9 Modern Valentine's Day ideas

Sure chocolate, candy, roses and restaurant dinners have become staples of Cupid’s annual day.
If you’re looking to do something more on the modern side, here are nine ideas to try:

1. Donate blood
The Canadian Blood Services website says: “Cancer patients, transplant recipients, accident victims. For these people and so many more, a timely transfusion of blood can be the lifesaving difference.Half of all Canadians will either need blood or know someone who needs it. The need is constant. Book now to donate blood. It’s something you can do today to ensure someone else is waking up healthy tomorrow.”

It’s an easy way to help others and a different way to spend time together.

2. Enjoy an art class
Whether it’s a paint night, beginner-level class or something more advanced, taking an art class together can illustrate your creative side or if you’re like me, showcases my “award-winning” stick figure artistry.
Either way, it’ll make for a few great pictures and video for good ol’ social media.

3. Take a day trip
Pick somewhere that’s about up to 300 km from home, jump in the car (figuratively) and set out on an exciting day trip.
Close by spots include Hamilton (for the waterfalls), wine country (for the wine), and Belfountain for the gorgeous scenery and small town charm.
Longer drives that still yield fun times include Kingston, Thousand Islands, Ellicottville, NY and Algonquin Park.
If you can get away for 48-72 hours, hit up marvelous Montreal.

4. Recreate your first date
Ah, memory lane…such a happy place to remember how your first date went.
Well, unless it was a horrible first date and a subsequent date was needed…then recreate that date.
For bonus points, wear the same outfit and order the same food (if applicable) or do the exact same activity.
Fun fact/too much information - my first date with Laura was at Kelsey’s for all you can eat wings.
Nothing says “date me!” like showing off how many wings you can eat in one sitting!
(We’re still quite happily together.)

5. Turn your phones off for the night
Create your own time machine and go back to the early 90’s by shutting off your smart phones for the night…or even for the day. Watch TV, go for a walk/drive, talk about anything…even tell awful jokes for part of the night.
The point is to connect with your partner by disconnecting from the world.

6. Low budget = high fun
Each of you go to any store and drop $20 to keep you both entertained for the night.
To make it creative, it should be different stores.
Board games, items to make for dinner, a badminton set, or a puzzle are just a few examples.
Pro tip: go to a thrift store to maximize your $20.

7. Volunteer
Volunteering helps the community and outlets are nearly always looking for an extra set of helping hands.
From hospitals, to churches, to shelters, to seniors homes and many more, spend your time together giving back.

8. Hang out with your single friends
You have at best, 364.25 other days a year to go out with each other.
Flip Valentine’s Day 180 degrees and take your single friends out or have them over to your place.
A potluck, game night, escape room or a murder-mystery night are a few ideas.
Pro tip: If you’re a Simpsons fan, whip up a Lisa Simpson/Ralph Wiggum “choo choo choose you” card for a drop of humour to the night.

9. Learn an entirely new skill
Find something neither of you know anything about and give it a whirl
There’s soooo many to pick from…I’ll start you off:
Glass blowing, poker, horseback riding, candle making, how to cook a certain type of cuisine, photography, (real photography; not iPhone photography) music lessons, roller skating/rollerblading, and driving a manual transmission.

Bonus idea - Read back issues of Modern Mississauga magazine AND check out the YouTube page!
(Yep - self promotion 101)