12 creative and romantic Valentine’s Day ideas when gifts don’t cut it

Be it the season of giving, birthdays, special milestones or occasions like the upcoming Valentine’s Day, we often find ourselves puzzling over what to gift our loved ones. There’s always the risk of buying something that they aren’t crazy about or already have — and that just contributes to more waste or clutter in their homes.

Instead, consider experiential gifts instead. Our island is humming with activities that they’ve likely never tried, from thrilling boat rides to whimsical dining experiences and cool workshops (plus, they say going through new experiences together strengthens the bond between you). Keep scrolling for ideas to spark your inspiration.

1. PADI open water dive course

Embark on a romantic underwater adventure at the SEA Aquarium. Certified divers can descend up to 12 m in the Open Ocean Habitat for a breathtaking encounter with over 40,000 captivating marine animals including majestic manta rays, giant groupers, sharks and more. Not experienced? You can get scuba diving certified by taking part in the Open Water PADI Diver Course. You’ll have to carve out a weekend for this, as it’s a three day course (Fri to Sun, 8.30am to 5pm).

How much:
- $328 for open water dive (SCUBA-certification is required. Inclusive of Adventure Cove Waterpark admission.)
- $678 for the three-day Open Water PADI Diver Course.

Visit Resorts World Sentosa’s website for more information and to book.

2. Couples’ boudoir shoot

Turn up the heat with a steamy boudoir photoshoot at Hedonist Boudoir Photography. This 90-minute session in a cosy home studio is all about celebrating confidence and sensuality in a judgment-free space.

For a fun, intimate session with your partner, their warm, all-female team will guide you every step of the way to help you feel totally at ease. It’s more than just stunning photos - it’s a confidence boost, a celebration of you, and memories you’ll treasure forever.

How much: $480

Visit its website for more information.

3. Dinner cruise on a tallship

Romantic restaurants are a for Valentine’s Day. But you can take it up a notch with a dinner cruise on board the Royal Albatoss tallship. Its Valentine’s Day edition on Feb 14 comprises a 2.5 hour cruise with a seven-course dinner, free-flow soft drinks, a complimentary three-rose bouquet, and a complimentary Love Locket Set as a keepsake.

How much: From $320 per person

Visit its website to book or for more information. 

4. Flight simulator experience

Curious about what it’s like to sit in a plane’s cockpit or on the search for a Valentine’s Day gift that’s truly uplifting? Gift the thrill of flight with an experience at Wings Academy, billed as Singapore’s largest retail flight simulator centre - no pilot’s license needed!

Whether it’s channeling their inner Top Gun Maverick on the F/A-18C Hornet mixed-reality fighter jet simulator or enjoying a scenic ride in a Cessna 172 simulator, it’s an adventure they won’t forget.

Note: The fighter jet simulators are single-seat simulators while the Cessna 172, R22 Helicopter and 737-800 are dual-seat simulators. The 2nd seat, however, will be occupied by the flight instructor. However, you can stand or sit behind the simulator and watch one another fly.

How much: From $55 for a 30-min experience

Wings Academy is at 15 Changi Business Park Crescent, #05-05 Haite Building, Singapore 486006. Visit its website to book or for more information.

5. RHIB boat tours

Yacht charters are commonplace in Singapore, but if you’re up for something a little more thrilling, our island also has RHIB (Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat) tours too - yes those high-speed and high-buoyancy vessels commonly used by Navy Seals. The tour starts at Keppel Bay and takes you on an exhilarating hour-long ride around Singapore’s Southern Islands.

Along the way, the friendly guide will ply you with interesting nuggets about the area’s rich history, and on a good day, you’ll get to catch a spectacular sunset, too. The boat is rather stable, and life jackets, as well as goggles, are provided - just expect to get wet.

For a spot of swimming or a walk down at Kusu Island, you can hop on the 90-minute tour instead.

Suitable for all ages.

How much: From $116 per person

Visit its website for more information or book here.

6. Skiing or snowboarding

Ever wanted to try skiing or snowboarding, or want to refresh your skills before going on a trip? Make your way to Trifecta, which has ski simulators with engineered ski carpets so you can practice in a controlled setting. With safety bars and experienced instructors on hand, it sure feels less intimidating than tackling actual slopes.

