Graphic by Andrea Coloma | The Crow’s Nest
By Jenna Nicastro
Each year on Valentine’s Day there is an unspoken competition to see who can plan the most unique or exciting dates for their significant other.
People run to social media, searching for ideas, gifts or dates that are not overused and inexpensive.
That is why this will not be a list of extraordinary ideas that are out of this world. Instead, it will be a list of realistic, yet exhilarating, dates that will make your partner feel special.
Inexpensive dates
Imagine Museum: This museum invites guests to be entranced into the world of glass art. Tickets are $10 for college students who have their ID, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, tickets are $5 after 5 p.m.
Picnic on the beach: For a peaceful and thoughtful date, a nice picnic on the beach or at a park is always the way to go. Grab a blanket and snacks from your local dollar store and enjoy the ambience of a beach sunset.
Valentine’s Day Comedy Show: This is a great event to go to with your partner for a good laugh and a nice dinner. Hosted by the St. Petersburg Comedy Club, the show will be held on Feb. 14 at Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill. General admission tickets are $15 if bought online, and $20 if bought at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m. for dinner and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. This event is for ages 18 and older.
Fun and creative dates
Alphabet date: You and your partner can choose a letter and then plan a date that starts with that letter. For example, if you choose the letter “B” then a beach date would be perfect. This is a creative way to think of new ideas for any occasion.
Immersive Dessert Crawl: FloridaRAMA will be hosting an immersive Valentine’s Day Dessert Crawl, partnering with Designer Desserts Tampa on Feb. 14. The tickets are $40 per person for non-members and will include 10 various desserts to try, admission to the immersive experience where you will be surrounded by a sensory dreamland, and the ability to play a Love Bites Scavenger Hunt.
Painting With a Twist: This company encourages you to bring out your inner artist while enjoying drinks. With several locations around Tampa Bay, it offers Valentine’s Day classes throughout the month of February, including two on Feb. 14. Classes start at $40.
Dinner dates
Dinner at home: If you are looking to do a kind gesture for this Valetine’s Day, make your partner dinner from scratch to show off your cooking skills. Set the table up with some candles and nice place settings to give the dinner a romantic ambiance.
Trunk n’ eat: This is a great idea for anyone who owns a vehicle and wants to have a romantic and creative date. You can set up a nice picnic with you and your partner’s favorite foods in the trunk of the car and watch a movie.
Homemade gifts
A card: Although a card is somewhat of a cliché, many people still value and love receiving them. A homemade card is a good gift because you can put your own spin on it and make it personal. A card is also a good addition to any other gift, if you are looking to do a little more.
A playlist, CD, or vinyl: These are great gifts for music lovers because you can customize it and make it songs you enjoy together.
Photo collage: You can get an inexpensive picture frame and arrange photos of you and a special someone in it and even write a message on the front or back of the frame.
Reminders of them jar: For a thoughtful and creative gift, you can make a jar full of notes of different things that remind you of that special someone. These can range from songs that make you think of them to movies to even topics of conversation. This is a very inventive project that will make someone feel special and valued.
