Birds do it, bees do it
Even educated fleas do it
Let's do it, let's fall in love
Whether you’re in the early stages of dating, consumed by attraction, or committed to your partner for life, Valentine’s Day is your day to celebrate romance.
For centuries, lovers have celebrated Valentine’s Day with poetry and prose. In more recent decades, they’ve added roses, chocolates, and luxury gifts to the simple cards they once gave to proclaim their affection.
While material objects may be fun to unwrap, they are rarely memorable (unless, perhaps, there is a diamond or 500 hp engine under the bow). If you really want to make an impression on Valentine’s Day, embrace the chance to break out of your routine and focus your complete attention on the person you love.
The most romantic gifts we can think of are experiences you share together. Experiential gifts that match both your personalities and preferences are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Our team has put together a list that is sure to include something that will turn another February 14th into a Valentine’s Day you’ll never forget. (In some cases, you may need to create a gift card and put off the experience until the weather is warmer. But anticipation is part of the fun.)
Down to Earth
You don’t have to go far or create an adventure you can enjoy together. There are many romantic experiences you can have right near home.
Arrange a hike to somewhere you know but haven’t been together and share why it is special to you. It may be to a mountain peak where you spent your childhood hiking with a parent. It may be to a neighborhood baseball field where you struck out when the bases were loaded. Or it may be a walking tour of the homes you lived in from birth until adulthood. Sharing stories from your past builds empathy and brings you closer together.
Don’t forget to pack a picnic you can enjoy on a mountain peak or a quiet corner of a city park. The most romantic picnics are those that include delicacies you don’t eat every day. A charcuterie and cheese spread with baguette. Fried chicken.Chocolate truffles. If you don’t trust your own cooking skills, there are delis and specialty food stores that will provide a complete box lunch. (Do an internet search for “location” and “picnic catering” and you may find a picnic outfitter in your area that will even set the scene.)
Book a cooking lesson. Collaboration is a great way to bring two people together. And cooking is the perfect domestic collaboration. If you’re not yet cooking together, a cooking lesson can jumpstart that process. And if you do cook together, a lesson will give you new ideas, techniques, and options. Find a class that challenges your current skill level and lets you sit down and eat the meal you’ve cooked together. Classes can be online or in person.
For healthy recipe options, you can make for each other, look to Gaia Herbs’ many recipe blog posts to provide ideas for incorporating beneficial supplements into your favorite meals.
Go dancing. Every couple can enjoy the sensation expressed in these famous lyrics by Irving Berlin:
Heaven, I'm in heaven
And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak
And I seem to find the happiness I seek
When we're out together dancing, cheek to cheek
If you love to dance but haven’t been for a while, find a nightclub where you can take your partner dancing for the entire evening. If you’ve always worried you have two left feet, purchase a series of dancing lessons and make that your gift. Even if you don’t learn a thing, you’ll have a few hours a week to hold your partner in your embrace and laugh together.
Plan a sensuous afternoon or evening in bed. How many times do you turn off your phones, unplug computers, and turn your entire focus on each other? One of the nicest gifts you can give your partner is several hours of undivided attention — especially if it’s in bed.
Put together a gift basket to enhance the experience, with body oils, snacks, two glasses, and a bottle of your favorite wine or mocktail. Light a scented candle, tune your romantic playlist, and line the bed with rose petals. Sensuous doesn’t have to mean sexual. But if that’s your desire, Gaia Herbs offers several options to enhance libido and vitality that also make great gifts:
- Maca Root is popular for caffeine-free support to maintain healthy energy and stamina.*
- Male Libido supports stamina and vitality for a healthy drive*
- Women’s Libido is go-to for women looking to sustain the spark in the bedroom.*
Water Excursions
If you and your partner love the water, then being on it together is a great way to make lasting memories. Consider a gift that meets both your tolerances for fun and adventure.
White water rafting requires teamwork, and is a great way to have fun while strengthening your partnership. If you’re adrenaline junkies, book your trip for when the river runs high, during the spring runoff. If you prefer a leisurely paddle down river, wait until late summer or fall. Finding the right river for your comfort level is key to enjoying this activity as a romantic experience. Luckily, there are many wonderful options around the U.S. that make great weekend getaways.
For the more adventure-adverse, paddle boating is a great way to enjoy a pond or lake. You can go as fast or slow as you want. Paddle off from the dock and find a romantic cove to enjoy time alone together. Make the experience special with a gourmet picnic and float around all afternoon, just the two of you.
A sunset cruise is as romantic as it gets. If you’re lucky enough to be close to a lake, bay, or ocean, book an evening cruise, take a seat on deck, and hold hands as you experience the power of vibrant color along the horizon. Sunsets offer a spiritual and creative effect that have inspired poets, writers, and artists since time began. You can’t help but feel more in love while watching the sun go down.
The Sky’s the Limit
Let your love soar. You can share several adventures that will take you above ground for an unforgettable experience.
Take your love to a new level — 10,000 feet above ground — with a tandem skydive. There are skydiving locations all over the country, often a short drive from major cities. If you’re lucky, the one you find will also treat you to incredible views on the way down — from the Poconos Mountains to the California coast.
If you’re new to skydiving, you’ll be paired with an instructor, who will control the entire jump, from the point you leave the plane to landing. There is no way you and your partner won’t bond over such a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
If the idea of jumping from a moving airplane terrifies you, but you love the idea of defying gravity, consider an indoor skydiving venue, where you “skydive” safely inside a vertical wind tunnel without the burden of a parachute.
What is more romantic than a hot air balloon ride over gorgeous terrain? You’ll find hot air balloon outfits from coast to coast and abroad. Some outfits offer private or small group rides, while others fit up to 16 passengers in a basket.
Of course, you wouldn’t be human if these ideas didn’t make you a little stressed. So to take the edge off before you go up, include a bottle of Gaia Herb’s Calm A.S.A.P in your Valentine’s gift bag. It’s helps support a calm response to life’s trying moments.*
These are just ten ways to enhance your relationship and build memories through shared experience. With these ideas and your imagination, you can design the perfect romantic experience gift for your partner on Valentine’s Day.
Let others buy the overpriced roses and chocolate hearts. This year, plan an experience that shows your partner there is no one else on earth with whom you’d rather spend your time.