Whether you're celebrating Valentine's or Galentine's, if you're looking to break away from the basic Valentine's Day routine then you're in the right place.

Had enough of overcrowded dinner dates at Turtle Bay and pictures of hotel rooms so "creatively" filled with balloons, trails of candles, and rose petals spelling out "be my bae"? Why not try something new and creative this year? We list 8 affordable, fun and quirky ideas so you can switch it up this year.

‍1. Boujie Netflix & Chill: For this plan to work you will need a room, some fairy lights, something to watch films on, and PLENTY of pillows and blankets. This idea is especially handy if you still haven't financially recovered from Christmas but still want it to give romance.

So the idea is to turn your room into a blanket fort haven lit with fairy lights and romantic films, and if you really want to impress your significant other, put out a spread. This does not need to be expensive, however, it is important that you put your presentation skills to work.

The types of snacks that tend to impress are charcuterie boards or afternoon tea. And don't forget, chocolate is very much considered an aphrodisiac, so be sure to keep your romantic spread well stocked with cocoa.

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2. Pamper in Paradise: This idea is essentially for those who much prefer to relax rather than go above and beyond to curate an activity-packed day. To pull this off you are going to need some face masks. Whether you buy these or make them yourself is entirely up to you, although making face masks together could be a wholesome bonding experience.

The main goal is to deliver an authentic relaxing spa experience, so candles, clean towels and robes are essential. Some form of massage oil will definitely spice things up as you can both demonstrate your massage skills to one another and take the time out to explore one another's erogenous zones.

Don't forget to provide your spa mate with snacks and refreshments along the way. This can be small finger treats such as cucumber sandwiches with mimosas on the side, and of course, chocolates because...aphrodisiacs, right?

Your partner may also appreciate you including some beauty treatments within your relaxation schedule, so why not paint her nails? Or why not condition his beard? Set yourself a personal challenge to include as many treatments as you can think of, even the small ones such as hand massages, temple massages, or a warm rose petal bath.

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3. Cooking as a pair: If relaxing is too slow-paced for you, there are other exciting things you can do to strengthen your bond. There's something about planning the perfect date night as a team that fosters a feeling of togetherness and achievement.

Find a dish that you both like that you wouldn't normally cook at home. In fact, choose THREE dishes. A starter, a main course, and a dessert. Follow the recipes of all three dishes together, remembering to allow room for errors and to remain patient with one another.

To ensure you are both fully immersed in the experience, it may be worth shopping for the ingredients together. Don't forget to pair a good drink with your meal, as there is no doubt that you will both be parched after all your hard work in the kitchen.

Be sure to kick the romantic atmosphere in full throttle with, yes again, candles! (Side note: all of these plans are going to require candles because they are the pinnacle of burning love and desire). Additionally, you can't get through a romantic dinner without a custom playlist. Therefore, it might be nice for you both to create a collaborative playlist for the evening, being sure to include music that best reflects your feelings for your loved one.
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‍4. Have your very own sip-and-paint evening: To pull this off, you will need to grab some art supplies, more specifically, two canvases, two easels and two acrylic paint sets with brushes. Try not to break the bank though, either Amazon or The Works should have everything you need.

You're also going to need a couple of bottles of wine, or of course, your favourite beverage. Throw on a romantic playlist and yes, more candles, as you and your partner or bestie take the time to paint a portrait of one another.

It's worth remembering that this activity is not about who has the best artistic skills, but instead something lighthearted and personable for you both to share. Plus, you get a cute souvenir at the end of it!

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5. Movies In Bed: This activity isn't for the faint of heart and may appeal more to those who very much consider bed to be a safe haven. If you're craving a much needed break, this is definitely the day for you. All you need is a bed, a food delivery app, and a marathon of films lined up for you both to watch.

Again, this style of day isn't for everyone. However, sometimes there is nothing more intimate and wholesome than just existing in your natural state with someone you really like. Pick a few must-see movies each and make a point of only leaving the bed to use the bathroom or to answer the door to Uber Eats.

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6. Host a couples games night: This will only work if you and your friends have a decent collection of games between you all, and if needed, you can always grab one or two more games from the charity shop. To really drive the competitiveness of the game-filled festivities, a form or prize for the couple who wins the most games may be a great incentive.

This doesn't need to be anything grand, just a bottle of something nice or even something silly. Setting a great atmosphere is key, so be sure to provide your guests with plenty of snacks and find a good playlist that you can all vibe to.

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7. A charity shop scavenger hunt: This one is for the couples who have a competitive yet flirtatious nature to them. All you will need is a charity shop scavenger hunt list (you can find these online), and your phone camera.

The idea is to race one another in order to find the most items on the list, and take a photo of each item as proof. What is great about this game is that you can play it as a couple, or you can involve more couples and form teams.
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Then after all the fuss is done and the winner has been crowned, you can enjoy a celebratory drink in a nearby bar.

8. Have a tantric day: If you really want to build your connection with your partner, you can try connecting with them on a tantric level. A day of pure silence with one another, and if you're both comfortable, this can also be done completely unclothed.

The beauty of this exercise is to communicate through touch, eye contact, and breathing. It's one thing to tell a person you care about them, but to communicate it non-verbally is much more meaningful. This is not an easy task, especially if you're on the chattier side. But for those who are looking for a deep and rewarding experience with a loved one, this may be up your alley.

Sitting and being comfortable in a meditative state with your partner for an entire day is not an easy task, and it's okay if you accidentally break the silence. This is more about trying new things that may rejuvenat your bond, and collecting beautiful memories to look back on in the future.

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Let us know how you get on, and if you try any of these ideas. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
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