[:en]I’m taking a stand. A stand against the commercial abomination that V-Day has become. I mean, Christmas was basically yesterday, and we’ve just survived six whole months of January. So, why should we also have to fork out bucket loads of cash to show our partner (or friends) that we love them? The answer: We don’t. Here’s a list of inexpensive Valentine’s Day dates instead. Because, in the true words of JLo, your love don’t cost a thing.
(P.S. You can’t use your ENTERTAINER App on Valentine’s Day anyway, remember? Which fits perfectly with my no-spending stance on this whole money-hungry day.)
1 | NETFLIX & CHILL
Probably one of my all-time favourite Valentine’s Day dates. Because nothing beats a movie marathon with loads of snacks. Nothing.
LEVEL UP: Build a pillow / blanket fort and make it a cosy evening in.
2 | PLAN A GAMES NIGHT
This one works if you want to have a night in, just the two of you. Or if you want to invite all your friends and make an evening of it. Whatever you decide to do, just don’t play Monopoly. It destroys lives. You have been warned.
3 | PICNIC WITH A VIEW
We live in one of the most stunning countries in the world. Pack a basket of goodies, and venture out to Signal Hill (Cape Town), Irene Dairy Farm (Pretoria), Emmarentia Dam (Johannesburg), or basically anywhere along the Golden Mile (Durbs). The list of scenic spots is endless, guys.
4 | COOK UP A STORM
This could be breakfast in bed (if my boyfriend is reading this – hint hint), or even a romantic dinner. Light a few candles, put on some Marvin Gaye, and get your cooking on.
5 | ADD A LITTLE CULTURE
In addition to South Africa being absolutely stunning, our country is also filled with so much rich history and fine art. Add a little culture to your life and relationship by taking in the exhibitions at the Goodman Gallery (Johannesburg & Pretoria), Whatiftheworld (Cape Town), and KZNSA (Durban).
6 | TAKE A HIKE
Life’s all about balance, so work off all that food you’ve been cooking together and get active. There are so many cool routes you could take, like Lion’s Head (Cape Town), Hennops Hiking Trail (Johannesburg & Pretoria), and Giba Gorge Nature Reserve (Durban – there’s a waterfall, guys!), to name a few.
Disclaimer: If you really don’t want to pay anything on V-Day, try a home yoga sesh instead.
7 | TICK A FEW THINGS OFF THEIR TO-DO LIST
This isn’t one of those super romantic Valentine’s Day dates or activities that you do as a couple. BUT, it is probably the sweetest thing you can do to show someone you care. No one likes to come home with a looming to-do list of house admin. So, take the load off and do a few things around the house that your significant other absolutely hates.
LEVEL UP (we’re full of these today): Leave something like “walk the dog” for last. This way, when they get home, you can take an extra-long sunset stroll around the neighbourhood together… even if you don’t have a dog.
You see, there are so many Valentine’s Day dates that you can have as a couple without spending a single cent. Let us know how you’ll be spending V-Day in the comments below.
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