1Have an Indoor Picnic
Spread out on the living room floor with a gourmet spread (we like this lobster roll and sea salt brownies kit from Maine) and bottle of bubbles. Make sure to set the scene with a cheerful picnic blanket and pack a basket—they are worthwhile purchases if you don’t already have them.
2Dip Everything in Chocolate
The problem with a fondue night is that when it is over, you are left with a fondue kit that will likely never get used again. That’s why these stoneware pots of Belgian chocolate are so genius. Heat them up in the microwave and dip away; no clean up or storage required.
3Relax with a Movie Marathon
One movie? That’s just a regular Friday night. Giving yourself permission to watch as many as you want? That’s a proper date night. Start with Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliet or embark on a trilogy like the Matrix or Before Sunrise and enjoy a luxuriously lazy evening on the sofa. Of course, you are going to need popcorn and candy; splurge on the good stuff.
4Become Mixology Masters
Sign up for cocktail-making class with James Beard honoree Lynnette Marrero and Ryan Chetiyawardana, the founder of Dandelyan, named the world’s best bar at MasterClass. (Bonus, the subscription includes classes from Margaret Atwood, Dr. Jane Goodall, and other amazing celebrities.) Or, just tune in to Stanley Tucci. For those who prefer alcohol-free festivities, try making a new recipe from Good Drinks: Alcohol-Free Recipes for When You’re Not Drinking for Whatever Reason.
5Quiz Yourselves for Trivia Night
Perk up your Valentine’s Day dinner conversation by busting out this quiz book—it is always fun and surprising to learn new things about your partner. Or, organize a virtual date night and team up against other couples with virtual Jeopardy. Have everyone contribute to a winner’s pot to amp up the friendly competition.
6Take a Cooking Class
Make preparing a Valentine’s Day meal special by signing up for a virtual cooking class. Side note: this is another great group date with friends. Sur La Table’s classes start at $29 per household and cover everything from full meals to happy hours and desserts. For those who like to go at their own pace, or just want all the ingredients sent in one go, Goldbelly has meal kits from top restaurants, so you can sample Kansas City barbecue, Gramercy Tavern’s famous burgers, or sashimi from Hawaii.
7Indulge in Breakfast in Bed
Simple gestures like breakfast in bed become special when you take them to the next level. Make a huge spread of their favorite things on a cute tray—bonus points if things like pancakes or waffles are heart-shaped and serve with a favorite book, newspaper or magazine. If cooking isn’t your strong suit, then order these chocolate croissants to serve gooey out of the oven and pick up their favorite coffee.
8Embrace Your Creative Side
A virtual painting class will let you unleash your inner artists (or at least have a good laugh) and the finished results will be fun mementos to remember this unusual Valentine’s Day.
9Bundle Up in the Backyard
February might still be chilly, but make the most of it by dressing up in your warmest coats and building a fire. Bring out a bottle of good wine, toast some oversize marshmallows, play an outdoor game, and enjoy the outdoors during the time of year we are usually inside.
10Relax for a Spa Day
If a spa weekend isn’t in the cards, pamper yourselves at home. Trade off giving each other massages with stress-relieving oil, take a long bubble bath, and if you haven’t gotten, ahem, distracted yet, chill out with hydrating face masks. One way or another, you’ll end the day with a serious Valentine’s Day glow.
