Going to a restaurant during Valentine’s season just isn’t my vibe. It’s packed and noisy and I would much rather just eat at home. And there’s the pressure to go to a fancy restaurant and spend an absurd amount of money. And while I like going to nice restaurants every now and then, it just feels forced on Valentine’s Day. It’s just not as fun. So if you’re like me and don’t want to go to a restaurant to celebrate, here are some alternative ideas. (These ideas work for Galentine’s Day too!)
Pack for a Picnic
A far cheaper option and just as fun. If the weather is agreeable, you can relax on the grass and cuddle up with your partner, enjoying the rays of sunshine. But don’t forget to bring a blanket or you’ll have some grass stains galore!
Also make sure to pack from snacks to munch on or a meal. You can make some simple PB&J sandwiches, buy some sushi from HEB, or make some gourmet sandwiches beforehand. Bonus points if you bring some chocolate covered strawberries.
For more information about which parks to picnic at, check out my other article!
Make a Meal at Home
If you’ve got the kitchen space and are feeling more homebody vibes for the day, I highly encourage making a meal with your partner. It’s easy, low stress, and you can hug your partner whenever. And cheaper than an expensive meal.
And to romanticize the meal even more, add a few candles for mood lighting and have more than one course. An easy way to make a 3 course meal with low effort is to have a simple salad for the starter, make pasta for the main, and have ice cream for dessert!
Swap Paintings
I will admit, I didn’t come up with this idea on my own. I stole it from tiktok. But it is such a cute idea! You take a canvas, start painting or drawing, and then swap it every five minutes or so. The creations you come up with are so much better and more fun than whatever you would have made on your own. And bonus, you can hang up your creations when you finish!
Bake a Cake
Baking with your partner is a special kind of fun. You can choose to make something horrifically complicated like macaroons or something wonderfully easily like cookies.
Have fun brainstorming – finding something that fits both of your cravings and energy level – and then off to the races you go. And once the sweet treat is in the oven and the dishes washed, you can cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie.
