18 Creative (And COVID Safe!) Valentine's Day Date Ideas

Life's been tough lately. Weeks feel like months, and life isn’t going back to normal as soon as we’d all like. Which makes this Valentine’s Day even more important than ever! After living through a pandemic for almost a whole year, who couldn’t use a little extra love?

While Valentine’s Day may look a little different this year, you can still find some romantic ways to celebrate the holiday. Here are some ways to keep romance alive and make this holiday still feel extra special after months of sheltering in place together.

Pick a must-use ingredient for each other and set the timer for 30 minutes. You can mix it up by having one of you prepare an entree and the other prepare the dessert or entree. Winner gets bragging rights forever!

Microwave your favorite popcorn, portion them out in half-cup servings and experiment with toppings. Sure you can try the classic cheese toppings or even a caramel drizzle, but what about Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning? Or taco seasoning? Or Old Bay? You might even find a new favorite.

Unfortunately, life during a pandemic hasn’t been full of love stories under fated stars. But it can be on Valentine’s Day, at least! Download a free app like Night Sky and use the program to find constellations and planets.

Hang up string lights, set up a small tent, gather a few cozy blankets, set up a living room campsite in the middle of it all. Light up the fireplace, while you’re at it and make some s’mores.

The opportunities are limitless: learn how to make dumplings, paint with watercolors, take a yoga class, or learn to tile a bathroom. Looking for a less hands-on approach? Watch a TED talk or choose one of the hundreds of lectures available on Creative Mornings.

Put on your game face and your coziest set of sweatpants pajamas, it’s game time! Set up a charcuterie board, pop a bottle of something refreshing, and play some of your favorite board games. Or make the night extra special and buy a new one! If board games aren’t usually your thing, try some conversational games that spark discussion, like Superfight or Show Me You Know Me.

Go on a double (or triple) date using Netflix Party. Choose a movie for everyone to watch, and catch up with your favorite couples from the comfort of your couch. If you really want to kick it up a notch, buy a mini projector and a screen to make it an outdoor movie—if the weather will allow.

Similar to the popcorn tasting above, have a chocolate tasting with your valentine. Set up a tasting plate, and sample different flavors of the candy. Don’t stop at dark and milk chocolates, try chocolates made with oat milk, with bacon, or this bar with parmesan, walnut and fig.

This year has been rough on so many people, why not give back? You can order a pizza for the emergency room staff at your local hospital. Just call first to see how to best accomplish this. Maybe drop off some blankets at a local shelter or lead an outdoor exercise class for seniors. There’s nothing sexier than caring about other people.

Check out craft YouTube channels and pick a project to work on. Feeling stuck on where to start? Try this two-pack paint your own mug kit! You can each personalize a mug to give to each other. That way, you get your gift and your date night all in one!

Breakfast in bed is so last Valentine’s Day! Have a romantic evening in bed by snuggling up and nibbling your favorite foods. Now’s not the time for spaghetti or anything super saucy—think egg rolls, pizza, or sushi.

Cast your phone to your television and use Google Maps to explore the world. Take a virtual walk along the Seine or plant a kiss on your beloved’s cheek in front of the Spanish Steps in Rome. You could also use the map platform to give your sweetheart a tour of your hometown, pointing out places you used to frequent as a child.

Set the mood with an oil diffuser, some soft music, and some fragrant massage oil. Use lightly scented body oil for partners who prefer a more subtle perfume or go for bold scents like cocoa butter or rosemary if you really want to make an impression.

Take a bike ride or a hike around the neighborhood—making sure you’re masked and socially distant, of course. Or go full-on adventure mode and pick a completely new outdoor locale! Slip some sandwiches and snacks into a backpack, fill an insulated cup with your favorite drink, then find the best place to have an impromptu picnic.

The ultimate compliment is to be willing to spend an entire afternoon in the car with someone. Create a playlist of your favorite songs, hop in the car with bae, and take a drive around your community or a new area you’ve always been curious about. If you’re able, mask up and grab a to-go coffee to sip as you drive. Make sure to leave time for hand holding.

Try to re-create your first date at home. It doesn’t have to be fancy—maybe you went to a movie on your first date. Find a streaming version to watch at home or rent the DVD from Redbox. If you went to a concert, listen to the same music at home, or look for performances streaming online. Had pizza for your first date? Make pizza for Valentine’s Day to get the full pizzeria experience.

Just because you can’t go anywhere, doesn’t mean you can’t dress up and have your own party. Visit Club Quarantine on Instagram and click the link for access to the weekly Zoom party. Featuring guest DJs, a killer beat, and all the cool kids, the vibe in Club Quarantine may be more living room party than downtown glam but we’ll take it. Camera on or off, your choice! Soak up the party vibe with other people looking to break out of the quarantine funk.

Clear off the dining room table slash desk slash conference room table, slide on your coziest leggings, make some homemade cookies, and work on puzzles. If you’re wondering where to start, Jiggy offers unique and colorful puzzles that highlight work from women artists around the world.