6 Outdated Valentine's Day Date And Gift Ideas (& What To Do Instead)

Another year, another February — and another chance to either impress or disappoint on Valentine's Day. You're already off to a good start if you remember to bring home a gift and set aside some time for date night. But spoiler alert: If your plan is just to grab some red roses and take your partner out to dinner, you probably aren't going to blow their socks off. 

You might ask, "What's wrong with the usual gifts and traditions? They're classics for a reason, right?" It's all well and good if your partner has a soft spot for the Valentine's Day staples of roses and chocolate hearts, but if those aren't their favorites, you run the risk of your presents seeming cliché and impersonal, which, in turn, makes it seem like you put no thought into the holiday. Ouch.

Fortunately, winning at romance isn't as hard as it seems, and taking a more bespoke approach to Valentine's Day is one easy way to show you really care. So, kiss those old, hackneyed gift and date ideas goodbye. From roses to teddy bears, here are six tired Valentine's Day ideas you can skip — and what to do instead.

Somehow, red roses have become the default romantic symbol of Valentine's Day. And while bringing home a dozen or two rosy blooms is never a bad choice, you can score extra points and show that you're paying attention by swapping those red roses for something specific to your partner. For instance, if they aren't into red, consider buying roses in a different shade. After all, they come in many hues, from pink and purple to white and bright yellow.

You can also skip roses altogether and go straight for your loved one's preferred blossoms. In the language of flowers, options like daisies or chrysanthemums may not scream romance, but it'll mean so much more to your partner that you took the time to choose their favorites, especially if you can include a selection of their beloved flowers and colors all in one bouquet.

Couples with a green thumb can also take an extra step outside the box by choosing a potted plant instead of cut flowers. The realm of houseplants includes a variety of beautifully flowering options, and even if your partner isn't a skilled gardener, they should have a much longer lifespan than a bouquet, letting them enjoy the Valentine's Day magic for months or even years.

When Valentine's Day rolls around, a lot of us are more than happy to accept the iconic heart-shaped box of chocolates, but, like red roses, it does show a lack of creativity. At the very least, find out what your partner's favorite chocolates are and opt for those instead of grabbing the first random assortment box you stumble across.

For an even more impactful gift, consider putting together a custom care package of their preferred snacks and foods. A selection of candies and cookies fulfills the expectation for V-Day sweets, but you can also present a bundle of cheese, crackers, and cured meats to your charcuterie-loving girlfriend, an international tasting box to your adventurous eater of a spouse, or order some hard-to-find local specialties they miss from their hometown. Putting together a food basket that's personalized to their tastes should be an instant win with most partners.

Jewelry is another classic Valentine's Day gift, and done right, it can be a truly special way to express your love. However, don't forget to keep your specific partner in mind when selecting that just-right design. Heart-shaped jewelry is everywhere around V-Day, but before you head to the cash register or hit "Purchase" online, think about whether it fits with your partner's aesthetic. Remember: Literal heart shapes aren't the only way to say "I love you."

As with other Valentine's presents, making it personal can help your jewelry gift stand out. If your partner is a certified cat lady, why not pick a paw-print ring or a kitty pendant? Or, a significant other who enjoys curating their earscaping with earring stacks might appreciate a selection of dainty, versatile studs. You can even evoke an important relationship milestone — if you honeymooned in Ireland or met there during a study abroad, a shamrock-inspired tennis bracelet, like the Esbbela Clover Tennis Bracelet, could hold extra meaning.

If your partner doesn't usually wear a lot of jewelry, however, heed that sign: You'd probably be better off thinking about the clothes or accessories they do use. Anything can be romantic if given with love, so rather than defaulting to uncharacteristic jewelry pieces, try picking out a new item for their scarf collection, a fun handbag in their favorite style, or a luxurious sweater in their go-to color. Thoughtfulness is the real gift that keeps on giving.

Stuffed animals are the epitome of cute and sweet, but let's be real: Not every grown adult is excited to get a cuddly toy. This is where real knowledge of your S.O. comes into play. When staring down that teddy bear in the Walgreens seasonal aisle, be honest with yourself. Would your partner like this? Does it reflect their interests? Or are you just grabbing it out of obligation, desperation, and a lack of better ideas?

If you genuinely think they'll enjoy the snuggly creature, then, by all means, buy it. But if it seems a little too juvenile or irrelevant to your particular partner, put the toy down and back away. Out of all the overdone Valentine's gifts on this list, an unwanted teddy bear may be the one that's the most tone-deaf and underwhelming — because what are you supposed to do with it? At least chocolates can be eaten and jewelry can be worn, even if they aren't precisely to your tastes. When gifted to the wrong recipient, a generic, love-themed stuffed animal is just taking up space in their home.

Instead, consider items that dovetail with your partner's passions or hobbies. Are they into reading? A custom book stamp can help them curate their library. Do they love to cook? High-quality kitchenware is sure to delight. Think about the things your partner enjoys, and the answer should reveal itself.

Like many other holidays, Valentine's Day has become increasingly commercialized. It's been ingrained in our minds that honoring our loved ones requires shelling out money, but those mass-produced cards and gewgaws can sometimes feel sterile and performative. If you really want to communicate what's in your heart, why not express your affection by creating a gift yourself? Even if you're pressed for time, there are plenty of intimate, last-minute Valentine's Day gifts that won't cost you a dime — and may actually be more romantic than a store-bought present.

A poem or a love letter can pull at the heartstrings, especially if you write it out by hand on nice stationery like the Kalione Floral Stationery Paper; a home-cooked meal can be more delicious than restaurant food at a fraction of the cost; and gestures that immortalize your relationship — perhaps a slideshow of your favorite memories together — can express your love a lot better than a mug that says "Hugs & Kisses" on it.

Lean into your strengths to create something your significant other can treasure. If you're still worried about the price tag (or lack thereof), communicate with your partner ahead of time that you want to invest your time and love in a homemade present. But if they're the type to criticize a heartfelt gift for being cheap, that's probably a red flag anyway.

Physical gifts aren't the only traditions that can get stale over time. If you always default to a candlelit dinner for Valentine's Day, all those celebrations are probably starting to blur together. This year, consider creating a more memorable approach to quality time with an unexpected date idea. There are two solid ways to tackle this challenge: By curating a date that's perfect for your partner's interests, or by trying something completely new to broaden your joint horizons. The options are as endless as your imagination. Go to a carnival, have a beach picnic, take a craft class, go stargazing — anything you can enjoy together can be turned into a date.

But what if your S.O. loves an intimate dinner date? There are still ways to amp up the romance when setting your table for a Valentine's Day dinner and prove that you aren't resting on your laurels. Tablescaping tricks like themed flatware and centerpieces show that you've paid attention to the details and put work into making V-Day a truly special occasion for your beloved.

With all these gift and date ideas in mind, you can set the stage for a unique and personal Valentine's Day. But the holiday can still be nerve-wracking, especially if it's the first in your relationship. If you're in this boat, don't panic — just lead with love and check out our guide to tackling your first Valentine's Day with a new partner.