If your Valentine (or Galentine) is into experiences over traditional gifts, there are some great COVID safe ideas out there. We have a lot of sweets and treats and wine around the house. I’ve been thinking about other fun things we might do together instead or experiential gifts I’d like to receive.
Take a virtual cooking class and then eat a delicious meal. There are so many cool virtual cooking and baking classes. Here in Chicago and many other cities, you can get kits via Tock or Open Table and then cook with the chefs. There are also a ton of online options – Cozy Meal looks great! If you’re too late to get a kit, many have lists and you can get the ingredients at the market or via Instacart to participate.
Try a walking meditation experience. Check out MindTravel’s Guided Walking Meditation exploring the theme of LOVE on Valentine’s Day. Conscientiously designed as a solo or family activity in accordance with social distancing protocols, you’ll venture through your neighborhood or walking trail. Through the gentle guidance of Murray Hidary, and the music of MindTravel, in your headphones, you’ll be transported mentally and spiritually and will return refreshed, revitalized and re-centered. Sign up here for $15. You can check out additional meditations (some free) here. [I did one in January and am planning to do this one. Murray is great and I dug the sunshine vibe of his walk in California. Also, I felt like I could really pay attention while walking as compared to sitting still.]
“Travel” to a place you’ve always wanted to go or to a favorite place. Check out Amazon Explore. It’s a beta site offering virtual travel, classes and cultural experiences with local guides. All experiences are 30% off right now and some start at $9.99. AirBnB has a similar offering here. I’m thinking of taking a look for experiences for destinations still on our bucket list to do some scouting for 2022!
Gift a dance class, exercise class or a run tour. There are tango lessons online – how romantic! Want something funkier, gift Free Movement Shop’s Black Women Make The Movement Move series on their on demand platform for this month for $20. You can schedule a run tour with Go! Running Tours in your city or here in Chicago with me. You can schedule for spring if it’s too cold for you now! Or you can gift Go! Running’s Strength Training with Olympian Colleen De Reuck here.
Do a jigsaw puzzle, crossword puzzle or word game together. The Husband and I have done thirteen 1000 piece puzzles during the pandemic. We also do the NY Time Spelling Bee together several times per week. You can gift a puzzle or NY Times Crossword/puzzle subscription. Puzzles are a fun way to spend time together. The online puzzles can be done wherever you are!
What experiences would you like to receive as a Valentine’s Day gift?
Have a great weekend and a Happy Valentine’s/Galentine’s Day!
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways.
Please note: This post contains Amazon and Go! Running affiliate links. If you use these links, I’ll receive a small commission.