If you’re someone who normally cringes at the thought of an overpriced restaurant full of couples, then you’re in luck, 2021 is your time to indulge at home in style. There’s no reason why this Valentine’s Day lockdown can’t be one to remember, whether it’s a lavish dinner, a celebratory bottle of wine in bed or an evening on the sofa with a romantic film.
Even if you live apart, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. From at-home spa sessions to delicious meal kits, we have you covered with virtual date ideas to help you bridge the distance. Here is our guide to have the best Valentine’s day in lockdown…
9 Lockdown Valentine’s Day Ideas:
1. Make cocktails at home
With our last night out as a distant memory, many of us are longing for a daiquiri. So why not bring the cocktails to your living room? This one is also perfect if you are celebrating Galentines with your flatmates or if you are not with your partner this year.
If you’re isolating away from your loved ones, jump on a Zoom call and have a virtual party of cocktail making. Simply collect a selection of your best drinks and give anyone who gets involved a list of ingredients and the recipe.
Enjoy re-creating the cocktails over Zoom and say good-bye to the taxi fare home. Check out BBC Good Food’s list of easy cocktail recipes.
2. Have a takeaway
With the start of the new year and the majority of the new year’s resolutions of people to shed the extra pounds they gained during over Christmas; Valentine’s Day is a perfect excuse for a well-deserved cheat day.
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to order your favourite takeaway and to treat yourself completely?
If you’re a couple together or not this can be done; both buy your favourite takeaways and then set up a call to Zoom and have dinner together. The best part is that it also helps out your local businesses so even more reason to order!
3. Movie night or virtual movie night
How about a movie night? Both choose a movie and enjoy some of your favourite snacks for a cosy, chilled Valentine’s day. If you are not with your partner this year, Netflix has ‘Netflix party’ where you can connect with friends or partner and host a long-distance movie night.
4. Have a spa day
Over Valentine’s, Spa Days have always been famous, but with Covid putting a stop to going away, why not bring the spa to you?
Make a little hamper of face masks, a bath bomb, chocolates and a pair of fuzzy socks for yourself or a loved one. Self-care is just as important as taking care of a loved one. Why not have a pamper day for Galantines or even over Zoom to celebrate.
5. ‘Come dine with me’ challenge
This idea is ideal whether you spend the day together or remotely with your partner. If this Valentine’s Day you can’t see your partner, why not follow the same recipe and prepare a meal together over Zoom? We have plenty of tasty recipes that you can follow to have a delicious Valentines Day meal.
Or if you’re together, get all hands on the deck and prepare a romantic three-course meal, take turns and pick your partner’s starter to cook and then the same for the main and dessert.
Rate each other’s cooking for the full experience of Come Dine With Me or throw any additional entertainment activities into the mix to grab a 10/10. You could even do this with other couples over zoom to make it even more exciting.
6. Have a games night
If you get bored, why not play the classic game of Monopoly? Monopoly is a strong favourite and a perfect way to fill an evening and enjoy some quality time together.
If you have any other board games why not dust them off and have some good old-fashioned fun.
7. Attend a virtual show
Right now, the chances of one of your favourite artists putting on a live show are rather high. Keep up to date on The List, GigsGuide and Ticketmaster’s streaming calendar of virtual gigs.
If you’re after a comedy show, then check out all the virtual comedy shows happening, or NextUp Comedy Streaming Platform, which has lots of stand-up shows not available elsewhere.
Bring the theatre to you and tune into a live, or previously recorded show from the UK’s renowned theatre organisations like National Theatre at Home, the Barbican’s programming or The National Theatre of Scotland’s latest releases. Marquee TV is also a fantastic platform showcasing dance, opera & theatre on demand (try 7-days free). There are many productions becoming available online, so keep an eye on the UK’s virtual event listings.
8. Karaoke
How comfortable are you with the apple of your eye? Is a karaoke date night too much to ask? Try Lucky Voice for 14 days free, and use your phone, tablet or laptop to get the party started. Lucky Voice supplies all the high-quality audio and lyrics you need to flex those pipes. It’s guaranteed to be fun!
9. Zoom date
If you can’t be with your loved one this Valentine’s because of lockdown, you can still spend a romantic night together. Schedule a Zoom call and eat dinner together and have a good catch-up! If you’re up for some fun, why not arrange a Valentine’s themed quiz? You could get all the friends and family involved and do a Mr. and Mrs. quiz to see which couple knows each other best.
That is our list complete; we hope that you find something fun and exciting to do this year despite the current situation. Whether you are celebrating or not treat yourself this Valentines weekend and do something enjoyable!
If you choose to do any of these ideas, be sure to tag @swanbranduk on Instagram. We would love to see all your lockdown Valentines’ dates!
Happy Valentines Day from the Swan team.
