9 Last Minute Ideas for a memorable Valentine’s Day

I think the world is divided into two. Not along the lines of those who can roll their tongues and those that can’t but between those who are romantic, and those who aren’t.

If you’re one of those people who think that Valentine’s Day is great fun and you have a myriad of ideas every year as to what to get up to, then you probably fall into the ‘super-romantic’ department and can stop reading now.

My hubby is a romantic, and I love him for that because although in the past I may have had organised a grand gesture or two, mostly I have difficulty dreaming up something more exciting than champagne and dinner.

Since then, my romantic gesture list of ideas seems to have sadly waned.

At the last minute I always think, “Crikey. What grand idea can I pull out of the hat for Valentine’s Day,” and then the moment passes and I book to go out for dinner instead while he might do something romantic like have an orchid delivered to me in the day.

Well, hey … here we are in 2015 and it’s the last minute, AGAIN. If you’re like me and frantically trying to pull something out of the hat, here’s a quick list of last minute ideas for Valentine’s Day you could potentially pull off if you’re that way inclined.

Good Luck!

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1. Kidnap him

There’s nothing more exciting than a bit of the unknown and although your hubby might be wishing for a more 50 Shades of Grey experience and you might be thinking more along the lines of a relaxing back massage a deux, lying side by side in a beautifully darkened and scented room, then why not try to aim for a compromise.

What would he like to do that you would enjoy as well. Perhaps a spa weekend where he can play golf or do something energetic while you can enjoy your pamper session, and then a lovely dinner for two?

See what last minute deals you can find on the internet. Go!

2. Go Glamping

Book a romantic wooden cabin deep in the woods, or by a waterfall, or with a wonderful sea view, or if you’re into camping then grab the esky, a bottle of champagne, some extravagant eats and treats and head to the most beautiful camping spot you know of. Cuddling up in the outdoors far from the madding crowd, with your most comfortable duvet, your own pillow and a decent foam mattress under you if you’re camping could be just the thing to put you in the mood for love.

3. Pay tribute to the past

Can you remember where he proposed? Or a place that holds special memories for you both? Could you go back to the very same place? If not, can you pick a really meaningful event from the past and return to the same place it occurred? Failing that, why not write down 10 of the most romantic places you’ve been together and wallow in nostalgia over dinner.

4. Thrifty Romantic

Do something simple that doesn’t cost too much. Make-up a picnic and head to somewhere beautiful. Don’t forget the single red rose in a jam jar for the centre piece. Or hire some DVD’s and have a movie fest at home – unplug the telephone, get your favourite takeaway, and crack open a bottle of champagne.

5. Do something energetic

If you both love being energetic then there’s nothing better to get the happy endorphins moving than going out to exercise. Walk, bicycle, swim, paddle board – how could you make one of these activities romantic for the 14th February? Just make sure to make the escape a bit different – a walk that includes a nice lunch, a picnic after your swim, or just breakfast at your favourite cafe after a bicycle ride. Me, I’m of the slug variety and never get on a bike unless there’s food in the journey somewhere.

6. Watch the Sunset

It’s not always the present that counts, but being present is essential. So switch off from the online world and the world around you and give him your full attention. Prepare a few nibbles, put the champagne on ice, and head to a beautiful place to watch the sun going down.

7. Take off on a road trip

So you haven’t had time to book anything for Valentine’s Day? No worries. Put your sun hat, sunnies, walking shoes, going out shoes, suntan lotion, and camera in the car. Jump in, pull out a local map, close your eyes and point to a place on the map. That’s where you’re going for the day. (If you had the world map out by mistake – then good luck!)

8. Get into something sexy

Okay, although I detest all the magazine articles that suggest things like “2 Zillion Ways to Spice up your Love Life after 50” (and I know other women who feel the same way too – check out Kathy’s post here) I do think sometimes ‘getting trussed up like a chicken in something sexy’ which might make you laugh at yourself, and make him pant, is good for a loving relationship. So get thee to a lingerie shop and think like a Victoria’s Secret model.

9. Do something with friends

You’ve been together so long and you have your own romantic Valentine Days throughout the year without having to adhere to the commercialised one, so perhaps you’d rather go on a double date with close friends and have a bit of a giggle at all the poor romantic souls pouring out their love on this one day of the year.

I’d love to hear about your most romantic gesture or the funniest thing that happened to you on Valentine’s Day. Why not share your memory in the comments?