13 Fun Valentine’s Day Activities to Enjoy Regardless of Your Relationship Status
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Love it or hate it, February 14 is right around the corner. You’re gonna want to have Valentine’s Day activities or plans that excite you, regardless of how you feel about the holiday or your relationship status.
Because at the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is meant to be a celebration of love—with yourself, your family, your friends, your pet, your community…and yeah, sure, your love interest too. The point is, the holiday is really what you make it. Why not make it fun?
But whether you’re planning a fancy dinner reservation with your partner, going on a first date, making DIY valentines for friends, or staying cozy on the couch at home solo with a heart-shaped pizza, the key to a good Valentine’s Day activity is all in the details and getting yourself out of your routine. Dinner and drinks (or mocktails) may be a date-night staple—and a great Valentine’s plan—but don’t be afraid to switch it up even if it’s as simple as trying a new-to-you restaurant or cuisine.
Relationships
Rekindle the flame.
If you are celebrating with a partner this year, don’t let that stop you from enjoying some real me time as well. It’s like they say, you can only love someone else if you love yourself first. Send yourself heart-shaped cookies and a cute Valentine’s bouquet, or plan a staycation if your budget allows. Luckily, many spa and wellness centers offer couple massage packages and other deals for Valentine’s Day, which can be a great gift you can enjoy with your partner or solo. But if a full spa day isn’t in the cards, even something as simple as changing up your nails with a fresh festive manicure can remind you that love is in the air.
See? V-Day plans are what you make of them. So here are some fun activities to do on Valentine’s Day, whether that’s with your friends or your romantic partner, according to Glamour editors.
Send vintage Valentine’s Day cards.
“This will be my second year buying secondhand valentines and sending them to friends. Why does it seem like the designs of yesteryear used to be so much more thoughtful and cool? I found a lot of Valentine’s Day cards on eBay from the ’40s and ’50s, and I can’t wait to distribute them to all my homies.” —Lauren Brown, senior visuals editor
Party with the gals.
“I love hosting a little Galentine’s Day soirée for my closest girlfriends—it’s the perfect excuse to get creative and celebrate friendship! I always look forward to crafting, decorating, and making everything feel and look extra special. My apartment transforms into a pink haven for the night (or at least, a little more pink than it already is), filled with candles, ribbons, the prettiest treats, and the best memories with my girls!” —Tascha Berkowitz, assistant fashion editor
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Timex Weekender Watch
$57.00, Amazon
Geekey Multi-Tool
$22.00, Amazon
Ugg Tasman Slippers
$110.00, Amazon
Jaxxon Cuban Link Bracelet
$129.00, Jaxxon
CraftsByAleja Memory Film Keychain
$30.00, Etsy
Therabody Theragun Mini
$199.00, Amazon
Date Night Dice
$16.00, Amazon
Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera
$100.00, Amazon
Lululemon Soft Jersey Half-Zip
$98.00, Lululemon
ShineSand Custom Face Socks
$14.00, Amazon
Oakdene Designs Personalized Date-Night Dispenser
$28.00, Etsy
Brooklinen Super-Plush Robe
$99.00, Brooklinen
Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce Variety Pack
$33.00, Amazon
Beastmode by Beast Blender
$185.00, Amazon
Sonos Ace Headphones
$449.00, Amazon
Owala Star Wars FreeSip Water Bottle
$35.00, Amazon
The Wes Anderson Collection: The French Dispatch by Matt Zoller Seitz
$40.00, Amazon
Lelo Tor 3
$170.00, Lovehoney
Tushy Classic 3.0 Bidet
$120.00, Amazon
Manscaped The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra
$110.00, Manscaped
Jall Sunrise Alarm Clock
$53.00, Amazon
Bluegrass Creations Personalized Brass Lighter Case
$30.00, Etsy
Our Place Always Pan
$145.00, Our Place
J Jimoo Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
