As Valentine’s Day approaches, boys and girls all across Staples are scrambling to create the perfect day for their lover. Delicate chocolate and precious roses are a must, but if everything else isn’t executed perfectly, February 14th could end in heartbreak. The key to not blowing the relationship before the day’s end is finding a special location for the mandatory romantic date. Do this, and it may actually be possible to escape the most stressful day of love all year feeling satisfied. Below are a few unexpected ideas for date spots that might get your mind moving in the right direction:

1. McDonald’s. Sure, the Post Road venue might not be gorgeous, but your valentine will fall head over heels for some McNuggets and a Shamrock Shake.
2. The park benches behind the Westport Public Library. Only a few strides away from both Pinkberry and Top This, the benches are the perfect place to enjoy a cool treat on a freezing day. Just beware of hungry geese.
3. The Staples ‘Sauna.’ Heated at your convenience, the well-known steam-room is the perfect private place to spend quality time with the one you love.
4. My Three Sons. There isn’t a more innocent way to spend the day than chasing your valentine down a cushioned slide and into a ball pit. Just don’t let your lover watch a bunch of 5 year-olds take you down in laser tag.
5. The backseat of your Dad’s car. Just keep quiet.