deep – The Party Game Full of Questions for Couples – amazon.com
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Go analog for the night with some old fashioned fun. Pull out a chessboard for some friendly competition a la Queen’s Gambit or try an adult card game like Let’s Go Deep, which will help you get to know your partner better by encouraging some interesting and meaningful conversation topics. There are three levels of intimacy — ice breaker, deep, and deeper — depending on where you are in your relationship… and where you want the night to lead.
Virtually Tour a Famous Location Around the World
Virtually tour the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore – amazon.com
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International travel may still be far away, but you can experience amazing locations around the world virtually. Amazon Explore uses local experts to help customize live streaming experiences, like a tour of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, where you’ll see the Flower Dome and the impressive Supertree Grove light up at night. You reserve a specific date, and then the host streams the experience directly to you, where you’ll be able to ask questions, take photos, and enjoy a new place without having to deal with any jet lag. There are over 200 different experiences, starting at $10.
Virtual Tastings – In Good Taste
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Whether you want to learn more about wine or try a few different varietals, a virtual wine tasting can help you do either/both. Order a tasting flight (each themed flight includes eight 187ml bottles), schedule a virtual tasting, and let a sommelier guide you through the world of wine. And the best part is no one has to be the designated driver afterward.
Spending time outside can have both physical and mental benefits, and whether you decide to hike up a mountain or walk along a new urban route in your city, you’ll have more fun doing it as a couple. Use the Alltrails app to find route options nearby you to try out, and celebrate afterward with a glass of bubbles. If you don’t live close to one of the National Parks but still want to see them, you can visit a few virtually via Google Arts and Culture. The Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone are just a click away.
Arkmiido Wicker Picnic Basket Sets for 4 – amazon.com
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Grab a large blanket, pack a basket full of your favorite foods and beverages and enjoy an outdoor picnic (or if it’s a bit too cold outside, on a patio, or your living room floor). Put on some tunes, kick off those shoes, and simply enjoy spending time with each other as well as a change of scenery.
Have a Movie Night In or Outside
ViewSonic 1080p Projector – amazon.com
499.99Shop Now
Turn your home or backyard into your personal movie theater with a projector that will upgrade your viewing from a regular TV to a screen up to 300 inches. This projector has 1090p resolution, built-in speakers, and wireless HDMI dongles. You can project onto a wall or white sheet inside for a cozy night on the couch, or find a spot outside for a romantic movie under the stars. You’ll have the best seats in the house, no other people loudly talking during the movie, and, of course, unlimited snacks. If you want to add additional people from afar or are long-distance with your partner, you can use Teleparty to sync video playback and enable chats.
Astrology Workshop, Birth Chart Reading – airbnb.com
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If you’re curious about how planetary alignment or stars affect your life, sign up for a virtual birth chart reading. In this experience, the host will read your birth chart map and tell you about your sun signs, moon signs, and more. Sign up with a partner and you may end up learning a little more about yourself and them all at once.
Murray’s Cheese – eventbrite.com
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Make Valentine’s extra gouda with a tasting hosted by Murray’s Cheese, a New York shop that’s been selling cheesy goodness since the ‘40s. There are classes about virtual wine and cheese pairings, beer and cheese pairings, how to make cheese, how to make cheese boards, and more. Once you book a class, you’ll get the cheese and accompaniments shipped to your door. The shipment is enough for four people, so you won’t feel guilty about snacking before class starts.
Create Your Own Reel Viewer – uncommongoods.com
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Celebrate Valentine’s Day by reliving some of your favorite memories in a unique and nostalgic way. Go through that huge photo roll on your phone and choose seven to create your own customized reel (allow time for shipping). And the next time you need a little pick-me-up or want some cuddle time, look at the photos together through the retro reel viewer.
Modern and Contemporary Art and Design Specialization – coursera.org
For anyone who’s ever looked at modern art and thought, “I don’t get it,” MoMA has a solution for you. The museum offers a free series of courses that will take you through modern and contemporary art, fashion as design, and photography. It’s a five-week specialization and at the end, you earn a certificate. Separately, you can also virtually explore the museum’s exhibits via its website or through Google Arts & Culture.
Order Delivery From Your Favorite Hometown Restaurant(s)
Order from your favorite restaurants, far or close – Gold Belly
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Craving a slice of Chicago deep-dish pizza, an authentic New York bagel, or an original Philly cheesesteak? You don’t need to hop on a plane or even make a reservation. Goldbelly delivers all your foodie faves from restaurants around the country straight to your door. Order some dishes from each of your hometowns, a restaurant you’ve visited together, or a renowned restaurant you’ve always wanted to try, and you’ll have a Valentine’s Day dinner worth remembering.
Work Out Together
Get those endorphins going by doing a workout together. Go out for a run, find a YouTube dance video, or download a fitness app to find a workout you can both agree on. Whether you prefer yoga (Alo Moves has practices for all levels), a music-themed cardio session (Peloton has workouts paired with tunes from Beyonce, the Beatles, and Elvis remixes), a celeb-endorsed training routine (Centr is founded by Chris Hemsworth), or the option to choose across a number of studios (MindBody Flex has virtual access to over 350 studios), you guessed it — there’s an app for that.