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Valentine’s Day

Need Ideas for Planning Your Valentine’s Day? Try One of These Four Suggestions

Our low-key, low-cost itineraries offer options for everyone

We get it—there can be a ton of pressure to deliver on Valentine’s Day. It can feel like you have to pick the perfect date spot, give your S.O. the perfect gift, and make the perfect Instagram post or risk ruining the day—or worse, your relationship. 

To which we say: hold the phone. Valentine’s Day is just that—a day. Sure, it’s been candy-coated and Hallmark-ified, but we promise, the holiday doesn’t have to be a high-stakes and superexpensive declaration of your affection. (And if you ask us, Valentine’s Day gifts should be unnecessary.) Remember, the whole point is to spend some quality time with the person you love and to celebrate all the reasons you fell for them in the first place. 

With all of the above in mind, BU Today has put together some low-key and low-cost—but still sweet—V-Day itineraries for different types of couples to give a try. Have more ideas? Shout them out in the Comment section below. And remember: the special day is Wednesday, February 14.

Happy V-Day, Terriers!

For the outdoorsy couple

First up: You’ll find beautiful hike options throughout New England, including some in Boston and Cambridge. Start your V-Day with an urban hike or bike ride along one of the city’s designated walking/bike paths. There’s always the Esplanade, which never disappoints, no matter which side of the river you’re on. But there’s also the Somerville Community Path, stretching from Alewife to Paul Revere Park by Cambridge Crossing, and the Southwest Corridor Park, ranging from the South End to Jamaica Plain and Roxbury. Both paths offer gorgeous (and romantic) views of city skylines and green space. 

And then: A good urban hike should always include pit stops. Stave off the February chill by stopping for a warm drink and snack from spots along the way. A little matcha and croissant here, a horchata latte and tacos there…

Finally: The best part of a hike is always indulging afterwards. This is the perfect time to break out the decadent dessert you picked up ahead of time (ahem, ahem) from one of the scores of bakeries near campus. Tatte, Japonaise Bakery, Tous les Jours, Cafe Brazil, to name a few—there’s no shortage of options here. Or, if you’re good in the kitchen, bust out your partner’s favorite dessert. Everyone knows it means more when you make it yourself. 

For the indoorsy couple 

First up: Does the idea of a V-Day hike make you want to cry (or at least cringe)? Great news: the holiday is just as romantic inside. Of course, for a proper indoor date night, you’re going to need a few essentials: namely, blankets, candles, and snacks. Make a date out of it by heading to Target or T.J. Maxx together to pick out a couple of new items to cuddle up with later. 

And then: Why not get cozy with your cutie and hop on the PowerPoint trend—either by making a presentation of all your favorite things about each other, or putting together a slideshow featuring favorite pictures of you together. Either way: Awwww.

Finally: End the night by watching a movie or TV show that has special significance to you. Maybe it’s the series you texted about in the talking stages, maybe it’s the movie you watched on your first official hang-out. Whatever it is, take an on-screen walk down memory lane together.

For the foodie couple

First up: Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean dropping a couple of C-notes on dinner. (If that’s your thing, however, do you.) You can still go all out on a budget—it just requires a little strategy. Start by making a charcuterie board or a spread of veggies and dips to flex your joint taste and plating abilities. Pair with an appropriate beverage—a mocktail with fresh seasonal ingredients, maybe?—and you’re good to go.

And then: Head to your favorite restaurant (remember to make a reservation in advance) for a small plate–centric meal. Ordering a few smaller, shareable dishes is cheaper than a full-out dinner while still scratching your itch for fine—or fine-ish—dining and atmosphere. 

Finally: What’s a meal without dessert? Again, the numerous bakeries near campus are the heroes for your end-of-night treat. Or, try your hand at baking something together that’s a little more complicated than your average Pinterest recipe—we know you can. 

For the artsy couple

First up: It’s time for a universal favorite: thrifting. Take advantage of the abundance of quality thrift stores close to campus and pick out a choice item or two—for each other. Nothing says “I get you” like finding something you know they’ll absolutely love. Even better, they’ll always think of you whenever they use or wear it. (Check out this list of thrift stores if you need ideas.)

And then: We’re gonna go ahead and assume you already have a Polaroid. Wrap up your thrift session with a cute photo shoot featuring your brand-new finds—and then promptly go home and launder or sanitize them. (Find some good info about washing your thrifted finds here.) 

Finally: Pick one of the independent theaters around town—the Coolidge, the Somerville Theatre, the Brattle—and end the day with a classic V-Day movie date (bonus points for seeing a showing in 70mm). Remember to buy tickets in advance, of course. And if you want to bring your own snacks in, we promise we won’t say anything…