Valentine’s Day is not about spending ludicrous amounts of money on gifts or standing in line for an overpriced restaurant. It’s about spending time together and taking the time out to show your partner that your love for them is what truly matters.

Yes, we know that planning something might be hard for some. Whether it’s time or money that has you concerned, don’t worry, we’ve got your back and we promise it’s not all flames and braais.

So, put your thinking cap on and consider these ideas for something special.

Picture Perfect Picnic

If the weather is good, plan a picnic – even if it’s just in your own back garden. Choose foods that can be eaten with your hands and easily braaied on your Megamaster Origin 2 burner gas braai or your Megamaster built-in braai if you’re staying at home. What will make this event even more special is the amount of effort you put into it.

Add little reminders or trinkets of your relationship to the experience. Whether you’ve slipped old photos of the two of you in amongst your basket, play memorable songs of the first night you met or simply just pack your partners favourite foods, it keeps the focus on your relationship rather than the stigma of Valentine’s Day.

Double Date

If the whole idea of Valentine’s Day makes you uncomfortable or you don’t have a romantic bone in your body – consider a double date with your favourite friends. You can plan an evening of fun and laughs, rather than romance.

Organise games in the style of Minute to Win It – For instance: Cookie Face; each player places a cookie on their forehead and they have to get it into their mouth, using only their facial muscles. This way, you’re simply enjoying each other’s company, doing something completely different and enjoyable.

Best of all, these games are suitable for in or outdoors and you can even get the kids involved.

Baking Buddies

Put on your chef hats, blast your favourite playlist and start baking. Whether it’s a cake, a batch of cookies, flapjacks or a pan of brownies, you and your partner can bake up a storm together – even if both of you are not that good at baking.

Sure, it might sound terrifying, but there’s more to it than just baking. When you cook with your partner, you’re forced to communicate with each other in a fun and creative way. It’s also an exciting way to bond as you’re both fully immersed in the activity at hand.

Be sure to plan ahead and make sure you have all the ingredients beforehand. And if sweet treats aren’t your thing then we have a bunch of recipes on our website you can use – or simply create your own. Don’t forget to upload a couple of snaps and tag us [@Megamaster_SA] on Instagram!