Valentine’s Day is a great time to celebrate love with your partner, but showing appreciation for your partner shouldn’t be limited to just one day. Consistent romantic gestures that help your partner feel seen and appreciated will help keep your relationship strong. Nurturing your relationship is essential, and meaningful gestures go a long way. Whether you are looking for some fresh ideas on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day or simple ways to show appreciation to your partner year-round, these tips will help you deepen your bond and continue to create lasting memories. 

1. Surprise Them with a Personalized Gift

Nothing says “I appreciate you” like a gift tailored to your partner’s interests. When asking them about their interests, seek out specific details. If your partner likes fashion, what is their favorite style, designer, or piece that they dream of acquiring? Put that suggestion in your back pocket and search for that item, surprising them later with the item that they really want. Even something as simple as a scrapbook of shared memories can be a thoughtful gift and a timeless romantic gesture that shows you are truly listening to them.

2. Plan a Relaxing Couples Massage

Treat yourselves to a soothing couples massage to unwind and reconnect. A relaxing massage isn’t just indulgent; it’s a lovely way to be present and focus on one another. Plan a relaxing date night around massages and then a relaxing night in spending time together to unwind. 

Couples massages aren’t the only way for couples to spend more quality time together. Soothe offers a variety of at-home wellness services to promote rejuvenation and relaxation. 

3. Write a Heartfelt Letter

In a digital world surrounded by texts and emails, a handwritten letter stands out. Whether you’re a calligraphy lover or just putting a simple pen to paper to write out your love, the passion will show in your words. Expressing your feelings in writing can be one of the most touching ways to show appreciation to your partner. And the best part is, it’s free to do. Your partner will cherish your words for the long run.

4. Cook Their Favorite Meal Together

Sharing a meal that you’ve prepared together adds a personal touch to any dinner date. It’s not just about the food; it is the effort and care shown behind it. A simple, yet powerful romantic gesture. This could be a good time to test out that new cookbook or break out a newer, more unique technique for cooking that you both may not typically have time for, such as making pasta from scratch. 

5. Plan a Surprise Date Night

Keep your spark alive by planning a date that your partner isn’t expecting. While you may have dedicated quality time every week together (see #7!), some spontaneity can still exist. This doesn’t have to be extravagant; even a visit to a local art gallery or a movie night at home shows that you’re thinking about ways to be more present with your partner.

6. Leave Sweet Notes in Unexpected Places

Sure, you can take the time to write out a long letter about your love for your partner. They’ll love it at any length. Consider, especially for those with diverging schedules, to give a bit of the element of surprise with sweet notes left in unexpected places. This could be a small note tucked into their bag, car, or even a book that they are reading. The note can brighten their day and keep the romance alive in between the bigger moments in life.

7. Take Time for Tech-Free Quality Moments

How much screen time do you have daily, between work and your phone after work? Being fully present with your partner without technology between you two can be the best gift that you give each other. Schedule time each week to intentionally disconnect from screens and focus solely on each other, an often overlooked relationship tip. This doesn’t mean you have to do “nothing”— you could go for a walk, solve a puzzle together, hold a conversation together, or engage in creative activities like painting or drawing.

Make Every Day Feel Like Valentine’s Day

While Valentine’s Day offers the perfect excuse for grand sweeping romantic gestures, it’s the consistent, everyday acts of love that strengthen relationships. Your daily choices in life such as setting aside time for your partner cumulatively shape your relationship with them. By incorporating these thoughtful ideas into your routine, you’ll show your partner how much they mean to you, not just on February 14th, but all year long.

The post 7 Ways to Show Appreciation for Your Partner on Valentine’s Day and Beyond appeared first on Soothe.

When planning Valentine’s Day, most people have trouble thinking beyond the basic fancy dinner date. But did you know Valentine’s Day can celebrate everyone you love? That’s right, this day is not just for couples! However, Valentine’s Day 2025 may look a little different with the long weekend ahead. Whether you’re looking to avoid large crowds, are spending the day far from your loved ones, or just want to try something different, we’ve got you covered. Here are our tips and tricks to successfully plan the best Valentine’s Day dates and celebrations in 2025.

