The Extra Unique Valentine’s Day Gift Experiences that will Get You in the Good Books [With Planning Timelines]
This is a massive PSA to all the hubbies, partners and significant others out there that when she says she wants ‘nothing’ for Valentine’s Day, this is a big fat LIE! Everyone wants to feel special on the most international day of love, and not in the cringey teddy bear and chocolates type of way. Boys, the bar has been raised and we’re ready to help you meet it.
And if that’s not enough, we’ve broken down each ‘gift’ with how much time you’ll need to organise everything and what exactly you need to prepare it.
Walk Down Memory Lane Advent
Love Level: Easy | Planning Time: <2 days (or up to 10 days)
This love experience is super easy to create and affordable too – plus, you can adapt it to suit your partner and what they will find most special. For this experience, we’ll want to prepare a special ‘memory card’ or gift for your partner to open every hour, on the hour. Think: a handwritten note accompanied by a small gift (or photo/memory), each individually wrapped and only to be opened every hour. If you start the first ‘memory card’ at 9am, and finish at dinner at 6pm, then that will mean you’ll need to prepare 10 cards and gifts/photos.
Required Items:
Paper, pen and wrapping paper
10x small gifts or printed photos – the gifts can include anything from jewellery, candles and other objects, to gift vouchers, experiences and larger gifts. Remember to keep the ‘best’ gift for last!
Bonus: If you want to go the extra mile, instead of your partner opening each gift every hour, swap it to the 10 days leading up to Valentine’s Day. This way they’ll open something sweet every day like an advent calendar! If you’re a bit of a Riddler, you can leave clues to a bigger surprise coming on Valentine’s Day.
B&B at the Love Casa
Love Level: Easy | Planning Time: <2 days
What better way to wake up than with a fully prepared breakfast delivered straight to your bed? If food is your girl’s love language, then this experience will show her you really care about her (or at least the pancakes will say that for you). To take this love experience to the next level, we’ll pair her breakfast with other gifts and small details like flowers, a gift card, and other things you know she’ll love. Remember, just because it’s often done in the movies, doesn’t mean your special someone won’t love you doing it for them!
Required Items:
Breakfast items (depending on which foods she likes, prepare a selection of breads, cereals, fruits, juice/coffee, or maybe something extra special like pancakes, bacon and strawberries).
A small posey or bouquet
A hand written card detailing some of the things you love about them / being with them
Bonus: A gift card to her favourite store, a spa/self-care voucher, tickets to an upcoming event/concert/workshop (like a pottery class, Sip & Paint) you can go to together.
Netflix + Chill Cosy Evening
Love Level: Intermediate | Planning Time: <1 week
This is the perfect gift for all our high stress girlies who just want an evening to relax, recoup and not think about what they’re going to eat for dinner. As the official Love Project Manager, you’ll want to prepare a cute charcuterie board (think blueberries, cold meats, popcorn, cheeses, chocolates and other treats you know she’ll love). The idea is that everything will be completely ready for your special someone BEFORE they arrive home from work or prepared while they shower and get cosy. But ideally, you’ll need about 1 week to get all of the items. Then, pre-select a chick flick or romantic movie and sit back and relax!
Required Items:
Prepare a movie! Yes, it may sound crazy, but there’s nothing worse than spending 30 minutes trying to find the perfect show or movie to watch. So take the time to prepare 2 solid options, write them down on a piece of paper and let her choose randomly from your hands (without looking).
Charcuterie board (pre-ordered from a vendor or made yourself).
Drinks of choice (hot chocolate or sparkling wine).
Fairy lights or candles to set the mood (turn all other lights off or dimmed).
A comfy eating place to snuggle up with blankets (a couch or pull a mattress into the living room in front of the TV).
Bonus: either make her favourite dessert or order / purchase something in advance (we love an ice-cream bowl with a selection of nuts, chocolates and toppings to choose from).
‘Everything She Loves’ Day Adventure
Love Level: Expert | Planning Time: 1-2 weeks
Are you ready to pop the question or just want to spoil your girl with an amazing day she’ll never forget? This is the expert level Valentine’s Day gift experience that will blow all other gifts out of the water. It will take a little more project management and sourcing, but it’s worth it we promise!
Imagine: a day where your girl can completely relax and be pampered. You’ll want to be paying extra attention to her routines, the places she likes to visit and how she likes to indulge herself.
Required Items:
Start the day with a relaxing massage at her favourite place (if she has one). If not, look for a spa where she can have a massage, manicure and pedicure all in one. We want her nails looking on point, especially if you’re planning on popping the big question.
Next, we’re booking your girl in for a hair treatment at her salon. Make sure you do the hair treatment and blow out AFTER the massage (otherwise the massage oils might ruin her new hair).
Lastly, once she’s looking and feeling her best, we’re going to mysteriously invite her to an afternoon/sunset picnic either at a park, beach or special spot. Make sure you’ve got her favourite foods and drinks prepared for an evening together and depending on the temperature, remember to bring blankets and warmer clothes!
Bonus: Perhaps your partner would prefer her make-up done, or instead of a picnic, you could surprise her with a holiday you booked for the two of you at a later date. The goal is to plan an entire day and itinerary filled with the things she’ll love and enjoy.
Need some more Valentine’s Day ideas?
Remember, your love and relationship is unique, so planning something for that special someone should be as equally as unique. Get creative, and put your own personal spin on it. The main thing to remember is to put more than 5 minutes of effort into showing the main person in your life how much they mean to you. But if you’re still looking for more ideas, we’ve left some additional ones below:
DIY Paint and Sip Night: Set up a mini painting station at home with canvases, paints, brushes, and your favourite beverages. Spend the evening creating art together while sipping on drinks and enjoying each other's company.
Indoor Camping Adventure: Transform your living room into a cosy indoor campground with tents, sleeping bags, and fairy lights. Spend the night stargazing, telling stories, and indulging in campfire snacks like s'mores or a hot Milo.
DIY Spa Night: Create a spa experience at home with homemade face masks, aromatic candles, and soothing music. Pamper each other with massages, foot soaks, and relaxation techniques for the ultimate self-care evening.
Scavenger Hunt: Plan a fun and interactive scavenger hunt around your neighbourhood. Create clues that lead to meaningful places or memories, ending with a surprise romantic gesture or gift.
Cooking Class at Home: Choose a cuisine you both love and plan a cooking class at home. Find easy-to-follow recipes online or use a meal kit service to create a delicious meal together. Don't forget to set the mood with music and candles!
Outdoor Adventure: Embark on an outdoor adventure such as hiking, biking, or kayaking. Explore nature together and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors while creating unforgettable memories.
Memory Lane Walk: Take a stroll down memory lane by revisiting places that hold special significance to your relationship, such as where you first met, had your first date, or shared a memorable moment. Reminisce about your journey together and celebrate your love.
