Valentine Gifts for explorers

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and the pink, red, and white gift boxes are coming out in stores across town. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy to receive a box of GOOD chocolates any day, but maybe this year it is time to get your love a gift a little outside the box.

One of the most important things in a lasting relationship is the support you give your significant other when it comes to their self growth so this year I’ve put together a list of Valentine’s Day gifts that will get them out of their comfort zone and feed some foodie and travel passions. 

Find Your Adventure: A Journal for Exploring Home & Away

This is like my life motto in a journal format and the perfect little exploration push. This beautiful little book is full of prompts for curious minds. You are encouraged to skip around and try a different activity each day. There a photo scavenger hunts, drawing prompts, activities that encourage you to meet new people, and so much more for exploring near and far. I have a feeling this will only be your first edition. 

Buy here: Find Your Adventure: A Journal for Exploring Home & Away

Book a surprise trip

If you have a planner on your hands this is a great one, but one you might want to ease into. You can go all out and just not tell them anything – just pack their bag for them and put them in the car and go. Or you can give them the dates, the weather to pack for and surprise them on the day with the destination.  If you want it to be a surprise to both of you check with a travel agent and see if they can plan something or try  Pack up + Go, an agency specializing in surprise getaways.

Learn to cook a new cuisine

Learning together and eating great food can be quite an aphrodisiac and take you back to those first dates together. Give a couples cooking class in a cuisine you aren’t familiar with a try. Check local cooking schools and community centers for classes. Or find an online class, order the groceries, and bring the cooking class into your own kitchen. A few favorite online class destinations – Salted, The Chef & the Dish and blueprint (formerly craftsy).

Get lost together

When was the last time you just rolled out of bed and decided to go somewhere new? Take a day to just get lost together close to home. Get a local map, close your eyes, point, and go there with no plans. Stop along the way at whatever interests you and don’t stress about where you are going – really there is no destination.

Learn to say “I Love You” in a new language

For anyone who loves to travel learning a new language is almost always on the to-do list. So challenge yourself and your SO by signing up to learn a new language. Best of all, you will have someone to practice with at home. A few of our favorites for learning a new language – duolingo, babbel, and rosetta stone.

Do One Thing Everyday That Scares You: Journal

This gift is great for anyone who’s been looking to challenge themselves and really grow. Eleanor Roosevelt once said you should “do one thing every day that scares you.” That is definitely easier said than done, but this journal will help make that a lot easier. I actually bought this one for myself and will be kicking it off on my birthday next month. 

Buy here: Do One Thing Everyday That Scares You by Potter Style

Of course, the box of chocolates doesn’t hurt either.