Cook a Dinner for Two
If you’ve both fallen into a routine of Seamless dinners or eating out, the best gift can be a thoughtful meal that you’ve put together yourself. Add some candles to set some mood lighting (which is very important, as Clueless has taught us) or to create an aromatic experience (just don’t do the whole holy-shit-thats-a-lot-of-fragrance shtick). Technically this one requires actually buying groceries, but it really beats fighting for a reservation at a crowded restaurant and drooling on yourself while you wait for the food to arrive.
Create Something
Whatever your greatest strengths (whether it’s art and design or writing or music or crafting)—maybe you’re not even good at those, fret not!—channel them into some creative project that you can whip up for your better half. Bonus points if it actually ends up successful, but that’s not really the point, is it?
Set Up Your Own At-Home Spa
As skincare freaks here at Marie Claire, we’re always advocates of setting up your own spa in the middle of the living room (because why would you not?), but it feels especially apropos on Valentine’s Day to extend the pampering to your loved ones. Give a back rub and a head massage or convince them to try out a dewy Korean face mask with you (best of luck).
Create a Playlist
This one’s an oldie, but an eternal classic. Whether you’re blasting it at your S.O.’s window Say Anything-style or simply sending them a Spotify link, it’s a sweet way to package your feelings about the other person (just be careful what you choose).
Give Your Quality Time
It’s a real cliché—but still true—that the best gift to give someone is simply the act of slowing down, canceling all other non-important chores, and enjoying spending time together. Working on a crossword together with breakfast in bed, a game night indoors, or a weekend away could be just the trick to getting back on track as a couple or keeping things alive.
Plan a Mini Excursion
Especially if you’ve been dating for a while, it’s worthwhile to spend time outside the routine of your usual dinner, movies, and cuddling at home. Plan an excursion somewhere both of you have never been before: experts say that an element of the unknown drives excitement and better bonding experiences. Set up a picnic lunch in a cozy secluded spot or drive somewhere far away from the city and go stargazing.
