Planning the perfect Valentine’s Day can take a lot of effort, but following this guideline will help you create a truly special day with your loved one. Featuring both classic and unique Valentine’s Day ideas, this guide will help you show off just how thoughtful you can be. As a gift giving website, we have plenty of ideas for Valentine's Day presents. But read through to find ways to make this year really stand out. Customize it to fit your person and your budget!
1. Foundational Preparation
Reflect on Relationship
What has your partner asked you to do lately that you can take care of (or work on) leading up to the holiday? This can help take some pressure off of Valentine's Day and set a good tone. This could be...
- Hanging something up
- Putting something away
- Fixing something around the house/apartment
- Booking an appointment
- Being more appreciative
- Taking an interest in their family/friends
Listen for Hints
Leading up to Valentine's Day, be alert to any hints your partner may drop. It could be admiring something at a friend's house, or complimenting a restaurant's bathroom candle. To spur conversation or seize opportunities to see what catches their eyes...
- Go for walks around the neighborhood
- Run errands together where you may catch wind of necessities or wants
- Step into shops when out and about
Subtly Get Information You May Need
If you read through this guide and have gaps in your plans, you can take care of it in advance without triggering any alarms. Be casually curious without causing suspicion.
- When they bring up any items they may want, ask more probing questions
- When on the topic of food/candy/drinks find out what their current favorite is (it can change year to year)
- What do you need to look around the house for when they're not around (where are the tablecloths...)
2. Morning Surprise
Start the day on a high note by surprising your partner with a Valentine's Day treat.
Dunkin' Donuts stacked on a display stand in front of tulips
Breakfast
Whether breakfast in bed, a donut from the new shop nearby, a mobile order pick-up at the closest Starbucks to them, etc.
Valentine's Day Display
Have your chocolates, flowers, and/or gifts on display for when they come down in the morning. Decorate the kitchen table, their nightstand, their door, etc. Add flair with balloons (go to a Dollar Tree, speciality balloon store, or some convenience stores or even florists), etc. You can take it a step further by decorating with paper flowers or paper hearts that you cut out yourself.
Custom Playlist
Create a playlist just for them! Whether for their commute, their lunch break, or their daily walk. Remember to give it a clever name (referencing your nicknames, inside jokes, anniversary, etc.) and personal album artwork (like a picture of you).
- What songs came out when you first met?
- If married, can you pull from your wedding playlist?
- Does it include their favorite artists, concerts you've been to together, etc.?
Little Love Notes
Leave Post-Its (or if you're have a lot to write, cards) in the bathroom mirror, front door, steering wheel. These are meant to put a quick smile on their face. For example,
- My favorite smile in the world
- I always think of you when...
- I hope [enter nickname for least favorite coworker] doesn't bug you today
Lunch
Let them know at the start of the day that you have a lunch delivery coming or a packed lunch in the refrigerator.
- What's a way you can make their lunch special... for example, including their hard-to-find favorite bag of chips
- Can you find a lunch special that they'll love trying?
3a. Dinner Plans: Eating at Restaurant
Do you know if they prefer eating out or a meal at home? You can always start a conversation specific to Valentine's Day (some people prefer to avoid the crowds and price fixed menus), but make sure you have some suggestions at the ready. They may also prefer to celebrate a different date depending on their work schedule or other needs.
Reserve a Table as soon as possible
Use apps like OpenTable or Resy to find available reservations and set up alerts in case of cancellations. You may have better luck at restaurants where you have to call, as that will discourage some people.
How to Find the Perfect Restaurant
See if you can find what restaurants they've saved (or who they follow) on Instagram, TikTok, Google Maps, Yelp, etc. Or do your own research using local news outlets or social media accounts. You can always ask a friend for suggestions!
Have a Backup Reservation
If you're waiting on a restaurant to release their reservation dates, have a backup in case you don't secure one. But do the right thing and cancel it if you don't need it as soon as possible.
Hire Babysitter/Petsitter
If going out, be sure to make the proper arrangements for your loved ones staying back at home.
3b. Dinner Plans: Cooking at Home
A romantic dinner at home can be unforgettable. It's the effort that counts most. The goal is to set the mood and make them feel special!
Pick the Cuisine
Consider Italian, Mexican, American or find inspiration from their favorite chef - Bobby Flay, Ina Garten, etc. Or look at who they follow on Instagram to see what food-related accounts they follow or recipes they've hearted.
Print the Menu
Have a printed menu at the table to give the restaurant feel. Use a free template on Canva to create your custom menu. Include your names, the date, and the appetizer, entree and dessert. Have fun with the descriptions and graphics!