$35.00, Amazon
Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler
$250.00, Amazon
Anker Portable Charger
$22.00, Amazon
GrowlerWerks uKeg Carbonated Growler
$199.00, Amazon
Breville Smoking Gun Food Smoker
$100.00, Amazon
Mark & Graham BBQ Apron
$59.00, Mark & Graham
Vuori Performance Joggers
$94.00, Vuori
Eucatus Desktop Cornhole Set
$23.00, Amazon
Apple AirTag
$29.00, Amazon
PlayStation 5 Slim
$500.00, Walmart
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
$549.00, Amazon
Ralph Lauren Polo Red Eau de Toilette
$105.00, Amazon
“Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Shelf Love” by Noor Murad and Yotam Ottolenghi
$32.00, Amazon
Crosley Voyager Portable Vinyl Record Player
$90.00, Amazon
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals
$50.00, Nordstrom
Nekteck Foot Massager
$50.00, Amazon
“Position of the Day Playbook”
$13.00, Amazon
Armani Beauty Acqua di Giò Eau de Toilette Gift Set
$130.00, Nordstrom
Ovalware RJ3 Cold Brew Maker
$49.00, Amazon
Kesguar Magnetic Hand Warmers
$60.00, Amazon
Carhartt WIP Short Watch Beanie
$25.00, Nordstrom
Coach Slim Billfold Wallet
$150.00, Coach
Ninja Creami
$199.00, Walmart
Xgimi MoGo 2 Portable Projector
$400.00, Amazon
Leatherology Golf Bag Tee Holder
$40.00, Leatherology
Mike’s Hot Honey Original & Extra Hot Combo
$26.00, Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
$300.00, Amazon
De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine
$100.00, Amazon
Amazon Echo Dot
$50.00, Amazon
Proctor Silex Electric Crepe Maker
$45.00, Amazon
Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven
$400.00, Amazon
Lacoste Metropole Bracelet
$95.00, Amazon
Enno Vatti Top 100 Movies Scratch-Off Poster
$21.00, Amazon
Image3D Retro Custom Viewfinder
$35.00, Amazon
Storm Cloud Desktop Barometer
$30.00, Amazon
HomeWetBar Colossal Personalized Beer Mug
$25.00, Etsy
We’re Not Really Strangers Game
$25.00, Amazon
MasterClass Standard Membership
$120.00, MasterClass
Intelligent Change Productivity Planner
$30.00, Intelligent Change
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag
$169.00, Patagonia
Grown Alchemist Skincare Set
$55.00, Amazon
Nordstrom Moonlight Eco Pajamas
$89.00, Nordstrom
Pasta Maker Machine
$33.00, Amazon
Lego Marvel Infinity Gauntlet Set
$80.00, Amazon
Marshall Emberton III Portable Bluetooth Speaker
$121.00, Amazon
Personalized Leather Dopp Kit
$52.00, Etsy
Best Thing on Internet Candle
$14.00, Etsy
Dame Massage Oil Candle
$39.00, Dame
Games Room Très Risqué Truth or Dare
$15.00, Amazon
Astronaut Galaxy Light Projector
$34.00, Amazon
Goldbelly Ice Cream Subscription
$100.00, Goldbelly
NuFace Mini Starter Kit
$209.00, Amazon
Magnetic Wireless Charger Stand
$36.00, Amazon
Zwilling Steak Knives
$90.00, Nordstrom
The Dog Father Embroidered Hat
$35.00, Uncommon Goods
Brooklyn Brew Shop Pickle Kit
$40.00, Nordstrom
Nordstrom Cashmere Quarter Zip Pullover Sweater
$175.00, Nordstrom
Be your own valentine.
“I always try to make myself feel extra special on Valentine’s Day, regardless of my current relationship status. I started the routine of sending myself flowers on Valentine’s Day, and writing a self-love letter to myself. I usually order the flowers months in advance, so I tend to forget what I wrote in the letter. But somehow, it’s always exactly what I need to hear.” —Jazmin Gathers, social media manager
Go to “our spot.”
“My husband and I have a favorite restaurant…that we only go to on Valentine’s Day. It’s been our tradition for many years now and something we always look forward to. I like always knowing that ‘our spot’ will deliver on good food, good drinks, and a good atmosphere. Plus, it’s a fun way to do a relationship check-in, as the conversation naturally turns to how much has changed and how far we’ve come in the year since we were last there.” —Anna Moeslein, deputy editor
Dinner and drinks!
“It’s a sort of an unofficial tradition that my girlfriends and I will spend Valentine’s Day together, treating ourselves to a gorgeous dinner with wine flowing. We celebrate our friend-love every day, but it’s nice to set aside this occasion to let it gush.” —L.B.
