No we don’t mean this…

This is AltLinc’s first Valentines Day (we love you, you saucy bunch) so we’ve engaged our brains (woah!) and thought of some more ‘alternative’ ways of celebrating Valentines Day.

We thought we’d showcase some of our own alternative celebrations ideas this Valentines Day across alongside some of the more ‘wacky’ cultural celebrations in the hope that you might find some inspiration for your own #altvalentines.

You could even use the blindfold for something else later…. but Shhh… we didn’t say it!

Our first alternative celebration comes in the form of an unusual date. Here at AltLinc we suggest wooing your beloved with dinner in the dark. Whether you take them out to a special restaurant, such as Dans Le Noir in London, or more likely create your own culinary masterpiece at home, the inability to see the food increases the sensitivity of the other senses, making taste and smell even more important.

Another date idea comes from an unusual but honest place. It isn’t for the faint hearted and would only suit a certain type of couple, but in recent years burlesque dancing has become extremely popular on the alternative scene. Attending an arousing but sophisticated performance could set the tone of the night and relax the atmosphere.

The final alternative idea we have here – and folks this one really is alternative – why not donate blood together on valentines day? This gift might not to be yourself or to your valentine, but a gift of love that truly is from the heart.

Let us know what you think, too crazy or will you be doing them? @alternativelincoln #AltLincValentines

If we haven’t persuaded or excited you with our own ideas, why not read on and see if you can find inspiration from how other cultures celebrate the day.

To me, this is the perfect way to celebrate. On 14 February, in keeping with our own traditions, the woman will give gifts of chocolate to the men in her life. They don’t have to be romantically attached – it could be friends or bosses – and a month later the men will return the favour and lavish the women in their lives with gifts. This way there are two special days in the year to thank and appreciate the most important people in your life and not just one rushed and over the top celebration, what could be more fantastic?!

A more un-commercial affair, the Slovakians use this day to celebrate and remember St Valentine. They see 14 February as the beginning of spring – when birds sing from the treetops, and St Valentine provided the people with the “key too roots.” In recognition and thanks for the beginning of spring the people take guidance from the birds and showed love and happiness as the new season starts.

A little closer to home now and only a couple of hours down the road from Lincolnshire, the residents of Norfolk are said to have their own traditions. Legend says a gentleman, very similar to Saint Nicholas, who goes by the name of Jack Valentine would leave gifts and treats outside the homes of local children for no other reason than because he wanted to make the children smile.

So whether you’re spending valentines alone or with a loved one it doesn’t mean the love should only stay with you. Why not take advice from Japan and give gifts to friends and mentors or use the day to celebrate the natural wonders of the world like Slovenia?

Let us know your thoughts by commenting or Tweeting @alternativelincoln