Minimalist Valentine’s Day Ideas
I never thought I’d be married. I thought I just wasn’t “one of those people” and that I wasn’t cut out for marriage. Then I met Brent and he literally swept me off my feet on our first date. Since then, it’s been one incredible experience after another and nearly 7 years later, we’re still in the “honeymoon phase”.
Now, I’m not a relationship expert but I am incredibly proud of ours and I attribute our success as a couple to our commitment to “dating” each other. We’re always pursuing new and exciting experiences, trying new foods, making fools of ourselves attempting to master new skills and I swear that’s what keeps our relationship so strong! We’re also minimalists in the making which means when it comes to special occasions, we prefer experiences over things. Valentine’s day is no different so we’ll be enjoying some of these minimalist Valentine’s day ideas ourselves and we hope you will too!
6 Minimalist Valentine’s Day Ideas
Cooking Classes
We’re foodies, and if you’re here there’s a good chance you are too! Kitchen Door Catering offers a variety of really interesting cooking classes. Everything from knife skills to fresh pasta making is available and it’s a great, interactive way to spend some quality time together.
Unique Dining Experiences
Chef’s night at Sugarmoon farm is still one of our favorite things to do for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day. We’ve been several times and it never gets old. A few times a year, the farm brings in a guest Chef who takes over the kitchen and designs a set menu around a theme. There’s live music, wine pairings (or cocktails if you prefer) and it’s all done family-style on large harvest tables.
Foodie Valentine’s Day Ideas
In Halifax, Dine Around happens in February which makes this the perfect time to explore some new restaurants and foods. More than 70 restaurants offer set menus at specific price points (ranging from $10 – $50) along with some unique new menu options. There are few things more romantic than an intimate dining experience, trying new foods together!
Weekend Staycations
Nova Scotia winter travel is worth embracing! There are so many cozy winter getaways to choose from and many offer special Valentine’s Day packages. I’d highly recommend those that offer fireplaces & hot tubs like the Tidal Bore Rafting Resort or Irwin Lake Chalets!
Nova Scotia Ice Wine Festival
I know what you’re thinking… “but Sara, I don’t like Ice Wine”! This is a common misconception that we’re putting a stop to right now! The Ice Wine festival features ALL Nova Scotia wines including our award-winning Tidal Bay & some fantastic sparkling wines along with reds, rose’s and (of course) ice wine. The festival happens during Valentine’s Day weekend and offers different tastings and events to suit your style.
Discovery Centre’s: Discover Love
We love the idea of a slightly riske adults-only event! And, we’re going! I truly believe that having fun together (even if that means blushing at a sex-themed event) is incredibly important. It’s too easy to fall into a routine and forget to explore new ideas, so attending an event like this is a great way to mix things up a bit.
Need More Minimalist Valentine’s Day Ideas?
Don’t worry friends, we’ve got you! Check out our experience gift guide that’s got 49 other experience-based gifts or our ultimate foodie gift guide. We’ve also got these guides ready and waiting for you:
- Gift ideas for travelers
- Boozy gift ideas for people who drink
- Unique gift ideas (straight from our own wish list)
I hope this round-up of minimalist Valentine’s Day ideas is helpful to you. We also hope it inspires you to prioritize experiences, over things. When it’s all said and done, it’s the memories we make with the people we love that really matters. Wishing you, dearest blog reader, the best Valentine’s Day ever whether you’re celebrating with someone you love or treating yourself to a well-deserved day of self-love.
Love the cooking class idea! What a fun thing to do with a person you love ❤️
Have you ever done one? They’re super fun!
Happy Valentine’s Day Sara and Brent (and belated birthday!). I’ve become an experience gift giver as much as possible and I love reading your ideas. I really want to try out the axe throwing you guys have been doing but the fireplace and hot tub staycation idea in the blog sounds perfect….
-Sarah ps. Bring on the snow.
A lot of great gift giving ideas! I love surprising people I love with homemade gifts too!
We did a cooking class together last Valentine’s Day and loved it!! I highly recommend!
I would love to do a cooking class with my hubby. I’ve been to some of the restaurants participating in Dine around Halifax. I’m a total foodie!
We are totally Minimalists!! The last couple of years we have decided that close to home vacations spread out all year meant more to us than a week away! (Still love that, dont get me wrong) We are probably weird ducks, but we dont celebrate valentine’s day. We dont think it’s just one day, and we try all year long to show how much we care. (Hubby knows better than to spend double the price on Rose’s for one day)
Thanks for all your onsite on places and things to do 🙂
Love all of these ideas! Kitchen Door cooking classes are definitely on my bucket list.
wow! Such great ideas, not just for Valentine’s Day but for a great night out with friends as well.
I never enjoyed Valentine’s Day even when I was in relationships. This year I’m single and will be spending the evening drinking wine, chatting and watching movies with friends 🙂
Loads of great ideas!!!! I’ll definitely check out some of the links!! Thank you!!!
I agree experiences over things, my husband and I are the same! Building fun memories together is always the most rewarding!!!
Sounds very similar to myself and my Hubby! I never believed in marriage… until I met someone I really wanted to be married to! We’re 11 years in and I still look at him now and then and say, “You’re my Husband!’… it’s still a marvellous and new feeling for me! I think what keeps us happy and strong is laughter and enjoying each other’s company so much.
My Husband and I have, in the past few years, started trying “new to us” restaurants for special occasions. It’s a lot of fun! This Valentine’s we have reservations at il Mercato’s. I already know what I’m ordering… lasagna, here I come! 🙂
Thanks so much for all of the super ideas! Hubby and I are more about experiences and travel than “things” too!
Cheers and Happy Valentines Day everyone!
Darlene
I also feel it is great to experience different things with your partner! Thanks for the ideas!