Valentine’s Day Survival Guide

If you’re not much of a romantic or you’re part of the group who thinks Valentine’s Day is merely a commercial holiday not worth celebrating, then you might not be in a hurry to make special plans for your significant other. However, that doesn’t mean they’re not expecting you to organise something romantic. Instead of boycotting Valentine’s Day this year, we suggest that you reframe your view of the day and take the opportunity to celebrate your relationship. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a flower arrangement and severely overpriced chocolates to do so. While we encourage everyone to dedicate some quality time with their significant other every day, this is sometimes easier said than done. We often get caught up in routine, fatigue from the work week or social commitments, so sometimes it’s nice to have a reason to go out of your way to do something nice together and step out of your comfort zone. So, we’ve put together some suggestions of fun date ideas that will have you wishing Valentine’s Day came around more than once a year.

Book a Fringe Show

Take advantage of the final week of Fringe and book a show! Whether you’re in the mood for comedy, cabaret or music, you’re bound to find something that you’ll enjoy. If all else fails and you can’t get into a show, then grab a drink and have a walk around The Pleasure Garden. Aptly named for Valentine’s Day, we think…

Take a class

Have you been wanting to learn a new craft? There are plenty of classes on offer around Perth, from perfume and jewellery making, to cooking, dancing and pottery. It’s great to do something new and interactive together once in a while. You never know, you may just find a hidden talent!

Do an activity

There are plenty of budget friendly activities that you can do on Valentine’s Day. While many places like mini golf or escape rooms may be booked, you can always whip out a puzzle or board game and enjoy a night together at home.

Cook something new at home

Get creative and experiment with a new recipe. We recommend doing something that you can both get involved in, like pizza making! Start from scratch and make your own dough and everything. Just try not to argue about whether pineapple belongs on pizza, you may never agree and there’s no need for unnecessary conflict on Valentine’s Day.

Go on a short trip

If you can manage a few days off, take the opportunity to get away for a while. If your budget allows, book somewhere nice where you can enjoy some time together in luxury. Otherwise, you can grab your tent and go camping. We just recommend finding somewhere with a toilet and shower block. There’s nothing romantic about going without a shower for days at a time in summer…

Have a picnic

Go shopping and pick out snacks that you think your partner will enjoy. We recommend going shopping separately so that the contents of your picnic baskets will be a surprise on the day. If the weather disappoints and you’d prefer to stay in, consider turning your living room floor into a picnic area. Grab some pillows, blankets and candles and have a romantic picnic together. You can pop on some music, crack open a bottle of wine and even pull out a game or two.

Make each other a handmade gift

Taking inspiration from Chandler and Monica, why don’t you make Valentine’s Day gifts for each other this year? This will take the pressure out of buying something expensive and your gifts will be all the more meaningful. Just don’t recycle anything you already have, we all know how that episode went. If you’re after some ideas, Better Homes and Gardens have got you sorted.

Volunteer

If you’d like to get out into your community, have a look at local volunteering opportunities. Whether you’re shaking tins at a nearby shopping centre, manning a Bunnings sausage sizzle or helping out at a community kitchen, you’re bound to find a place where you can be of value. Plus, giving up your time to help other people is good for the soul and will undoubtedly deepen your relationship.

Explore somewhere you’ve never been

Play tourists for the day and go exploring in your city. There’s bound to be something that you haven’t done, like scaling the Bell Tower or hopping on a ferry to Rottnest. Ideally, pinpoint places that neither of you have been and spend time discovering new things. The sky is the limit!

Have we converted you into a Valentine’s Day lover?

It’s easy to be cynical about certain holidays, especially when they seem to be driven by consumerism. However, we urge you to use this Valentine’s Day to celebrate your love in any way that feels right to you. After all, investing a little time in your favourite person is always worthwhile.