Virtual Valentine’s Day planning ideas

Going digital for dating is nothing new, especially since 2020. There are plenty of reasons to go virtual for Valentine’s Day. Online options are great for long-distance relationships and celebrating with friends and family that live far away. Plus, with winter weather and flu circulating, digital date nights offer a safe way to share the love. Check out our virtual Valentine’s Day ideas and planning tips!

• For the LDR: Don’t let long distances get you down. Yes, you can still have a romantic night together. Try this spin on dinner and a movie! First, order food delivery from your favorite restaurants. Then, you can set up a video call and eat together. Make sure you both treat it as a true date night: dress up a little and set the table nicely. After dinner, you can both stream a movie together! Many popular streaming services like Netflix offer a shared streaming experience so nobody misses a moment.
• Celebrate with friends: Get together with your favorite couples and host a virtual couple’s game night. Online sites make it easy to host and play a variety of different games no matter where you and your friends are located. And you can all feel the love without even leaving your respective living rooms.
• With the girls: Book a Galentine’s day event with Soothe to relax at the start of the event. Send all your Galentines a virtual wine tasting kit. Sample different varietals with the help of a virtual wine expert. Then, score extra points with a DIY snack and charcuterie board contest.
• For the family: Now you don’t even need to travel to experience some of the most amazing places on earth! Many popular museums around the world, national parks, and even Disney World offer virtual tours and videos suitable for a fun Valentine’s Day activity for all ages.
• Do good in the name of love: Want something a little different? Many non-profit organizations have ways to volunteer and give back virtually! Take time this Valentine’s Day to do some good, and get a little gratitude boost, too.

At-home Valentine’s Day planning guide

If you’re in charge of planning Valentine’s Day, don’t stress! We have all the tips and date night ideas for couples to make planning easier than ever. Many couples are choosing to keep Valentine’s Day 2025 low-key this year. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be romantic! Try one of these at-home Valentine’s Day ideas for couples.

Cook up something delicious, together

Skip the crowded restaurants and long wait times this year. Instead, book an online cooking class or baking workshop! This activity is a fun way to spend time together, learn something new, and makes for a more memorable Valentine’s Day dinner. Not into cooking? Order in and try a cocktail mixology class or wine tasting instead!

Planning tips

• Make sure you shop for all your ingredients ahead of time, and have the necessary equipment.
• Also, play to your strengths! If you’re an avid cook, you can go for something a little more ambitious. But if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, we don’t recommend attempting a souffle or bringing out the blowtorch!
• Ambiance is everything. Break out the tablecloth and the fancy cutlery. Set the mood with candles and music that matches the cuisine you’re cooking up.

Plan an epic game night

Get your competitive side ready! It’s time to plan a Valentine’s Day game night. An alternative to classic date night ideas, game nights are easy to plan and surprisingly fun! Got kids at home? They can easily join in the fun, too. Plus, you don’t even need electricity to make this date night epic. Dig out your old board games, borrow from friends, or buy a new game to try.

Planning tips

• Have at least 3 different games to play. To choose the best games, they should be easy to learn (if you don’t already know how to play), and work with two players. Games that take a long time, like Monopoly, may not be the best option if you’re looking to get to all of your games in one night.
• Keep score! Make it a friendly competition to see who can win the most rounds. Go the extra mile and make funny or romantic prizes for the winner of each round.
• Don’t forget the snacks! No game night is complete without your favorite nostalgic snacks close at hand.

Bring the spa to you

Nothing says romance like a day spent in the pure bliss of a spa! But expensive treatments, dealing with traffic, and one of the busiest spa days of the year can easily fizzle any romance. This Valentine’s Day, why not bring the spa to you! With on-demand couples massages and facial treatments, Soothe helps you create an amazing spa-quality experience for you and your S.O. without even leaving the house.

