So it's Sunday evening and you’re sitting around watching Netflix and finishing homework when you realize what day it is. February 11. There are three days left until Valentine's Day and somehow it slipped your mind to plan the perfect date for your significant other. And you forgot to get a present. Every restaurant in town has been booked for weeks and there’s no time to order the perfect gift.
Whatever will you do?
Don’t sweat it. Here are five last minute date and gift ideas to save your Valentine’s Day and keep you out of the dog house.
Skate at the Shell with your S.O.
If you’re an active couple, there’s no better date idea than going ice skating. It’s cute, it’s romantic, it’s active and it's warmer than going for a walk outside! The Shell next to Camp Randall has an ice rink inside that serves as the perfect setting for your V-Day date. Open skate at the Shell on Valentine’s Day is from 6:15-7:15 p.m., leaving you just enough time to prepare a homemade dinner before or after and choose the perfect movie to end the night on.
No reservations? No problem.
If you’re looking to score dinner at a romantic venue in town, you would have had to have made reservations at least one to two weeks in advance. You snooze you lose I guess. But really, you don’t have to lose. There are plenty of restaurants in town that don’t take reservations, and one of the best is Strada at the Memorial Union. You have the choice of delicious pizza or pasta for a good price and a view of the frozen lake nonetheless. Looking for dessert after? No worries, stop for ice cream at the Daily Scoop after. Dinner with a view? Done and done.
Sultry and Sophisticated
If you’re in the mood for something nice, consider taking your Valentine on a date to one of the local art museums. Not up for a long walk in the cold? Take to the Chazen. It’s nearby and has a wide selection of art to browse. The only drawback is that they’re only open until 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, so go for an early date then spice things up at home by cooking dinner together. If you’ve already explored the Chazen, head up State Street to the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. They also close at 5 p.m.
Convenience Store Treasures
You dropped the ball on getting your partner a gift and there’s no time to order something cute and sweet. Don’t panic. When in doubt, head to your local Walgreens and you’ll be sure to find something to fill the giftless-void. By this time, the holiday aisle filled with heart shaped boxes and Valentine’s Day themed chocolates is sure to be picked over. Head to the candy aisle and pick out some plain old Lindt and Ghirardelli chocolates. They’re better quality than the holiday aisle chocolates and will last longer too. Next, stop in the card aisle and pick out a sweet card and write-in your own message.
State Street Finds
If Walgreen’s isn’t going to cut it for your Valentine’s Day gifts, you’re still in luck. There are various little shops on State Street with plenty of cute gifts, some may even be V-Day themed. Your best bet is to head to Little Luxuries or Anthology and you’ll be sure to find something perfect for your partner and more unique than anything you would every find at a big box store. Happy hunting!
