10 Valentine's Day Experience Gifts to Woo Your Sweetie

Chris and I like to get each other a little gift for Valentine's Day, but my favorite gift to give is an experience gift — and I'm always scheming. Read on for 10 ideas for things to do together to celebrate your romance, and drop your best ideas for memorable dates in the comments, you sweetie.

Create a Custom Fragrance

Do a quick Google Search for Perfumeries in your town. A lot of fragrance houses will help you create a custom scent and even keep it on file for you. If you're hard-pressed to find a perfumery in your area, there are a lot of discovery/sample sets you can tinker with at home (Le Labo and Tom Ford have great ones). Just make sure to get your sweetie a bottle for his/her final fragrance, and think of a romantic name for your concoction.

Pack a Picnic

I know what you're thinking — It's too cold for a picnic. But I've had great success with this one, even in the snow. Pack thermoses of hot chocolate or soup. Roast marshmallows on a mini tabletop fire pit (easy to transport!), and snuggle under cozy blankets. The rosy-cheeked selfies you take from this experience will live on for years to come.

Host a Chocolate Tasting

If your partner has a sweet tooth, go all out. Instead of buying them a chocolate sampler, why not grab all of the fancy chocolates in the International aisle and have a conclusive taste-test: Which is THE BEST? Get some nuts, cheese, and fruit for palate cleansers and make little score cards. This makes for a delicious date night.

Organize a Try-On

Has your partner been on the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans? The best loafers? The comfiest pajamas? Put a haul on your credit card and set up the ultimate fitting room at home. If you want to go BIG, organize a swimsuit try-on, and — "Surprise! We're going to the beach!" (Also, nothing says "I love you" quite like returning all of the pieces that didn't work.)

Take a Tasting Tour

What's your honey's favorite food? Organize a little tasting tour! Who has the best French Fries in your city? Or, who has the best Brussels Sprouts app? Map out your "tour" on a cute Valentine, and go out on a multi-location date. Pro tip: This works best during the day, when you have a few hours to spread out your tasting. 'Nother pro tip: Try this in a downtown area, where you can potentially park once and visit three to five restaurants.

Rent Out the Theater

This is easier than I thought! You can rent out a movie theater for a private screening, starting at $99. Some theaters charge by the hour, some charge by the audience size, and some have a specific list of movies you have to choose from — but almost all theaters offer this. There may also be a minimum purchase requirement on snacks, so get ready to spoil your Valentine with popcorn, candy, and Slushies.

Rent the Court

Are you married to a Sporty Spice? Renting a court is very affordable (Just $3 an hour in Raleigh/Durham for Tennis, Pickleball, Basketball, Volleyball, or Futsal). If you're looking to tackle him/her — a turf field with lights is only $60/hour locally. Check your local Parks & Recreation, and surprise your Valentine by reserving the space just for the two of you.

Make a Ring Together

I've seen a few of these classes/workshops offered in our area, and they look so cool! The idea is to choose materials that are significant in your relationship (I read about a couple who made a ring from a pinball because they met playing pinball. Cute!).

Take a Cooking Class

Chris and I love ordering take-out Thai food, and he's pretty good at making curry at home. But I know we would have a ball at a cooking class, learning about one of our favorite foods. A lot of places offer these for couples or date night — and even if it's not private, it's fun to experience alongside other Valentines who are out on the town.

Secretly Book an Overnight Stay

Make a reservation at a fancy hotel's restaurant — or get dressed up and have drinks and snacks at the bar. Surprise your date with a room key when the bill is delivered! Go the extra mile, and pack an overnight bag for him/her, already waiting in the room. Go the extra extra mile, and order room service for breakfast in advance, and enjoy the gift of sleeping in.