Be Mine, Valentine: Unique Date Ideas

Want this Valentine's Day to be unique? Leave the clichés behind this year. Skip the store-bought flowers and boxed jewelry and try something new. If you're ready for a change, here are five unique Valentine's Day date ideas to consider.

Making reservations

The plan: Never cooked before? Go online to find some recipes you and your sweetheart will love. Practice preparing your meal in advance to get it just right. Before grocery shopping, be sure you have a detailed list. Don't know where to start? One of my favorite places to go for recipes is Allrecipes.com.

Seeing a movie

The plan: Even if your budget is small, you can create a surprise to wow your valentine. Take it from Ashley Harris, an engaged nurse in Cincinnati. "I've had lots of fun dates, but I would say the best type is when I have no idea what the date entails! I think the surprise factor also shows that the guy puts some extra thought into it." How to plan your surprise? Look for free admission to museums, art galleries, historical exhibits, cafes, or poetry readings. Your state or city tourism website will also help you plan.

Buying flowers

The plan: With some green-thumb know-how, you can start a garden together. Visit your local nursery to buy potting soil, terracotta pots, and seeds. Starting a garden for the first time can be a fun process that you'll want to continue for many seasons.

Watching sports at an arena

The plan: Ever get stir-crazy in the winter? You're not alone. Get rid of that wintery cabin-fever feeling with a sporty Valentine's Day date. Stoke the fires of romance with a little friendly competition. Why not try:

• Bowling
• Darts
• Laser tag
• Table tennis
• Pool
• Putt-putt golf

Buying jewelry

The plan: Schedule a beginner's lesson for two or join a group class at an art studio. Consider what you'd like to try: drawing, painting, charcoal, pastels, photography, or clay. Your efforts will result in a unique Valentine's Day gift with special memories only the two of you share.