63 Valentine’s Day Nail Designs You’ll Actually Love
Multi Lips
Barely-There Hearts
Lava Lamp
Chrome Bows
Scrapbook Hearts
Vintage Red
Black and White
Floating Hearts
Blinged Out Nude
Pink Aura
Lingerie Bows
Funky Square
Goth Glam Hearts
White Out
Colorblock French
Hot Pink Chrome
Heart Tips
Black (and White) Hearts
Pretty in Pinks
Queen of Hearts
Sweetheart French
True Blue
Barbiecore French
Minimalist Chic
Pretty Polka Dots
You Make Me Smileys
Bubblegum Confetti
Cartoon Hearts
Sweet Swirls
Chrome Tips
Hugs and Kisses
Artsy Hearts
Mini Hearts
Charmed French
Goth Glam
Glitter Hearts
Game of Love
Negative-Space Circles
Reds and Pinks
Candy Hearts
Ombré Glitter
Heart Emoji
Black Heart Nails
Glitter Stripe
Mini Florals
Shades of Pink
Mismatched Glitter
Ombré Lines
Dark Hearts
Classic Cherry
Negative-Space Moons
Pops of Pink
Crystal Cuticles
Gilded Tips
Diagonal Lines
Foil Hearts
Red and Purple
Candy Pastels
Fine Lines
Pink and Greige
Geometric Shapes
Gemstone Cuticles
Graffiti Heart
Watch a romantic movie and order in.
“In general, I’m a television fanatic. But on Valentine’s Day you can find me cuddled up on the couch by myself with a cozy blanket watching beloved rom-coms like Bridesmaids or Love and Basketball. This year, however, I plan to skip the movie marathon and instead binge-watch Love Is Blind’s eighth season with popcorn and a glass of my favorite wine.” —Monique Wilson, editorial assistant
DIY: Craft some flower arrangements.
“As Valentine’s Day approaches, I love visiting flower shops to find special blooms for bouquets that I put together for my loved ones, sometimes sprinkling in a few from Trader Joe’s or the local farmer’s market. My trick to getting the most out of the flowers is reflexing the petals back for a fuller, more dramatic look. To me, a beautiful, personally made bouquet always feels like the perfect way to show someone they are appreciated.” —T.B.
DIY, Part 2: Serve up cocktails & mocktails.
“For Christmas two years ago, my family got me a cocktail-making kit…and I haven’t used it once. I’m embarrassed every time I see it as I grab a half-finished bottle of wine instead. But I really want to create my own specialty drink, both an alcoholic and a nonalcoholic version, and Valentine’s Day feels like a good opportunity to finally make it happen. My roommate is a mixologist, and I love it when she makes drinks for us to enjoy at home. It’s cheaper and more convenient—and I don’t have to leave the living room! Together I definitely think we can make something good to enjoy this year! Alt option: A cooking class at home is another way to bond and still have something delicious you get to enjoy at the end.” —M.W.
Go for the classic movie night.
“Whether it’s with your significant other or a Galentine’s Day girl squad, going to the movies is a foolproof way to spend V-Day. This year’s releases are serving up every vibe you can think of. Want something spicy? Babygirl will get you hot and bothered. Looking for a laugh? One of Them Days will be a hit with you and your best friends. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure, complete with popcorn, candy, and soft drinks.” —Ariana Yaptangco, senior beauty editor
55 Best Valentine’s Gifts for Her That Will Arrive ASAP
UrbanStems Sorbet Bouquet
$65.00, UrbanStems
Rifle Paper Co. Rosa Stitched Notebook Set
$18.00, Amazon
Lululemon Dual Pouch Wristlet
$48.00, Lululemon
Mejuri Mini Heart Pavé Diamond Bracelet
$248.00, Mejuri
Aupen Nirvana Buckle Bag
$340.00, Aupen
Maude Soak No. 3 Bath Salts
$19.00, Amazon
Kate Spade Key to My Heart Flap Card Case
$118.00, Kate Spade
Vosges Haut-Chocolat Lovebird Truffle Collection
$75.00, Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Disney Minnie Mouse Knit Throw Blanket
$35.00, Amazon
Lego Roses Set
$15.00, Amazon
Savage x Fenty Lover’s Lace G-String Panties (3-Pack)
$40.00, Savage X Fenty
Ugg Ultra Mini Classic Boots
$150.00, Nordstrom
Hanna Andersson Valentine’s Sweet Patisserie Mommy & Me Pajamas
$145.00, Hannah Andersson
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask
$60.00, Amazon
Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote
$155.00, Nordstrom
We’re Not Really Strangers Game, Couples Edition
$18.00, Walmart
Kate Spade “Heart of Gold” Idiom Bangle
$48.00, Nordstrom