Prep Ahead of Time
See what chopping you can do in advance so you can maximize your time together. The hardest part of making a meal is the timing. Consider writing our a timed schedule so you don't forget any steps.
Set the Table
Break out the fine china! Set the table formally with napkins/silverware, a tablecloth and votive candles. Create a centerpiece with framed photos, flowers, etc. If celebrating Valentine's Day with your wife, this is a great opportunity to use any items that you registered for.
Get a Playlist Ready
Whether your own playlist or a playlist based on their favorite artist/genre, remember to play music in the background. May we suggest a Caamp radio for some super sweet indie love songs?
4. Dessert Plans
Valentine's Day can be synonymous with chocolate. If they take their sweet tooth seriously, consider how to make this extra special.
Buy Quality Chocolate
Taste the difference of small batch chocolate. Consider local shops or try out gems like Josh Early Candies. Even though Pennsylvania is known for Hershey chocolate, this old time family-owned chocolate shop is superior. If they have a favorite brand of chocolate, like Ferrero Rocher or Sour Patch Kids, see if you can get a Valentine's Day edition at your nearby grocery store.
Find a Special Dessert
Chances are you know their favorite dessert, so see how you can make it special! Creativity will show lots of love! If they love rainbow cookies can you get it made in a cake format from your local Italian bakery? For example,
- At-home Dairy Queen Blizzard
- Cheesecake Factory-inspired cake
- Home sundae bar (great if celebrating with the entire family)
- Desserts from acclaimed bakeries, like Milk Bar in NYC
5. Thoughtful Card
Start with a Card That Captures Relationship
There is no shortage of clever cards to encapsulate your relationship dynamic. Whether a funny, sappy, or Snoopy-themed, find the card that shows the person you picked it out specifically for them. Check out your local Paper Source (or shop online), book store or cafe for unique Valentine's Day cards. Or you can make a card yourself your own graphics/cartoons using art supplies (or tracing with pencil from your computer screen).
Write a Heartfelt Message
Fill your card with specific and kind words to show appreciation for your partner. This could look like:
- What do you admire most about your partner?
- What memory from the start of your relationship can you reference or reflect on?
- What are your hopes for the future?
- How is your life different because of their love?
Include Printed Photos
In your card, add a few of your favorite photos. You can write captions on the back for even more sentimental value. These can be your favorite dates together, your best Snapchats, images from past Valentine's Days, etc. Look up photo printing by you to find a convenient store, or order online from MPix to support a family-owned American business.
6. Flower Arrangements
Flowers are the other quintessential part of Valentine's Day.
Flower Selection
Whether working with a florist, online company, or doing it yourself, the most important aspect is choosing the right flowers. For your wife, consider what flowers took front stage at your wedding as these are probably their favorites (and if not in season, get look-a-likes). If a new relationship, most people will tell you that you can't go wrong with peonies, lilies, and the classic red roses.
Flower Delivery
Consider if your partner would like the attention of an office delivery versus the convenience and privacy of receiving flowers at home. When in doubt, get them delivered to her home.
7. Best Valentine's Day Gifts
If there's still room in your budget for a gift, then check out these Reminded Me collections for Valentine's Day. We specialize in thoughtful gift ideas. Unlock more gift ideas by becoming a member for just $24/year, in which case you can also set up reminders with personalized gift recommendations ahead of birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.
Valentine's Day Gifts for Her
Valentine's Day presents for her. These gift ideas range from small tokens of appreciation to big splurges. Find Valentine's Day gifts for your wife or girlfriend that are practical or fun.
Valentine's Day Gifts for Him
Finding Valentine's Day gifts for men can be difficult... if you don't know where to start. Review this curated list of gifts to find something that reminds you of him.
8. More Tips to Make Valentine's Day Special
What to Wear
Can you wear something that your partner bought you? If your partner likes to coordinate you can inquire about their planned outfit and do your best to match. Use every opportunity to be thoughtful!
What to Say
Compliment your partner! Similar to what you write in the card, focus on the parts of them you love most: their sense of humor, big heart, kind generosity, patience, smile, etc.
Who Else to Celebrate
Besides your partner, you may want to consider reaching out to friends and family to remind them of your love! People that have recently left relationships or had a partner pass away would especially appreciate the outreach. And if a parent was always your Valentine growing up, make sure they know you haven't outgrown their love. If you're lucky to have a grandparent alive, give them a quick call!
What to Watch
Avoid the debacle of asking "what should we watch" with some movie recommendations. It can be centered on love, a movie they've been meaning to watch, related to your dinner plan, something that's up for award shows, their favorite movie, the first movie you saw together, etc. Have popcorn and candy ready if this is your chosen dessert!