35 Cute Long-Distance Valentine’s Day Ideas to Help You Celebrate Together (Even When You're Apart)
Go big with a surprise gift, a romantic virtual date or an intimate small gesture.
Maintaining a long-distance relationship can have its ups and downs. While being away from each other can actually help you value your significant other more, trying to figure out how to make each other feel special while navigating different time zones, conflicting daily schedules and the sheer number of miles between you two, can require a little extra effort. That's why planning ahead to make sure you have something fun to do on Valentine's Day is important. Beyond romantic gift ideas that will make your honey swoon, we’ve compiled a list of long-distance Valentine’s Day ideas that can be done apart while still making you two feel closer than ever.
Some of these sweet things to do include virtual experiences that can be done together thanks to the internet, others, they'll do on their own, but you'll make sure everything is mapped out perfectly so they can enjoy the day.
And remember, when all else fails, a nice bouquet, bottle of wine and a love letter can go a long way.
For more Valentine's Day ideas to celebrate your boyfriend, girlfriend, wife or husband, look to our guides below:
Valentine's Day Gifts for Her | V-Day Gifts He'll Love | Easy Homemade Gifts
Plan a Spa Day
A little R&R will never go unappreciated. Treat your honey to a day of relaxation at the spa of their choice. While it's not as good as a couples massage, we're sure they'll be thinking about you the entire time.
Send Love Letters
V-Day can still be special if you have to spend it separately. Plan to send a love letter each day of the week leading up to February 14th so that they can feel your love from afar.
Find Out: How to Write the Perfect Love Letter to Your Partner or Crush
Attend a Virtual Concert
Did you know you two can actually live-stream a concert? There are a bunch of sites that you can check out, but one that's guaranteed to be a hit is Broadway Plus, which allows you to book your favorite performer for your own personal show.
Play 21 Questions
Even if you'd been dating for years, there's always something new to learn about each other. Asking questions, even as the simplest ones, can open the door to deeper and meaningful conversations. A good way to start would be with the game We're Not Really Strangers, that will give you over 50 questions to ask your partner.
Recreate Your First Date
Though there are logistics involved, reliving your very first date is a surefire way to give them all of the feels. Even if you can't recreate it exactly, you can order a similar meal or watch the same movie. Then, you can FaceTime and enjoy it together.
Play a Game Online
You don't have to be a regular gamer to get into the competitive spirit online. Platforms like the tabletop simulator enable users to play your favorite IRL games online. If you have a gaming system like the Nintendo Switch, you can play together from far apart, too.
Record a Video Message
Get the lighting just right, put on your favorite outfit and shoot a sweet video message to send to your faraway sweetheart. It's so much better (and more personal) than a written card; no postage required.
Have a Video Cook-Off
Make like Julia Child and cook the same recipe from afar. Set up your phones so you can see each other's progress and give pointers, or smack talk if you turn it into a contest. Sit down and enjoy the results together afterward.
Make a Craft Together
Even if you aren't typically crafty people, it's fun to create something with your hands sometimes. Order two craft kits to your respective houses, or decide on a DIY project and gather materials, then try your hand at making it together. At the very least, you can laugh at each other's attempts.
Sing Karaoke
You know the phrase "dance like no one's watching?" That applies to singing, too! Belt out a few of your favorite tunes by doing long-distance karaoke. It's certain to get the ol' endorphins flowing, and no one will hear your off-key notes except the one who would never judge you.
Send Them on a Scavenger Hunt
Keep your Valentine from wallowing in loneliness on V-Day by sending them on a scavenger hunt that will lead to a reminder of your love. Make a list of items they need to find, places they need to visit or a combo of both that all culminate in a sweet surprise.
Send Flirty Texts All Day
Keep them on your mind (and vice versa) by sending flirtatious texts throughout the day. If you're already the type to stay in regular contact, turn up the heat on your messages a little to make it feel extra special.
Create a Countdown Until Your Next Visit
If there's still some time to wait before you see each other again, lean into it by making a countdown calendar. Think of it like an Advent calendar, but for your relationship. It'll make waiting until your reunion just a little bit sweeter.
Plant a Garden
There's nothing so satisfying as watching something grow. Plant a manifestation of your blossoming relationship by planting gardens at your respective homes, or just a houseplant if you don't have room for a whole bed. Comparing your plants' progress will give you something new to bond over.
Read a Romantic Book
Celebrate the beauty of love with a good read this Valentine's Day. Ask your partner to choose an engaging romance novel to read together. Then on Valentine's Day, grab some wine, light a candle and talk about your favorite (and spiciest) parts of the book.
Try a Virtual Museum Tour
If you've been longing to show your significant other around your favorite museum, taking them on a virtual tour is the next best thing. Whether they're partial to art or natural history, checking out the exhibits together will give you lots to talk about.
Exchange Fragrances
If their fragrance wardrobe is in need of an upgrade, have a new scent delivered right to their door in time for Valentine's Day. With every spritz, they'll be reminded of just how much you care.
Have a Zoom Cocktail Party
Put your home bartending skills to the test and invite your sweetheart to a virtual cocktail party. Upload a Valentine's Day-appropriate Zoom background for a festive touch and choose a cocktail to make and enjoy together. Cheers!
Do an At-Home Workout
Turn up the heat and get your blood pumping by trying a new form of exercise with your favorite workout partner. There's an online workout class for every fitness style, from yoga sessions to high-intensity interval cardio. Plus, you'll strengthen your relationship and your muscles.
RELATED: 20 Best YouTube Workout Channels for Every Type of Fitness
Watch a Romantic Movie Together
If you can't have a romantic movie night on the same couch, play the same flick from two separate ones. Sync your schedule so you're watching the film at the same time and screen it via FaceTime for an extra dose of connection. Or, head to the theater in your respective cities and discuss the movie afterward. You're not supposed to talk in the theater anyway, so it's a great long-distance date night.
RELATED: The 50 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time to Watch Together
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