12 Thoughtful (And Free!) Ways To Say “I Love You”

This post on Valentine’s Day Date Ideas was first published in 2019 – re-sharing here again because ’tis the season!

Yesterday I reminded Doug that Valentine’s Day is next week, and he looked at me genuinely confused because he was convinced it’s in April. Soo…there’s that. It’s February 14 by the way, for any men you may want to sliiiiide this post over to.

Truth: Since we’ve been married, these holidays have started to become another day on the calendar.

Don’t get me wrong, I love to be swooned, and I love making Doug feel special! But we’ve evolved into more of an “everyday love language” type of couple. I’ll get him warm coffee while he’s getting ready. He’ll clean out my car without me asking. The type of seemingly nothing stuff that actually is romantic in its own way, you know?

I think it’s because with kids, going anywhere is a massive feat (especially in the days of COVID!) so we’ve started to become content little hermits who prefer our home turf and simplicity. Or, maybe I’m just getting old? Either way, going out sounds like the actual, literal worst way to spend Valentine’s Day evening. (Ha!)

Maybe I’ve also developed into a curmudgeon? Thing to consider.

But, of course, Valentine’s Day is one to make someone feel special! And I want to make Doug feel appreciated. We’re not big on expensive gifts either, so I’ve been thinking of ways to surprise and treat him.

Valentine’s Day Date Ideas: 12 Thoughtful (And Free!) Ways To Say “I Love You”

I believe that it’s important, no matter who you are or what day it is, to show those you love that you love them.

With that in mind, here are some Valentine’s Day Date Ideas that I’ve been thinking of to surprise Doug. They’re all no cost, but thoughtful, which are the types of things/gifts that are totally up his alley. Something to show my favorite guy that I love him dearly. Maybe something will catch your eye and help you with this upcoming love-filled holiday, too?!

12 Thoughtful & Free Ways To Say “I Love You”

Have a Picnic Indoors

You know how they say that when you’re having trouble sleeping, you should move locations and usually that helps? I’ve definitely found that a change of scenery makes things feel fresh, which is a concept that totally goes toward the every day, too! It’d be fun to take this notion, and switch up where you have dinner. (Because I’m in the Midwest and it’s frigid lately, I’m focusing this on the indoors. But this totally applies to outside, too!) A picnic in sunroom? In the laundry room? Perhaps DINNER ON THE BED?! Get wild, my friends. Light some candles if you’re feeling adventurous.

Pop Up Post-It Notes

This is such a classic, but for good reason. It’s just so thoughtful and sweet! Grab some Post-It notes — I’d suggest between 10 – 20 — and write something that you love about your significant other on them. Place them all around the house in places where they will see them, so that as they go through their morning/night routine, they’re continually finding your little love notes.

Share Why You Love Each Other

At the dinner table, or even while drinking your morning coffee, take turns sharing why you love one another. We do this sometimes and it always brings the warm and fuzzies.

Write A Love Poem

This isn’t just for the wordsmiths. A poem can be as simple as a few lines, or as long as multiple pages. Really, it’s just important that it comes from the heart.

Post-It notes are one thing but an ENTIRE POEM?! Just re-name yourself “Romeo” and go ahead and give yourself a nice pat on the back.

Make Breakfast In Bed

Note: This does require getting out of bed earlier than normal. So if you’re like me and pretty much find that impossible, move along to the next suggestion….

If not though, this is a great option to start the day off right. Extra brownie points if you make heart-shaped pancakes. EXTRA EXTRA brownie points if they’re Mickey Mouse. (Yes, even if you don’t have kids!)

Offer Up A Massage

Because who doesn’t love a massage?! Pair it with wine.

Plan A Game Night

If it’s just you and your significant other, my favorites include Scrabble and card games like Gin Rummy. If it’s a group, go for Charades. Or, if you’re into deep conversations, a recent one I played and loved was Vertellis!

Collect a pile of photos and look at them together

A trip down memory lane is such a fun way to connect and talk about all the fun trips, memories and experiences you’ve been through together. I think this could even be fun to do if you’re a newer couple — collect photos of all the places you want to go and talk about ideas for the future. It’s always fun to have visual references when you’re chatting, so either way this is a great and easy way to be thoughtful!

Go On A Walk Together

There’s just something about strolling, hand in hand, with the person you love. This is also a great activity to do with a family! Go on a walk to a local park, or even just a long walk around the block. The one key thing here is to hold hands. It’s simple – yes – but it’s also so sweet.

Sing Karaoke

Don’t just stand there…bust a move! I’m no Mariah Carey, but I love me a fun karaoke party. For this idea, it’d be fun to choose the song that the other person has to sing. This is another great group activity; our kiddos love a great dance party!

Go Geocaching

Have you heard of this?! It’s basically a free scavenger hunt where you can easily explore your neighborhood. I haven’t tried this yet, but it seems like it could be a fun thing to do, especially with your significant other! This would be a really unique date idea.

Play Truth or Dare

It’s not just for middle schoolers. It’s actually SO MUCH FUN for adults. Trust me!

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The best thing about this list of Valentine’s Day date ideas is that you can pick multiple, or just one, and still make your significant other feel special!

Tell me, what are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Are you a “Go all out” type of person, or are you going a more reserved route this year? I’d love to hear in the comments!