Free People Just for Me Monogram Necklace
$30.00, Free People
Gucci Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish
$35.00, Nordstrom
Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28
$295.00, Coach
Geopai Plush Red Heart
$30.00, Amazon
Lunya Washable Silk Robe
$278.00, Lunya
Lelo Sona 2 Cruise
$149.00, Lelo
Image3D Custom Viewfinder
$35.00, Amazon
Oakdene Designs Personalized Large Matchbox
$34.00, Etsy
Benevolence LA Plush Velvet Jewelry Box
$25.00, Amazon
Samring Pajama Set
$38.00, Amazon
Mevecco Zodiac Constellation Pendant Necklace
$14.00, Amazon
Hoka Kawana 2 Running Shoes
$140.00, Nordstrom
Games Room Très Risqué Truth or Dare
$15.00, Amazon
Le Creuset Heart-Shaped Spoon Rest
$30.00, Amazon
Kurt Geiger Micro Heart Leather Crossbody Bag
$75.00, Nordstrom
Sol de Janeiro Jet Set
$32.00, Amazon
Silver Handwriting Pet Photo Ring
$20.00, Etsy
Laneige Midnight Minis Set
$21.00, Amazon
Beauty Pie C-Wave Light Facial Dual Light LED Treatment Mask
$234.00, Beauty Pie
Chanel Le Duo Iconique Eye & Lip Set
$106.00, Nordstrom
Apple AirPods Max
$549.00, Amazon
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 Instant Camera
$120.00, Amazon
Uncommon Goods Custom Pet Embroidered Sweatshirt
$89.00, Uncommon Goods
Russ & Daughters Hackleback Caviar Gift Set
$205.00, Goldbelly
Wuzhou Tulip Plush Toy
$17.00, Amazon
Valentino Donna Born in Roma Eau de Parfum Gift Set
$145.00, Nordstrom
Lovehoney Indulge Valentine’s Kit
$100.00, Lovehoney
Cupmod Paint-by-Numbers Canvas Kit
$25.00, Amazon
I Dew Care Brown Bear Headband
$10.00, Amazon
M&M’s Sealed with a Kiss Candy Box
$35.00, Amazon
Lele Sadoughi Bardot Ribbon Slim Headband
$45.00, Amazon
Marc Jacobs The Beauty Bag
$95.00, Nordstrom
Skims Fits Everybody Lace Bralettes (2-Pack)
$68.00, Nordstrom
Diptyque Baies & Roses Candle Duo
$160.00, Nordstrom
Nars Mini Orgasm Lip & Blush Set
$45.00, Nordstrom
BCTex Coll Velvet House Slippers
$25.00, Amazon
Tory Burch Oval Bracelet Watch
$298.00, Nordstrom
Bawdy Squeeze It Butt Mask
$10.00, Amazon
Hello Kitty x Kitsch Creaseless Clips (2-Pack)
$9.00, Amazon
Try a book date.
I’m married, but I’m all about the solo date. I’ll spend Valentine’s Day night with my husband, but I plan to also take myself out at some point that weekend so I get some me time. If you’re looking for Valentine’s Day ideas that you can do alone, my absolute favorite solo activity is to post up at a bar on a quiet afternoon with a good book. But if you prefer to have some company, you can still do this with a partner or friend! Bring whatever you’re reading at the moment, then take a break to discuss over a drink and appetizers for a cute winter date idea. —A.M.
Take a hard group fitness class.
“I work out frequently. But sometimes I need an especially exhausting and painful, but rewarding, sweat session. My go-to is a Pilates class or hot yoga, where I can feel my muscles relax and my mind decompress. And I’ve found that working out with others, whether that’s friends or a date, has been a good way for me to get my mind off of things.” —M.W.
Make a playlist of love songs.
There’s a lot of unnecessary pressure around Valentine’s Day gifts, so I’m a big advocate of going back to basics. Remember how happy you were to get candy hearts, a simple handmade card, or a playlist of love songs from your crush? More of that energy! It shows that you care, without spending a ton of money on a perfume or cologne they may or may not wear. In fact, make a playlist for all your loved ones full of songs that communicate just how special they are to you. Your family members and friends deserve to be showered with affection too. —A.M.
Plan a Valentine’s Day game night.
My favorite date-night ideas usually involve some sort of fun activity, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. There’s so much you can do beyond pulling out a dusty board game from the basement. (In fact, there are plenty of adult card games that can spice things up.…) You don’t have to plan a big scavenger hunt that takes your partner to all the places that are meaningful to your relationship—though you could. It’s more about Valentine’s Day activities that get you laughing and having fun together, whether that’s at a bowling alley, a karaoke bar, or a game night at home. —A.M.
Originally Appeared on Glamour