Planning tips

• Schedule in advance. Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest times for Soothe, so booking early helps ensure you get matched with an available massage therapist or provider. We recommend booking at least a week in advance!
• Create a relaxing space in your home. Before the date, clear any clutter, and make your home feel clean and fresh. This will help you maintain ultimate relaxation.
• Remove distractions during your treatments. For the best results and most romance, put away the phones and laptops, and focus on each other!
• Go the extra mile with fluffy robes, aromatherapy candles, and infused water or tea. Soothe Providers bring everything needed to create an amazing experience during your treatment, but don’t forget about the before and after!

Common Valentine’s Day planning mistakes to avoid

A lot can go wrong when planning Valentine’s Day. And the last thing you want is to have all your romantic gestures fall flat! To help make Valentine’s Day planning go smoother, follow our advice above, and don’t make these common Valentine’s Day mistakes. By avoiding these pitfalls, you’re sure to have an epic date night!

• Waiting until the last minute. February 14 is a popular day for many people to go out to restaurants and do fun activities. But that means that reservations fill up fast! Avoid this common mistake by planning ahead, and making any reservations well in advance.
• Planning without considering your date. You should always plan Valentine’s Day with the other person in mind. If your date doesn’t drink, maybe a bar isn’t the best spot to meet up. Similarly, if you know your S.O. isn’t into rom-coms, a different movie genre is a must. Not sure what they like? Now’s a good time to ask – before you plan a date they’ll hate.
• Going over budget. It’s easy to drop big money on Valentine’s Day gifts. But sometimes, quality over quantity actually makes for a more meaningful date! You don’t need to spend a ton to have an amazing day with your loved ones.
• Trying to cram too much into one day. The last thing you want is to be stressed about making your next reservation! Over-planning is a classic Valentine’s Day mistake to avoid. At best, we recommend having 2-3 things planned for the day. You can always have a backup just in case something goes amiss, but the goal is to relax – not stress! With the long weekend in 2025, you can plan on
• Showing up empty-handed. You don’t need to make a big show of gifting, but you also can’t show up with nothing for your S.O.! The go-to gifts are usually flowers and chocolate. But if you want to really surprise them, give them a gift card for a professional massage this Valentine’s Day! Soothe makes gifting easy and fast with email delivery, and they’re sure to remember it as one of the best gifts they’ve ever received on Valentine’s Day.

The post Valentine’s Day Planning Guide 2025 appeared first on Soothe.

Unique Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and it falls on a Friday, with President’s Day just a few days later on Monday. This perfect timing makes for an incredible opportunity to plan a long weekend of love and connection with your significant other.

Flowers are nice and chocolate is delicious, but if you really want to do something unique this year, planning an experience with your significant other is the way to go. In other words, think outside the heart-shaped gift box for your Valentine’s Day gift ideas. Start by booking a Soothe massage and add on any one of these special experiences to create unforgettable memories together.

Jet Off On A Mystery Date

The biggest of Valentine’s Day gift ideas, this is way more than just a fun date night. Plan a romantic getaway that will blow them away. With the long weekend, checking Google Flights for a great deal in the weeks before the big weekend is the epitome of spontaneity. To make the most of the surprise, don’t let them know where you’re headed somewhere until arriving at the airport. Fly private and you’ll be able to keep the secret going for longer. Book a couples massage at your hotel for when you arrive, and get a head start on relaxing together.

Take A Pottery Class Together

Whether you’re painting clay, handbuilding, or throwing on a wheel, consider looking at events hosted at your local pottery studio. Crafting something together encourages teamwork and offers a fun, hands-on experience. The best part? While you might not take your masterpiece home that weekend, you’ll eventually receive a finished piece that serves as a lasting reminder of the special time that you shared.

Hire A Private Chef

Put a unique spin on Valentine’s Day dinner, and add an epicurean flair to date night at home. Have the table set, light candles, and pour two glasses of wine while a private chef prepares a meal in your own kitchen. Consider making your S.O.’s favorite meal or trying a cuisine that you’ve both been curious about (but too scared to attempt making it yourselves). Dinner reservations are overrated anyway.

