Some would describe Valentine’s Day as a hallmark holiday- just another way for the corporate giants to make money off of you. Well, that might be true! But only if you’re going to the big stores to spend your money.
Change things up for 2020 and take out your partner, best friend or parent for a fun celebration and support a small business in the process.
I’ve highlighted a few places for each idea on the North and South side of our city for you.

Sometimes we need more than just a list of places to go to. We need unique, thought-out ideas but just don’t have the time. Well, have no fear, your #ModernMississaugaMom is here to do the research for you. I have started with zero cost ideas all the way to the more luxurious.

There’s No Place Like Home

This is for my homebodies who want to be in the comfort of home but wish to do something a little different.

South Mississauga
You can order a pre-made, healthy meal made with fresh ingredients from My Secret Kitchen. Set-up some candles around the dinner table and serve up some heart-shaped cheese ravioli, herb chicken, grilled veggies and freshly made buns with butter. If you’re thinking the ravioli might be too ‘cheesy’, they also have lasagna as an alternative. Afterwards, surprise your date with a game of Settlers of Catan or Monopoly (or any board game).

North Mississauga
Order take-out from Axia, a unique Asian restaurant in Erin Mills that offers a wide variety of food from Japan, Korea, China and Southeast Asia. Grab some baked Valentine’s goodies from Kate’s Town Talk Bakery and watch a movie together (maybe a movie you two bonded over).

As Easy As A Walk In The Park

South Mississauga
For a budget-friendly date, walk along the lake by Jack Darling Park or the boardwalk in the heart of Port Credit and then pop into some of the local shops to window shop! Give each other a challenge to buy something the other person will like for under $20. It would be pretty funny when you find out what the other person wants to get you! If you keep walking east on Lakeshore (past Hurontario), there are some really cool and eccentric stores that you will only find in Port Credit and Lakeview such as Paper Decorum, Quaint and Paint, Gitta’s Needlepoint, and the Saree Room.

North Mississauga
Erindale Park is always so nice to explore- the winding paths and peaceful river make it feel like you’re not actually in the city. If you’re closer to Square one, Kariya Park is beautiful year-round. Hop on over to Streetsville for a walk in the historic village and pop into some of their local shops such as The Shop For All Reasons, Main Street Music, and HobbyHobby. I personally always get some interesting finds at the Salvation Army!

Something Out Of The Ordinary

South Mississauga
Check out The Studio Paint Bar for a premium paint night experience. They are hosting two different paintings for that evening: one of the Port Credit gondola and the other is a romantic view of Santorini. Meet Me In PC costs $55 per person and includes the canvas, materials and a delightful spread of treats and sweets. The cost for Sunsets in Santorini is $65/ per person and includes a deluxe appetizer spread, dessert and all supplies needed to paint. Enjoy their fully licensed bar with specially curated wines and beer, sourced locally and internationally from Corveste Wines. https://www.thestudiopaintbar.ca/event. Port Credit has tons of restaurants or bars you can check out for dinner before or afterwards.

Want to bottle and label your own wines to commemorate this special year with a loved one? Wine-making is a fun way to do something together and then you can drink your own wine selection anytime of the year! https://www.vintagevineslakeshore.com/. If it’s an anniversary, you can share this wine with your friends and have them over for dinner!

North Mississauga
Dicey Business (Board Game Cafe & Escape Room) is hosting a Valentine’s Day ultimate date night with board games, bubbly (or bubble tea) and delicious dessert for $20 per person. RSVP here: https://www.dicey.biz/product/valday/

If you’re looking to include the entire family, Playtown will be hosting a special session for Valentine’s Day. Salsa Babies Mississauga will be joining them for a fun filled 45 minute Salsa class catered to 18 month - 7 year olds and parents as well. Get ready for a fun evening with dinner, dancing and lots of fun! Check out this link for pricing and more details: https://z-m-www.facebook.com/events/319033762330637/

What do you have that’s healthy?

South Mississauga
Float Mississauga and Cyro Mississauga offer services that you may not consider for a date but it’s definitely something you can experience together! Delight Foot Spa specializes in foot massages, which can have some major health benefits and put you both in a great mood but for a fraction of the cost of a back massage.
Thinking of getting something sweet for your ‘sweet’ person? Sweet Philosophy, The Social Bake Shop (makes gluten-free, nut-free, keto and vegan sweets) and Raw Blendz (healthy sweets) have some tasty options for you!

North Mississauga
The Cold Pressery has some healthy options if you and your date have a sweet tooth. Check out their açai bowls or keep things steamy with their chilli hot chocolate. They frequently run special events such as their Netflix and Chill nights and an upcoming Paint Night!
Rashmi’s Bakery on Mavis has tons of nut-free, vegan and gluten-free options. You can pre-order your Valentine’s Day cake now!

I Need Something To Put A Bow On

South Mississauga
Zest For Living Port Credit has the most amazing Valentine’s Day collection of curated goods for you. Lucie can make a basket for you or you can come in and she or her staff will help you pick out the perfect gift! She’s also doing a promo for 40% of pillows so you can cuddle up on Valentine’s Day and Family Day!

Beat out past gifts of chocolate and jewelry with a unique idea: Take up private dance lessons with Blueheel Dance Studio and learn how to do the sultry salsa or tantalizing tango with your partner. Right now they have amazing Valentine’s Day specials for two, four or eight lessons. Put a bow on it, and voila!

North Mississauga
Crafted Decor and The Shop For All Reasons will definitely have something that your bestie will love. I actually have to avoid walking into these stores because I always find something that I love and need to take home with me.

If you’re looking for something with a middle-eastern flair, Kunooz on Britannia has some cute tea sets, lamps and scarves, among many other gifts.

Give Me The Whole Package

South Mississauga
Book them a cut and style at Beauty And The Blowdryer or a bodacious blow out Blo Beauty Bar. For the men, a Gentleman’s cut and shave at Cabin Barber & Gent Supply or Scars and Strops. Book a mani pedi at The Ten Spot. After they’re feeling pampered and Hollywood-ready, ask them to meet you at one of the many local restaurants with Valentine’s Day specials. During dinner, surprise your date with flowers and a gift from one of the shops we suggested above.

North Mississauga
For the North end, we would suggest Doo It Up or The Freshmen Barbershop. Central Park Salon and Spa in the Central Parkway Mall has great nails techs and their prices are amazing. For a more luxe atmosphere, check out SpaToepia for their Valentine’s Day specials.
And of course, Mississauga’s hidden gem, The Glenerin Inn & Spa, is an absolute must for pampering your loved/liked one.