“Wedding filmmakers? You two must love Valentine’s!”

Absolutely. But not for the gushy traditional ways you might expect for a couple who crafts love stories for a living. We’re all for spending quality time, and most importantly:

we value creating experiences over buying things

So with V-day, we wondered, what are some ways we can make the most of your time with people that matter to you?

1. The easiest and often most overlooked thing you could do? Call home to catch up with those who loved you first. Valentine’s isn’t only about you and your boo, it’s a little reminder to spread joy to those you care about most.

2. Pay it forward by treating the stranger 2 people in line behind you at the coffee shop by covering their drink. Plus side? You’ll both get the warm and fuzzies. Single? Pick the stranger who’s boots you like most and let’s see where this could go.

3. London Chef sold out (again?!). Line up a dinner date at home with inspo from your favourite foodie blog! Make a point of going somewhere together outside of the norm to gather locally curated ingredients. Our favourite spots in Victoria? Farmer’s markets and the Zero Waste Emporium. A Vancouver local? Check out the Granville Island Market (with a visit to Lee’s Donuts) or NADA Zero Waste Grocery.

Still need inspo to visit a market and make something delicious together? Check out this video we created with Lizzie from Vancouver with Love!

4. Get outside together by borrowing a dog from a friend or your local animal rescue to head out for a hike with a fun pup and your fave person.

Bonus swoon points for surprising them on this one if they’re a dog person (and who isn’t?).

Oh wait, they’re not a dog person? Ditch your date and go for a hike with just the doggo, you can thank us later.

Whichever way you choose to spend Valentine’s this year, we wonder what could happen if we all put a little more focus on connection vs. consumption?