Instead of sending a card or scheduling a routine phone call, add some extra love to your long-distance Valentine’s Day plans this year.
While most of our normal relationships have been turned into socially-distanced ones this year, Valentine’s Day for those in a long-distance relationship is hard no matter what. Being away from loved ones is tough, especially on a day reserved for intimacy and togetherness.
Don’t let distance stop you from celebrating this year, as there are still many ways to honor your relationship and be together, even if physically distant. After mailing off a nice gift (may we suggest jewelry or some fancy lingerie?), log on to a virtual movie night with bae, get cooking together for an e-cooking class or just send a loving touch to remind your partner you’re always there.
Have a virtual movie night
Hulu Watch Party
Have a movie night with your special someone despite the distance with a new feature from Hulu.
Hulu Watch Party lets you stream the same movie or show as your partner, and up to eight people if you’re turning date night into a group hang. All you need is a Hulu subscription, a streaming device like a laptop or phone and to decide on a flick for the evening. A subscription starts at just $5.99 per month or add on a Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle for $12.99 per month for all three streaming services.
Take a virtual cooking class together
Airbnb Online Experiences
Feed your souls and yourselves with a long distance cooking date from Airbnb.
The housing platform has since expanded to include e-learning experiences from hosts all over the world. Choose to learn to make pasta from Italian grandmas, paella from a Spanish chef and more — the dish, date and time are all up to you. To take the class together, just make sure to sign up for the same day and time slot as your partner and factor in timezones.
Do yoga together
Alo Moves by Alo Yoga
Hop on a zen Zoom call with your yoga-loving partner and take a yoga class with them to start your virtual Valentine’s Day off on the right foot.
Alo Yoga’s virtual fitness platform Alo Moves is a subscription-based model that brings the yoga studio to you. From sunrise meditations for the early rising couple or an afternoon HIIT class to burn off some energy before a virtual dinner, there are thousands of classes to take on-demand that fit your schedule and relationship.
The membership normally costs $20 per month, but right now they are running a 50% off an annual subscription promotion, found on the site. For those who can’t commit just yet, they also offer a 14-day free trial.
Order takeout from the same restaurant, despite distance
Goldbelly
The way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and Goldbelly is here to satisfy any cravings you and bae may have on Valentine’s Day.
Order from a restaurant that holds memories for you and your love, be it a first date spot or that one bakery you used to frequent when visiting each other. Browse the Goldbelly offerings, featuring foods from restaurants across the nation. They also have a special curated Valentine’s Day page with cupcakes, lobster, heart-shaped pizza and more.
Go on a virtual vacation together
Oculus Quest 2
If your long-distance love is longing to go on a vacation, try a virtual holiday instead this Valentine’s Day.
From Facebook, the Oculus virtual reality headsets are a great way to safely travel anywhere in the world, or even out of this world with tons of games and experiences to try. Use the headset casting feature to bring others along on your quest, displaying your screen onto a TV or on the mobile app.
The smaller 64GB model starts at $299 and the larger 256GB model runs $399 for the headset, touch controllers, charging cables and more.
Learn a new skill together
MasterClass subscription
Relationships, long distance or not, are all about learning and growing with your significant other.
Start learning a new skill together this Valentine’s Day with a subscription to MasterClass. The platform runs on a monthly subscription model, at just $15 per month. Sign up with your love and choose from hundreds of classes to take together, or at your own pace with phone calls in between lessons to debrief.
Have a virtual game night together
Nintendo Switch
Switch things up this Valentine’s Day with a long-distance video game night.
The Nintendo Switch is a great device to help connect game lovers no matter where they may be. Using the Online Play feature, play compatible games with up to 12 others, all over the world. When choosing your Switch, opt for the regular one, sold at Walmart for $299. For fans of Mario Kart or Animal Crossing or Fortnite, get the whole set that includes a unique console, the game and more.
Or just share a meaningful touch from afar
Bond Touch bracelets
A meaningful touch from your love can be hard to come by in a long-distance relationship, but Bond Touch is here to help.
The bracelets are connected, just like you and your love. Simply touch yours and send a light and vibration to the other; a reminder that you’re thinking of the other person no matter how physically distant you may be. A set of two rechargeable devices with black bands cost $98 on the Uncommon Goods site, and interchangeable bands in a variety of colors like pink, blue, green, gray and white are also available for $12.