Unique Valentine’s Day ideas

STRAELEN, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 09: Flowers prepared for dispatch are pictured at wholeseller Bloomways warehouse five days before ValentineÕs Day on February 9, 2012 in Straelen, Germany. ValentineÕs Day is among the busiest times of year for GermanyÕs flower retailers. (Photo by Ralph Orlowski/Getty Images) — STRAELEN, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 09: Flowers prepared for dispatch are pictured at wholeseller Bloomways warehouse five days before ValentineÕs Day on February 9, 2012 in Straelen, Germany. ValentineÕs Day is among the busiest times of year for GermanyÕs flower retailers. (Photo by Ralph Orlowski/Getty Images)

Kayanda Williams | Contriuting Writer

With Valentine’s Day around the corner many couples are trying to plan unforgettable nights. The traditional option of sitting across from each other at a restaurant has become dated. It is time to go for something unconventional to bring out your partner’s hidden talents. These date ideas are innovative, relaxing, fun and sure to bring out the best of the relationship.

If you are artsy, Valentine’s Day is the perfect moment to discover your inner Picasso and your partner’s artistic side with a crafty date. Work on a DIY (do it yourself) project together. Websites like Pinterest have a plethora of cool, creative designs. This can be done in the comfort of your own home, you can choose to do something to decorate the abode or make trinkets to simply have around.

For the exploratory couples, unplug the technology and take a trip into the wild. Go camping for an adventurous weekend getaway. Find a trail to take a hike and set up camp close by. This date involves a lot of movement and will be unpredictable, so prepare to get down and dirty in the elements. You can make s’mores over an open fire, stargaze and take in the sounds of the night.

Music lovers can enjoy a nice jazz restaurant, karaoke night or music festival as an ideal date. Check your area for upcoming events, and if nothing local peeks your interest you can always have your own improv show at home.

Couples who are sports fanatics have the choice of planning a game day. This will bring out the competitive spirit within and make for an excited adrenalin filled time. You can set up obstacle courses or just have a select number of sports of the agenda to play. Keep it thrilling by placing bets.

Nothing brings lovers together like good food. For the foodies in relationships, plan a picnic, make snacks together, grab a blanket and head to the local park for a low stress and low-cost date. Take the edge off of date expectations and enjoy each others’ company in a calm and familiar setting. You can bird or people watch, whichever is your preference. This down time will allow both of you to unwind and just relax.

There are tons are brilliant dates ideas to go out and have fun or stay in and just kick back. Whatever the date may be, have fun and remember that it’s all about appreciating the other person.