The first thing you need to establish is does your partner actually ‘believe’ in Valentines Day? There is nothing worse than presenting a Valentines Day card to be met with a terse response of “Valentine’s Day is such a commercialisation of love”.
But if there is definitely love in the air here are a few scenarios based on your current relationship status!
Single and loving it
Most singles try to avoid Valentine’s Day like the plague. However if you want to celebrate the day, here are some fun ideas:
- Go old school and send a Valentines Day card (not a text or Facebook message) to someone you’ve got your eye on.
- For the girls, get together and all bring your favourite romantic comedy. Amp it up even further and for every time you hear the word love a gold coin is donated to Heart Foundation.
- There are plenty of Valentine’s Day singles parties on like the Wingman Party, or the 50 shades of grey party.
A new relationship
David Coleman of the Dating Doctor suggests that “on February 13 hand your partner a small gift with a little handwritten note that says, ‘No one as special as you should have to wait another day’. The Valentine’s Day definition of romance is to perform an ordinary act of love or kindness at an unexpected time,” says Coleman. Try and get a little creative with your gifts.
- Perhaps have a ‘lucky dip’ where you partner can select an envelope, inside each is a different experience.
- Organise a dinner at the newest venue in town or a venue that has romantic significance to you both.
Married without kids
Make a day of it and head on a short trip away, even if it’s just an hour down the road. Spontaneity is always romantic!
- Spend the day at the beach or going on a bushwalk and picnic to have some quality time together. Why not make a ‘no phone’ rule, at least for a few hours.
- Organise a special surprise treat for your partner – something you know they love doing, such as going to see a theatre show. Sometimes simple is best.
- Buy a gift and hide it in a secret spot, to be found when they least expect it!
Married with kids
Immediately plan a baby sitter if you can. An occasion to really get dressed up is always a winner. For a dinner out, a restaurant you’ve been dying to try, like Watt Restaurant, Thyme at Sofitel, or Hatch & Co. A venue with a romantic link is always a great idea.
Even if you can’t get out for dinner, you can still dress up and create a romantic dinner at home. Even the easiest take-away meal served on the ‘wedding day china’, with candle light and a bottle of wine will be well received. Particularly if you are doing this for the usual cook of the house, they will surely appreciate a night away from the kitchen!
Gift ideas
- Day Spa voucher
- A sunset Story Bridge climb
- You can never go wrong with roses
- A weekend retreat
- Gold class movie tickets
- A pamper pack with bath salts, soy candles and a favourite magazine
Gifts to avoid
“The only way to completely screw up Valentine’s Day is to ignore it,” Coleman says.