Photo Courtesy of Hudson Table
Yes, I adore a pretty card from Sugar Paper. Beautiful light pink roses. Caramel dark chocolates. A fun and romantic dinner date to a fancy NYC restaurant. And, possibly a shiny, new piece of jewelry. However, a gift for Valentine’s Day can also be so much more than this. It truly is nice to spend quality time together engaging in an activity to create memories you’ll cherish forever.
Warning: My ideas below don’t have to go down on Valentine’s Day since rates are more expensive if you do attempt to be out and about, and places tend to rush you since they typically allott 1 hour for your 5 courses. I even prefer and recommend the 15th. Trust me.
- Cooking Class: What about a gift certificate to a cooking class you can do together? It’s teamwork at its finest and you may even learn some new skills in the kitchen. Hudson Table opened a few months ago in Hoboken and I can’t wait to try the class (“Savor the Steak“) in a few weeks! Most cities offer multiple cooking classes and schools – do some research.
- Weekend Getaway: How about planning a quick weekend away to a city you’ve never been to? Nothing is better than adventuring and experiencing new places together, especially on a long weekend! There are so many amazing, diverse cities and regions in a close proximity to NYC that also allow for great road trips – such as, DC, Philadelphia, Boston, multiple cities in the Hudson River Valley, upstate NY, Northern NJ/Vernon, Burlington and the list goes on.
- Romantic Dinner for Two at Home: What about cooking (or attempting) a fancy meal at home together with a few courses? You can start with a unique type of cheese, have a scrumptious entree, end with a savory dessert and of course, top it off with an expensive bottle of wine. Research tasty recipes online for two or even try out your favorite cookbook. Then, go to your local Whole Foods (or something similar) and splurge a little! It’s worth it. This way, you won’t be rushed out having your Valentine’s Day dinner either. That’s the worst.
- Customizing NikeiD’s: What about customizing NikeiD shoes together at your local NikeiD Studio that you can use for exercising together? You could even set a goal to lose some extra pounds and tighten up that bod. Done. Sounds romantic to me.
- Date Day of Favorites: What about a ‘date day’ focused around all of your favorites in your city? You can have your favorite brunch, go to your favorite museum, hit up a few of your favorite shops, maybe take a walk through your favorite park, have a glass of wine in an adorable, favorite neighborhood, get your favorite sweet snack and end with a favorite (or new?) Broadway show. Sounds like my dream day.
- New Workout Class + Massage + Beautify: What about experiencing a new workout class, getting a couples massage and then beautify in your neighborhood together? Try a rowing class at GoRow Studios in Hoboken. Then, go get a couples massage at Bliss Spa at The W Hoboken. End your afternoon with a blow out for her and shave for him (you’ll want to separate for this…). Hoboken: Up & Out for a blowout and The Hoboken Man for a straight razor shave. National Options: Dry Bar and The Art of Shaving.
- Cheese & Wine Tasting Course: What about stuffing your face with wonderful wine and cheese for about an hour? You’ll also expand your knowledge about pairing and matching for an upcoming dinner party you’ll host. I’m dying to try a course at my local Cheese & Wine Store Hoboken.
Happy almost Valentine’s Day! Just remember, it really is all about the memories, experiences and happy moments with your loved one.
Oh and I would never turn down a nice piece of jewelry for the record. Ever. Everything by Meira T is on my personal ‘wish list’ and this adorable Love Necklace by Sydney Evan is a very thoughtful and lovely Valentine’s Day gift. I rock mine just about every day. Thanks to APH.