Valentine’s Day: Dates, Gifts and Good Ideas

We have just the thing for couples and singles who want to spend Valentine’s Day doing something special and inexpensive. And remember, it’s an international day of love so it’s the perfect opportunity to discover a new love for anything that takes your fancy. So get out there and start falling in love with a new activity, social group or that restaurant around the corner that you’ve been talking about trying for the past few months.

Simple date ideas:

Say it with cookies…

Fancy a good coffee? Team that with Mrs Field’s special Valentine’s Day cookies and you’re set to have one delicious date. Impress the one you care about with a giant love-inspired cookie, a custom baked Decadence Cookie Cake or a Cookie Card for something different. Enjoy Mrs Field’s classic ingredients, including choc chip, white choc and macadamia or butter toffee classic. Remember that Mrs Field’s cookies are free of artificial colours, flavours, additives and trans-fats, so you can enjoy these tasty cookie treats guilt free. Visit www.mrsfields.com.au and search for your perfect Valentines Day treat starting from $7.95.

Just do dessert…

Amigos in Melbourne is offering a special Valentine’s Day dessert deal. Skip dinner and head straight for the sweets. The Mexican inspired restaurant has a combination dessert tasting platter including a traditional Flan De Queso (similar to a French crème caramel), Churros (Spanish doughnuts with a side of melted chocolate) and a fresh and creamy Mango Mousse. The platter will set you back $24.50 and Amigos also has an extensive cocktail menu, so this is also the perfect event for a ladies night out. Locations on Lygon Street, Chapel Street and Acland Street. For bookings, visit: www.amigos.com.au

Bowl your loved one over…

Ditch the roses and candle-lit dinners and head to AMF Bowling for a fun filled night. With over 40 locations across Australia, there’s bound to be one near you. With bar and café facilities available, both couples and singles with friends can make this an affordable, fun night out. A single game starts at $14.95. For special deals and to book, visit: www.amfbowling.com.au

Dates on a budget…

A Valentine’s Day date shouldn’t be all about the money. It’s the idea, effort and thought behind the date that should count. To keep things affordable but special, Denis and Emma Merkas have reviewed date ideas and put together the successful 30 Dollar Date Night blog. From ice-skating to picnics and stargazing, get loads of ideas here: http://thirtydollardatenight.com.au/

Simple gift ideas:

Good things come in pretty packages…

Looking for that perfect, pretty, delicate gift for her? MOZI designs unique homewares and offer quirky patterns and details across their range of office goods, bathroom and kitchen accessories. They also offer small but thoughtful gifts including candles (RRP$24.95), body bars (RRP$14.95), lavender bags (RRP$19.95) and room spray (RRP$29.95) for those who enjoy a sweet scent in the home. Visit www.mozi.com.au for a full selection of their range.

Make it a bottle for two…

Enjoy a fruity wine? Need an inexpensive drink to complement a meal or dessert? Aja Blush is a lightly sparkling Moscato blush wine. Deliciously refreshing with just a hint of sweetness, this Australian made wine combines a unique blend of aromatic grapes with a crisp citrus finish to specifically compliment the fragrant, spicy flavours of Asian cuisine. To buy online for $19 per bottle or to find a stockiest, visit: www.ajawines.com.au

Max-imum love…

Chocolate? Tick. Cute gifts? Tick. Why not make it a Max Brenner themed Valentine’s Day? Treat yourself to a divine set of praline chocolates with the Loves Me Loves Me Not box (RRP$16.00). Or if you’d prefer to be pampered opt for the Body Massage Candle (RRP$22.00). Not only does this candle smell like delicious vanilla and hazelnut but the oil can be used afterwards as a massage lotion. There’s also a 100% Pure Cocoa Body Butter (RRP $32.00) and Ivory Coast Cocoa Butter Bubble Bath (RRP $26.00) for those after a decadent type of treat. Visit: www.maxbrenner.com.au

Try something new:

Fit2Date

Do you want to work out and meet other like-minded singles at the same time? Perhaps you’re seeking new friendships or simply want to get fit with people your own age? Fit2Date offers a four-week training program for fit single people who want to train and immerse themselves in an environment where meeting new people is easy. The same group of people meet once a week for a one hour training session and it provides an ideal environment to meet friends or potential partners while sharing a love and passion for keeping fit and healthy. Sessions are run in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Visit www.fit2date.com.au for session availabilities and times.

Single Volunteers

Like the idea of supporting abandoned animals while meeting other people with a similar passion? M.A.D woman (Making A Difference) in conjunction with Pet Rescue is holding an event that will allow you to interact with dogs and kittens that need rescuing. Participate in a range of activities, like making edible treats and toys for dogs and cats while immersing yourself in a great environment to meet new people. The event will be held in Sydney on Valentine’s Day and in Melbourne on the evening of Friday 12 February. Visit: www.madwoman.com.au and www.petrescue.com.au