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. So, 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 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.
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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 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 romantic partner, according to Glamour editors.
Send Vintage Valentine’s Day Cards
“This will be my second year buying secondhand Valentine’s Day cards 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 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
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.
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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: 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 your 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: 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 alcohol and non-alcoholic version, so 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 fool-proof 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
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 a 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.
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