Skiis, boots, helmets and knee and elbow guards are provided, so all you have to bring is long socks (and long pants if you’re worried about scrapes).

How much: Around $100 per person per session with an instructor
Trifecta is at 10A Exeter Rd, #01-01, Singapore 239958. Visit its website for more information.

7. Try efoiling on a powered surfboard

If speeding on a boat’s not enough for adrenaline junkies, then try a hydrofoil session with companies like Efoil Singapore instead. Essentially a battery-powered surfboard, you’ll get to hover and zip across the water’s surface at up to 15 to 20km per hour.

Safety helmets with communication devices and flotation vests are provided, and you are recommended to come in rash guards and long-sleeved attire to protect against sunburn and scrapes. Water shoes are advisable to prevent injuries from sharp objects, and consider knee and shin guards for additional protection.

Note: It is mandatory for riders to know how to swim and be in good physical condition

How much: From $230 per person and $210 per person (two-person package)

For ages 12 and above. Visit its website to book or for more information.

8. Modern kintsugi workshop

Learn the Japanese art of Kintsugi, which refers to the repairing of broken pottery with lacquer that’s been dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum; a metaphor for embracing our flaws and imperfections.

You’ll be given a piece of ware to break (fun!) before learning how to rebuild it with hand-mixed gold powders. The workshop spans two hours and is recommended for ages 10 and above.

$168.88 per person. Stay Gold Studio by Gold & Behold is at #05-02A Hillview Building, 48 Hillview Terrace, Singapore 669269. Visit its website to book or more information.

9. Have a quirky dining experience

Hop on a whimsical dining adventure at Absurdities, an immersive multi-sensory dining experience.

Be treated to a six-course omakase-style dinner with two alcoholic drinks, and which will take you across different settings through your meal. Not only will you not know what you’ll be served, but each course also requires you to head to a new location - expect some climbing and crawling around. Even the location is a secret and will be revealed 24 hours before the workshop via email.

You can also purchase wine or cocktail pairing options at the start of your meal.

From $224++ per person, varies based on date booked. Visit its website for reservations or more information.

10. Make your own rug at a tufting workshop

Those into handicrafts such as crocheting or knitting will appreciate tufting, defined as a textile-making method by which yarn or thread is fed into a base fabric to create a pattern.

Most workshops here eschew traditional rug-making methods for tufting guns, so even beginners can give it a go and create something they’d like, from rugs to wall hangings and tufted mirrors. Each session can take anything from 1.5 hours, and up to 4.5 hours, with prices ranging from $90 to $199 per person.

Places to try: Everytuft, Wetuft, Studio An, Tuft Club, Cutloop Studio, With Autumn

11. Float in an enclosed pod

For those looking to get away from it all and hit the reset button, floatation therapy could just be the gift they need. A scientifically proven method of reducing stress, and speeding up recovery, it appears to also have the potential to rewire your brain.

Palm Ave Float Club is one such place that offers the therapy in Singapore. How it works: You’ll be immersed in an enclosed pod of water saturated with almost 600kg of Epsom salt, to allow for effortless floating. And you’ll get to spend a quiet contemplative hour in a safe, womb-like cocoon, while you relax and quieten both your mind and body.

Apart from mental benefits, it’s said to promote muscle recovery, plus reduce back and bone pain, too. There are caveats though. For instance, those with uncontrolled epilepsy or a history of seizures, drug or alcohol intoxication, infectious diseases, as well as medical conditions that are untreated or not under control (such as high or low blood pressure shouldn’t participate). Click here for the full list.

From $99 for a single session. Palm Ave Float Club is at 66 Kampong Bugis, Level 5, Singapore 338987. Visit its website for bookings or more information.

12. Create one-of-a-kind keepsakes at a silversmithing workshop

Personalised jewellery gets extra special when you craft it on your own. How? Create your own one-of-a-kind keepsakes at a silversmithing workshop. Pick up traditional silversmithing techniques like welding, carving and polishing, to craft rings, earrings, cuffs or pendants (usually 925 sterling silver).

Places to try: The Imperial Smithster, Fat Anvil Studios, Artisan8 Studio, 28mm Studios

This article was originally published in The Singapore Women’s Weekly.