Unwind At Home

Surprise and delight your partner and order a Valentine’s Day Couples Massage to your home or book a room in a luxurious hotel and make a night out of it. During a massage, your body releases a hormone called oxytocin, which is often called the ‘love hormone.’ This hormone primes your body and mind for bonding and affection, making it the perfect Valentine’s Day gift idea.

Book a Massage With Soothe

Take A Salsa Class

Add “learn something new together” to the list of unique Valentine’s Day gift ideas! Taking a class with your partner is a great way to test your chemistry, and salsa dancing brings out your flirtatious side. It doesn’t matter if you’re not a dancer, let your passion fuel your fire. After all, salsa is said to be the most romantic of all dances.

Enjoy Live Music

Make memories while seeing a live performance. Surprise them with tickets to their favorite band or whisk them off to a spontaneous show. Any style of music will do, it’s the experience that’s important. Make it even more memorable and keep it a secret until you get to the venue!

Go Wine Tasting

You don’t have to live in Napa Valley to go wine tasting. Find a local vineyard, tasting room, or wine bar for a fun-filled day of wine tasting. Explore new varieties and discover a new favorite that you can enjoy together. Turn it into a real Valentine’s Day experience, and try pairings of wine and chocolate!

Visit a Museum

Dip your toes into a creative world and cultural experience by visiting a museum with your significant other. Whether you’re drawn to art, history, or science, exploring exhibits together can spark meaningful conversations and create opportunities for learning something new about the world—and each other. Many museums offer special themed events or evening hours for Valentine’s Day, making it an even more romantic or memorable outing.

Make Sushi Together

Immerse yourself in a culinary oasis with sushi making classes. Sushi is an artful food, and it’s difficult but rewarding to make. Not only will this experience get you out of your comfort zone, it’s a fun way to explore different cultures and learn something new. 

Go to a Popup Event

Add in an element of spontaneity to your Valentine’s Day weekend by attending a popup event in your area. From gourmet food tastings to interactive art installations or winter markets, these one-of-a-kind experiences offer something fresh and exciting to try. Get the thrill of discovering something unique and temporary, just like the magic of the holiday itself.

Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts Do Not Have to Be Difficult

Follow this experiential guide and plan all the Valentine’s Day gift ideas that will wow your date over the long weekend this year. Material gifts are great, but memories last forever. If you’re crunched for time, a Soothe Gift Card is an easy way to say be mine, and still give them an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience.

The post Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas: Think Outside The Gift Box appeared first on Soothe.

The post Sharing the Love With Couples Massage appeared first on Soothe.

What Massage Type Is Best?

With so many options, choosing the right massage type can sometimes be difficult. Whether you’re stressed, sore, or run down, choose from one of our several massage types! Not sure which one to choose? Take a look at this helpful guide:

Swedish

The most common form of massage, Swedish uses a gentle technique, with long strokes, kneading, and deep circular movements to relax and energize you. This is a great option for new-comers or someone just looking to unwind.

Deep Tissue

For those looking for a stronger touch, deep tissue uses slower, more forceful strokes to target deeper muscle layers and connective tissue. This technique is ideal for those that suffer from chronic stress, regular muscle tension, or headaches.

Sports

A style that caters to athletes of all kinds, this modality targets muscle-tendon junctions to promote flexibility, reduce muscle fatigue, improve endurance, and prevent injuries. This modality is suited for anyone with an active lifestyle. Integrating sports massage into any fitness routine will do wonders for your body.

Prenatal

This modality helps lessen pregnancy discomfort and works to alleviate backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, and swelling. Prenatal massage is safe for women in their second or third trimester. This massage is administered while the client lies on their side to prevent any discomfort.

Couples

Any of our modalities can be performed as a couples massage. Order two massage therapists to massage you and your partner simultaneously, or enjoy back to back massage with one massage therapist. A couples massage is perfect for a birthday, anniversary, or night in.

No matter which modality you choose, you’ll feel good from the inside out after a Soothe massage. Interested in learning more about these massage types? Click on the hyperlinks throughout this articles for a more comprehensive guide to each massage type.

If you’re ready to get started, book a massage here!

The post Which Massage Type Is Right For You? appeared first on Soothe.