Celebrating Valentine's Day can feel tricky when love spans miles instead of streets. But fear not! Distance might test your patience, but it can never diminish your creativity or the strength of your bond. This Valentine’s Day, let’s bridge the gap with fun, heartfelt, and innovative ways to celebrate together, even when apart. Whether states, countries, or oceans separate you, these ideas will make your Valentine's Day unforgettable.
1. Virtual Dinner Date with a Twist
Plan a romantic dinner date online. Both of you can cook the same recipe (or order from the same chain restaurant), light some candles, and video call over a shared meal. Add a fun twist by dressing up as if you’re dining in a fancy restaurant! If you’re feeling adventurous, try cooking a dish you’ve never made before. Sharing laughter over burnt pasta attempts or accidental kitchen mishaps makes the experience even more memorable.
Pro Tip
Coordinate your menus ahead of time and pick a theme—Italian night, comfort food classics, or even breakfast for dinner. This way, you’ll feel like you’re in sync even if you’re miles apart.
2. Netflix and Chill—Virtually
Thanks to apps like Teleparty, you can sync up your movie or TV show sessions and watch together. Snuggle up in your respective homes, share popcorn, and text reactions in real-time. Romantic comedies are a go-to, but if you’re both into thrillers or documentaries, go for it. The important part is enjoying the moment together.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can set up a themed movie night. Watching a superhero flick? Wear your favorite Marvel or DC T-shirts. Movie snacks can also match the theme—think nachos for a Mexican rom-com or sushi for a Japanese anime.
3. Create a Custom Spotify Playlist
Music has a way of making people feel connected. Create a playlist filled with songs that remind you of each other. Include tunes that evoke your shared memories, like the song you danced to or the one that played during your first road trip. Share the playlist and listen to it together during the day or whenever you’re missing each other.
One couple shared how they built a playlist collaboratively. Each week, they added a new song to represent their current mood or something they wanted the other person to hear. By the time Valentine’s Day arrived, they had a soundtrack to their relationship.
4. Send a Love Letter Package
There’s something timeless about handwritten notes. In an age of texts and emojis, taking the time to pen down your thoughts is incredibly special. Write a heartfelt letter and pair it with small trinkets like photos, a spritz of your favorite perfume, or even a piece of your favorite chocolate.
When your partner opens it, they’ll feel your love pouring through the envelope. You can take it a step further by adding little surprises—a pressed flower, a keychain, or a doodle you made.
Relatable Story
Lila once sent her long-distance boyfriend a package containing a quirky scavenger hunt. Every item in the box was a clue to their favorite memories. The grand prize? A sweet video message from her. He said it was the best Valentine’s gift he ever received.
5. Plan a Virtual Game Night
If you're both into games, set up a virtual game night. Play multiplayer games like Mario Kart, Among Us, or simple app-based games like “Heads Up” or “Trivia Crack.” Not only is it a great way to relax, but the competitive banter and shared laughter can make you feel closer.
If you’re looking for something less competitive, try co-op games like Stardew Valley, where you can work together to build a farm and live your virtual countryside dream.
6. Take an Online Class Together
Expand your horizons as a couple by signing up for an online cooking class, painting session, or even a mixology workshop. It’s not just about learning something new—it’s about doing it together. You’ll have a shared experience that you can reminisce about, and who knows, you might even discover a hidden talent.
For added fun, pick something neither of you has done before, like learning a foreign language or attempting a beginner’s yoga session.
7. Host a Long-Distance Picnic
Send each other picnic baskets filled with snacks, drinks, and maybe a handwritten note. Set up your phone on a tripod, find a cozy spot (even if it’s just your living room), and enjoy your meal together virtually. You can even agree on a dress code or choose a picnic theme, like retro vibes or a favorite color.
Adding an activity like reading poems or playing your favorite songs can make the picnic feel even more special.
8. Create a Time Capsule
Each of you can pick three items that symbolize your relationship and share why you chose them during a video call. Save these items in a box to open the next time you're together. This activity is sweet, nostalgic, and meaningful.
Imagine the joy of unsealing the time capsule years down the road and reliving those memories. You can even jot down predictions about your relationship’s future and see how many come true.
9. Have a “Recreate Your First Date” Night
Reimagine your first date virtually. If it was at a coffee shop, sip coffee together over Zoom. If it was a movie night, stream the same movie you watched back then. Adding small details like wearing the same outfits or snacks makes it even more special.
For couples who first met at an event, like a concert or sports game, create a playlist or watch a game together to relive the magic.
10. Exchange Digital Love Notes Throughout the Day
Set reminders on your partner’s phone (with their permission!) that deliver sweet messages at random times. Apps like Postable or Notes on iOS can help you set these up. These notes can be heartfelt, funny, or a mix of both.
One couple shared how they used this idea to create a “love treasure hunt,” where each note led to the next. By the end of the day, the partner received a digital scrapbook filled with photos and messages.
11. Plan Your Future Adventures
Distance can be tough, but planning your next in-person adventure is exciting. Sit down together and map out a future trip, complete with must-see spots and fun activities.
Create a shared Pinterest board or document where you save ideas for restaurants, sightseeing, and quirky things to try. It’ll make the wait feel more worthwhile.
12. Play “Would You Rather” or 20 Questions
Use your time apart to learn more about each other. Prepare a list of fun, deep, or silly questions and spend the evening answering them. It’s amazing how much more you can discover about your partner, even after years of being together.
For a romantic twist, add questions like, “What’s the first thing you’d do if we were together right now?”
13. Surprise Them with a Cameo Video
Is your partner a fan of a particular celebrity or influencer? Surprise them with a Cameo video message personalized for your Valentine’s Day celebration. It’s a unique gesture they’ll cherish.
14. Write a Joint Love Story
Take turns writing a paragraph of a fictional love story. Let your imaginations run wild! You could be spies meeting at an art auction or star-crossed lovers in medieval times. The sillier, the better.
When the story is complete, save it as a keepsake.
15. Schedule a Virtual Stargazing Date
Find an app that lets you locate constellations, and gaze at the stars “together.” Share what you see or even narrate dreamy stargazing poetry. Adding a telescope or binoculars can make this date even more magical.
16. Set Up a Surprise Countdown
Use a countdown app to mark the days until you meet again. Start your Valentine’s Day by sending a screenshot of the countdown, paired with a loving message reminding them that the distance is temporary.
Final Words: Love Is Worth the Effort
Long-distance relationships might require extra effort, but every moment you invest makes your bond stronger. This Valentine’s Day, embrace creativity and cherish the small joys. Whether you’re enjoying a virtual dinner or exchanging heartfelt letters, remember: love knows no distance, and every little effort you make is a testament to your commitment.
No matter where you are, love will always find a way to make your hearts feel closer. So go ahead—plan that date, laugh, connect, and make this Valentine’s Day one for the books!