Valentine's Day is upon us yet again. Most couples get tired of the same old dating routine. There must be something more original to do than dinner and a movie. Take a look at Homemade Valentine's Gifts from the Heart and Unique Valentine's Day Date Ideas for new ideas.

Homemade Valentine's Day Gifts from the Heart

Make a Scrapbook

Find a collection of old photos, ticket stubs and other special mementos and arrange them together to make a mini scrapbook. An old photo album can work great for this. Group items based on special occasions the two of you shared together, such as first kiss, first date, an engagement party or wedding photos. With this gift you can spend the evening reminiscing about all the great times you've shared together as a couple.

Cook a Romantic Dinner

Instead of going out for dinner, stay in and cook dinner. This is much more meaningfully than shelling out a bunch of cash so a fancy waiter can top off your water glasses. It doesn't have to be complicated either. A simple meal will be appreciated. But if you've got the cooking skill then now is the time to show them off!

Make your Own Valentine's Day Card

Break out the construction paper, glitter and glue and get down to business. Craft your sweetie a Valentine's Day card from scratch. It's the time and effort that are put into the card that really matter. Use this as the chance to express all those romantic feelings to your Valentine. If you're really talented, include some poetry.

Construct a Flipbook

Make a flipbook out of some card, entitled "10 Things I Love About You". This is the perfect way to tell your Valentine just how much you love her. This is a simple project but comes straight from the heart. Cutout 10 cards of the same size and on each one, write a reason why you love this person. Then attach all the cards with some pretty ribbon and you have a thoughtful, unique gift.

Bake Valentine's Day Cookies

It may seem like this idea has been done, but baking special Valentine's Day treats never really goes out of style! Each year could be a different baked item. Cookies, cupcakes, cakes, squares, muffins and candy are just some of the ideas. It's a treat that you put time and effort into so that it can be enjoyed together.

Prepare a Living Room Picnic

So February isn't exactly picnic weather, so have one inside instead! Lay out a picnic blanket in the living room, preferably in front of a roaring fireplace, and enjoy each others' company. Sip on a glass of wine and snack on picnic foods that have been carefully prepared. It will be quite the romantic evening.

Create Custom Artwork

If you're an artist then make something creative for your sweetie this Valentine's Day. Frame some photographs or paint some artwork for that special someone. Making someone a gift is much more special and it's guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind gift.

Love Coupons

This may sound cheesy but it's actually a great idea that can be a lot of fun! Simple write out some "love coupons" and give them to your Valentine. They could be coupons for "1 Movie Date" or "One Home-cooked Romantic Dinner". Another one could be "One Romantic Evening in the Bedroom" if you get the idea. These ensure that you continue to enjoy special time together even after Valentine's Day.

Unique Valentine's Day Date Ideas

 Volunteer Together

Why not spend some time together with your sweetheart and make a difference in the world all in the same date. Volunteer at a local community center, retirement home or animal shelter. You'll be helping those in need while also getting to know your better half.

Cooking a Meal as a Couple

Cooking a romantic dinner for two together as a couple is much more original than simply going out to dinner. Take a stroll through the supermarket and carefully select each other's favorite foods. Once in the kitchen either work together as a team or cook each other a meal. Remember to pick out something chocolate for dessert as this is known to stimulate the senses and set the mood for romance.

Take a Hiking Adventure

If you and your sweetie are outdoor types, then taking a hike together through the trails is a great idea. There's nothing more romantic than a stroll through beautiful, secluded trails. If you pack a blanket lunch, you can have a lovely picnic in a hidden grove. Also, nothing gets the blood pumping and ready for a romantic evening later than a little exercise.

Soar the Skies in a Hot Air Balloon Ride

If adventure is your thing, and no one is afraid of heights, then consider a hot air balloon ride for your Valentine's date. While this may take some planning in advance, imagine holding and kissing your beloved while watching a beautiful sunset way up in the sky.

Go Go-Karting

For those that like to move fast in their love life, literally, go-karting is just the thing. Challenge your date to a go-kart race. The loser has to kiss the winner and buy dinner to unwind from such fast-paced fun.

See a Magic Show

Tired of going to a regular old movie? Try something different like going to see a magic show or hypnotist. Enjoy an engaging night out watching real feats of magic will sharing a meal and a few drinks with the favorite person in your life. If you're daring, volunteer as a couple in the show. It will be a night you won't forget!

Visit the Zoo

Zoo's are not just for children. Often they have fantastic landscapes and amazing scenery. And of course, there are all the amazing animals. Spend the day strolling through the park, hand-in-hand, taking as many photos as you can. Don't forget to buy each other a souvenir at the end of the zoo date.

Share a Round of Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf

This isn't ordinary mini-golf, but glow-in-the-dark! Nothing sets the mood better than an evening in the dark. Challenge your date to a game. Without going overboard, a little healthy competition can be good in a relationship.

Visit a Historic Site or Museum

Visit a local museum or historic site. Some historic sites even offer ghost tours of the old buildings. Nothing brings people closer together than a good old ghost story, as your girl will be holding close.

Attend a Sports Game

For the sports fanatic couples why not see a game on Valentines Day! If you both have a love of a sport then see a sports game. Sharing a common interest in activities is healthy for a relationship and can increase the bond between one another.

Author: Amie Cunningham