Sometimes it’s tough to wrap up an “I love you”, and the challenge of picking out the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day can be overwhelming. Instead of the classic chocolate and flower combo, choose the gift of an experience. From spa outings to wine tastings, champagne hot air balloon rides, fast cars & much more in-between — give a gift that’s as timeless and treasured as the memories they create. Here’s our roundup of the best Valentine’s Day gifts that goes far beyond a box!
Escape
You can escape to somewhere close and still feel far from home by having a romantic staycation at a local 5-star hotel or a charming bed & breakfast, where you can enjoy their amenities and room service. Escaping to the great outdoors is also a great way to connect and spend quality time with your partner, but if camping is not really your idea of romance, then glamping is a great alternative to try with the right bedding, food and lighting.
Adventure
Are you a power couple with a serious need for speed? Tackle adventure as a dynamite duo with a racecar driving experience, sitting either shotgun or right behind the wheel of an exotic car! If you want to take to the sky, nothing beats the thrill of sightseeing in a helicopter or private flying lessons. If you like the idea of flying, surprise your other half with an indoor skydiving session, giving the sensation of free fall in a wind tunnel as you both hover in the air together.
Spa Day
Everyone loves to be pampered from time to time, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to be spoilt rotten. Give the gift of blissful relaxation by treating your boo to an indulgent day at the spa with treatments like facials, mani-pedis and couple’s massages where trained beauticians and masseurs cater to your every need. A close wet shave is one of life’s little pleasures for men, so give him the smoothest and most satisfying shave ever with a traditional cut-throat shave in a luxury gentlemen’s salon. With so many spa options available for both men and women, revitalizing the body and mind could not be easier.
Sports
If you and your partner share a passion for sports, a sporting event could be the perfect way to spend some time together. Surprise you partner with tickets to the NBA All Star game or book tickets to see your favorite basketball or hockey team in action. Channeling your inner Tiger Woods? Book golf lessons for two where you can tee up beside a PGA Pro or even spend an action-packed day at a horse race.
Food & Wine
For the pair that loves wine and food, tantalize your taste buds with a wine tour in Santa Barbara, Napa, Temecula, Oregon, Colorado or Finger Lakes, NY. Check to see which is the closest vineyard so you can enjoy some good conversation and wine with your other half. For a little more thrill, opt to fly high in a hot air balloon, while drinking champagne for an exciting and romantic getaway or hop on a gourmet dinner cruise for an elegant evening of entertainment, fine dining, and stunning shoreline scenery.
With Valentine’s Day experiences like these, celebrate your love story by making memories that last a lifetime. Tune in every Friday for ‘The StyleList’—Your weekly roundup of the hottest fashion, trends and pop culture on ONX. Hosted by Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY Magazine.
By Gina Velasco