Hey babes! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we couldn’t resist making this mini-episode to prep you for Valentines day with bookish date ideas.

Reading Retreat:

Turn the page on your usual date night or day with a reading retreat You can both choose the same reads or choose your own, find a location, and read away. Reading retreats don’t require booking although that always a fun treat! Even without a boarding pass you can stay local and hop between cafés, libraries, trails, or somewhere new you’ve wanted to explore.

One retreat example is starting off with a coffee at a cute café, moving to a chill park bench for the next few chapters, and maybe finishing up in a cozy corner of a bookstore. It’s like a little adventure for you and your book, or you can bring along your partner or friend. Each place adds its own vibe to whatever you’re reading.

Plot Together:

Choose a book and a person, then delve into the storyline. Whether you love or abhor the book, discuss the different parts you’d change or expand on with each other. The great thing about this date is it can be something pre-planned where you both decide to create your plot when you both finish it, can be done randomly if you don’t mind spoilers, and is a great way to stay connected digitally for those who are long distance.

To get you started, each of you can grab a book you’ve read and enjoyed to give to each other to read. Then choose a date night where you tell each other about the book, characters, and plot changes you want to build on or change. This isn’t about commenting on what you like or dislike about the book, but to get closer by expanding on the plot. Like saying, “I didn’t like how Jane did this, she really should’ve have done xyz, and then abc,” or “I loved this secondary character and I think this is what would’ve happened to them, what do you think?” The conversation will come naturally and look if it gets angsty there’s always makeup dessert to end the date.

Read:

• Sascha Rothschild, Blood Sugar
• The New Neighbor by Karen Cleveland
• Mated to the Monster (Sombra Demons Book 1), Sarah Spade
• Wreck & Ruin by Emma Slate

Buddy Reading:

Take your book club experience to the next level with buddy reading! Choose a book to read together and alternate on hosting duties. The goal is to read it together, but at your own pace, allowing for a more relaxed approach compared to traditional book clubs. You get to enjoy a quarterly book club without the pressure of strict deadlines.

Each host gets to create the ambiance and prepare a meal inspired by the book. Dive into the magical realms of fantasy with dishes that feel like they’re from a scene in your current read, or meals that complement the setting of the story. This adds an extra layer of fun and immersion to your reading experience and turns each catch-up into a memorable event.

Read:

• When We Lost Our Heads by Heather O Neill

Book Scene – Your Version:

Why not bring your favorite book scenes to life? Whether it’s recreating a romantic dinner from a beloved novel or staging a cozy bed spread, the possibilities are endless. Let your imagination run wild and create a memorable date inspired by the pages of your favorite stories.

If you’re really committing to the scene, why not read her some lines from her book boyfriend and bring them to life?

Craft Night:

For a hands-on and creative date night, host a book-themed craft night. There are plenty of crafts to explore but for some inspo you can create DIY bookmarks, personalized book journals, or design your own book cover. Also, if you’re the crafty one and your partner enjoys thoughtful gift create them something unique like binding them their favorite fanfiction or their own writing, create a mood board of their favorite book quotes, or a mug with their favorite book couple.

If you want to join in on the Book Babes fun, Sel’s planning her own Valentine’s Day craft night, where she and her partner will be making bookish-themed tote bags! A

There you have it!! Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with your significant other, your best friends, or simply enjoying some solo time with a good book, these cozy and creative date ideas are sure to make your day extra special.

Happy reading and happy Valentine’s Day!