Making Valentine’s Day special can be extremely stressful – especially for those on a budget or who aren’t a fan of the conventional dinner, chocolates, and flowers. Planning the perfect date that your significant other will enjoy is a difficult task, especially with all the expectations that surround Valentine’s dates. Whether your partner prefers a more exciting or chill approach to this holiday, these 12 date ideas surely will make you and your significant other’s February 14th one to remember. 

For the home bodies:

Going out and spending money isn’t always the key to an enjoyable Valentine’s day. If your love language is simply quality time with your partner, these date ideas are a perfect way to embrace your inner homebody while still sharing a meaningful experience with the person you care for the most.

• Cook a meal together  

Why not ditch the typical formal dinner date and recreate it in the comfort of your own home? Try a new recipe like chicken alfredo pasta or homemade pizza, set the table with candles and place settings, and play a Spotify dinner playlist (author suggestion: Pink Martini Radio). 

• At home movie night 

Settling down and taking time to relax to a movie is a great way to unwind while still enjoying the company of your significant other. Watch cheesy rom coms like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Clueless or binge watch a Netflix series. Take a trip to the nearest convenience store and buy your favorite snacks for the full movie theater effect. 

• Video game marathon 

For those who are a bit more competitive, bust out the old Wii and play some classic, childhood video games like Mario Kart or Wii Sports. This will surely make your Valentine’s day night fun and bring back nostalgic memories. 

For the funlovers: 

Valentine’s day doesn’t always have to be celebrated on the 14th, especially if it lands on a weeknight. If you find yourself bored of typical dates and are seeking a more adventurous option, these ideas for the weekend before will surely make the time spent with your other half exciting. 

• Ice Skating 

Whether you or your partner have experience ice skating, getting outside and enjoying this activity will surely be hilarious. Pay a visit to the Plaza in Neenah for the full Hallmark movie experience. Buy hot chocolate or coffee afterwards to get out of the cold. 

• Indoor Glow in the Dark Mini Golf 

Dress in fluorescent clothes and visit Glow in the Park Indoor Mini Golf in Oshkosh. Not only will the effort to par, maybe even birdie, each hole make this date exciting, the glow in the dark lighting takes this classic date to the next level. 

• Indoor Farmer’s Market 

The warmer months aren’t the only time for farmer’s markets. Visit the Winter Market at the Oshkosh Arena on February 11. Act fast, as the next market date is all the way in March. Browse flowers and fresh produce while walking around and supporting local vendors. 

Keeping Valentine’s Day Inexpensive:

Paying for a nice dinner in addition to gifts for your significant other isn’t very cost effective especially for high school relationships. These ideas will still allow for meaningful experiences while remaining inexpensive. 

• Make a playlist 

Create a playlist editable for the both of you and add all your favorite songs. Take a scenic drive through Oshkosh parks such as Asylum point or Menominee park while listening. 

• Enjoy a walk 

Explore a new park or just take a walk in your neighborhood. This is a great way to get outdoors and get a change of scenery from the work and school week. Taking the Wiouwash trail (or any part of the river walk) especially during sunset is a gorgeous option. 

• Attend a coffee shop and listen to live music

Buy coffee or a favorite drink at Elsewhere ( 531 N Main St.) or simultaneously listen to live music or an open mic night at New Moon Cafe (401 N Main St.) in Oshkosh. This inexpensive form of entertainment supports local business and up and coming artists while providing a simple and fun Valentine’s date.    

Other fun date ideas: 

• Drive through roulette 

Instead of a fancy restaurant with several courses, drive around town to different drive-thru’s for separate drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Play rock-paper-scissors to choose who picks the restaurant for a unique and fun dinner date. 

• Paint pottery 

Attend a local pottery painting place that premakes mugs or clay sculptures and paint pieces: try out The Fire Escape (423 N Main St.) in downtown Oshkosh! Not only is this a creative date idea, but you and your significant other can keep the artwork from this date or gift them to each other to have as a memorable keepsake. 

• Visit an Art Museum 

Take the time to explore and appreciate a local museum, such as the Paine Art Center or the Oshkosh Public Museum. Explore your interests and appreciate the past of our city. End the day with dinner in Downtown Oshkosh, Ruby Owl or Gardenias are great historical options. 

Hopefully this wide variety of date ideas all across the board will ease the stress of choosing the perfect way to spend Valentine’s. The key to a successful date–no matter the time of year–is to match what you do to the personality of the couple. If you do that, what could go wrong?