Ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day might be critiqued as a ‘Hallmark holiday’ for some, but for others, it’s the perfect excuse to show your other half just how much you love them. From simple yet sweet gestures to extravagant surprises, read on for a handful of celebration ideas to please every pocket.

The classic Valentine

Perfect for if you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day without too much gusto, a classic dinner and a movie date can be just the ticket. This February 14th the gorgeous Embassy Theatre in Wellington is premiering Daffodils, a film adaptation of the award-winning New Zealand stage play that made waves at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Best of all, it stars New Zealanders Rose McIver and George Mason as the leading actors.

The intrepid Valentine

What better way to surprise your Valentine than by whisking them off to a romantic staycation destination? Retirees as lucky this year as Valentine’s Day falls on a Thursday, which means that most working couples will be saving their getaways for the weekend. As a result, Airbnb is still brimming with swoon-worthy accommodation options for Thursday night. From secluded eco cottages and barefoot beach cabins to luxury yurts and sleek inner-city apartments, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Want to go further afield? Why not wrap up a copy of a Lonely Planet guidebook and start planning your next adventure together?

The high-tech Valentine

Practical gift givers will love high-tech gifts that just keep on giving. Activity trackers are ideal for fitness-oriented partners, while portable speakers are great for green thumbs who want to listen to tunes while pottering around the garden. For an update on the traditional photo frame, consider giving your loved one an electronic photo album, pre-loaded with special photos.

The simple and sweet Valentine

After decades of marriage and countless Valentine’s Days together, perhaps you’re at the stage where it really is the thought that counts. Whether you just pick up a simple card from the supermarket or make your own, a few heartfelt words can mean the world. Why not check out academy-award nominated Greenbook for a little inspiration on how to pen a few earnest paragraphs? If you’re wondering whether it’s worth picking up a bouquet of flowers for your wife or splurging on a nice bottle of wine for your hubby, the answer is always yes.

What are your plans for this Valentine’s Day?