30 Romantic Long Distance Valentine's Day Ideas to Show You Care
Gifts are nice, but these cute activities will help you grow closer.
When Valentine's Day rolls around, it's easy to feel a little down in the dumps if you can't go out for a candlelit dinner or on a romantic date with your main squeeze. But if you're in a long-distance relationship and plan to celebrate without your partner by your side this Valentine's Day, you're far from the only one.
Research shows that as many as 75% of college students have been in a long-distance relationship, and Pew Research reports that 24% of internet users have kept in touch with a long-distance romantic partner online. And the number of adults who live apart from their sweethearts is likely far more than the data shows, since the most recent census didn't account for whether spouses were separated by military service, job requirements or for some other reason.
All you need to make your loved one feel a little closer on Valentine's is a little creativity. There are lots of unique ways to celebrate Valentine's Day long-distance and make a few new memories this year. Some will ask you to think outside the box, and others call for advance planning or a little DIY. Whichever option you choose, it'll make you and your Valentine feel special, even if you can't be in the same physical space. So take a look at these romantic long-distance Valentine's Day ideas to pair with a special gift.
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 cameras 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 cinema 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
Write Them a Letter
Most of us rely on email, texting, video chat and phone calls to stay in touch. Go old-school and write your main squeeze a Valentine's Day letter. Elaborate on out how you feel in all of its mushy, cheesy splendor. For even more romantic flare, spritz the paper with a little of your signature scent before sending it on its way.
RELATED: Best Valentine's Day Wishes to Write in All of Your Cards
Have a Video Dinner Date
When you can't get a table together, order the same meal from your own branches of a national chain or a similar meal from two restaurants and log onto a video call to eat a holiday dinner with your Valentine even from thousands of miles away. One of you may have to have "dinner" at a nonstandard time to allow for timezones, but it's worth it for that "awwww" factor. Add candles and your fanciest outfit, to make it feel extra-special.
Send Them a Special Package
When it comes to V-Day deliveries, don't just grab the first (or most expensive) thing you see. Instead of roses, send her favorite flower or one with a symbolic meaning. Craft them a gift that reminds you both of a special memory or inside joke or pick up a meaningful token that will become a keepsake for years to come.
RELATED: The Best Flower Delivery Services for Every Occasion (That You Can Order Online)
Make Them a Playlist
Get in your partner's head (in a good way) by making them a Valentine's Day playlist. Include songs that carry special memories for the two of you, tunes that make you think of them or create a musical journey through your relationship, with songs you've enjoyed at various important times. Don't forget to write out some heartfelt liner notes to go with it!
Craft Them a Scrapbook
Scrapbooking isn't just for preserving memories for you and your family – it also makes a lovely long-distance Valentine's Day gift. Put together a memory book of printed-out photos from past dates, ticket stubs and receipts if you have them or little trinkets that remind you of your best times together.
RELATED: Easy-to-DIY Valentine's Gifts That Are Literally Made with Love
Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Lizz (she/her) is a senior editor at Good Housekeeping, where she runs the GH Book Club, edits essays and long-form features and writes about pets, books and lifestyle topics. A journalist for almost two decades, she is the author of Biography of a Body and Buffalo Steel. She also teaches journalism as an adjunct professor at New York University's School of Professional Studies and creative nonfiction at the Muse Writing Center, and coaches with the New York Writing Room.
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