15 Unique Valentine's Day Ideas for Couples and Singles
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Valentine's Day, the day of love and appreciation, doesn't have to fit a single mold. Whether you're coupled up or flying solo, there are countless ways to make the day special. It's an opportunity to celebrate love, whether it’s romantic, platonic, or self-love. Here are 15 unique things to do on Valentine’s Day, tailored for couples and singles alike.
If you’re in a relationship…
1. Cook a meal together
With Valentine's Day approaching, nabbing a reservation can be a challenge. If your favorite restaurant is fully booked or you simply don’t want to splurge on an expense meal out, consider preparing a meal with your partner at home. Plan your menu a few days ahead to avoid last-minute stress. Make a detailed shopping list of ingredients and purchase items in advance. If you need some inspiration for your v-day menu, here are some options for different cooking skill levels:
Entrée:
Main Course:
Dessert:
For a more convenient option, consider meal kits available from brands like HelloFresh or Home Chef. Many of these services offer exclusive Valentine’s Day menus that are perfect for enjoying a romantic meal from the comfort of your own home.
Set the mood with soft lighting, candles, flowers, and romantic music. Add personal notes, place cards, or small gifts for your boyfriend to find at the table. You don’t need to go all out to create a romantic atmosphere; just a few touches will do the trick.
Cooking Gift Set Co.
365 by Whole Foods Market
TRuff2. Book a room at a local hotel
If you want to get away for an evening, consider booking a hotel room right in your city. It’s a romantic way to elevate your Valentine’s Day more special without splurging on an extravagant trip.
Whether it's a niche boutique hotel, a luxurious resort, or a charming bed and breakfast, find a hotel that offers the ambiance you desire. If you’re searching for something more special, AirBnb is a great place to look for unique accommodations, ranging from castles to yurts and everything in between.
Prioritize what amenities matter to both of you, whether it's a spa, romantic restaurant, beautiful view, or pool. You don’t have to spend the night to enjoy hotel amenities either—many places offer hourly access to spas or pools. So take a dip in the pool, enjoy a couple’s massage, and then grab a drink at the hotel bar.
Add your personal touch by bringing along decorations, thoughtful gifts, or surprises to make the stay more memorable. You can’t go wrong with a classic combo of champagne and chocolates. Order room service for a cozy night in or spend the evening dining at the hotel's restaurant.
3. Be artists in bed
Looking for a unique way to celebrate your bond this Valentine’s Day? Enter the Love Is Art kit—a fun experience for you and your partner to express your love. This kit includes everything you need to craft a one-of-a-kind abstract painting while sharing an intimate moment together. What’s left is a truly distinct painting and a lasting reminder of your love. It’s the perfect way to create a piece of art for your space, especially if you and your partner live together. If you’re still searching for that perfect v-day gift, this kit is a thoughtful idea to treat your partner.
If you don’t want to buy the kit, but still want to explore your creative side with your significant other, consider a sip-and-paint session. Whether painting a shared canvas or working on separate ones, it's a romantic way to bond and create art together.
Love is Art
Love is Art4. Coffee and conversation cards
This Valentine's Day lands on a Wednesday—a day not typically associated with romance. Even if you’re busy with work or school, you can still find some time for romance and quality time in your day. An afternoon coffee date is the perfect way to spend time with that special someone, whether you’re meeting at your favorite café, picking up Starbucks, or just sipping on your favorite drink at home
To make your coffee date feel extra special, throw some quality conversation into the mix. You can find several lists of questions for couples online for free or consider using conversation cards like these ones from Intelligent Change. Personally, I have a similar set that I purchased in France, and I’ve really enjoyed answering them with my boyfriend. The physicality of the cards is ideal because it encourages you to stay off your phone and focus on being in the moment with your partner.
Intelligent Change
WE'RE NOT REALLY STRANGERS5. Write love letters
This one might sound cheesy, but if you’ve been with your significant other for a while, consider writing love letters to each other. V-day is the perfect occasion to articulate in writing the reasons why your partner is so special to you. Tell them which of their qualities you most admire, how they make you feel, and why you fell in love with them. These letters also make treasured keepsakes that you can look back on and cherish throughout your relationship. Here are some ideas to make your letter extra special:
Use decorative writing paper or special stationery
Write in cursive using an ink pen
Use terms of endearment like “darling” and “sweetheart”
Incorporate romantic poetry, love quotes, or excerpts from songs
Leave your kiss mark using your favorite shade of lipstick
Add romantic doodles or sketches, such as hearts, flowers, or swans
Perfume the letter with a spritz of your signature scent
Place pressed flower petals inside
Seal it with wax or a sticker
If you're looking for something extra unique, consider crafting a puzzle purse—a historical Valentine's Day gift from the 18th and 19th centuries. These intricately folded papers feature parts of a message or verses, meant to be unraveled in a specific order to reveal a complete message or a surprise at the center. You can create your own puzzle purse for a truly distinctive and nostalgic Valentine's Day surprise.
If you’re celebrating with friends…
6. Host board game night
Nothing beats the thrill of friendly competition and laughter over board games. A girls’ night-in is the perfect low-key way to celebrate Galentine’s Day. Encourage your friends to bring their favorite board game and play each one. Classics such as Codenames, Clue, or Catan are fantastic choices for a game night. One of my favorite games at the moment is Wavelength. It’s been all over my TikTok feed, and I finally downloaded the app on my phone. Highly recommend!
If you’re hosting a larger group, you could even organize a murder mystery party or set up an at-home escape room. No matter what you plan for your friends, set the mood with candles and prepare everyone's favorite warm beverage for a cozy night in.
Anthropologie
Monikers7. Make themed cocktails
Get creative with themed cocktails to celebrate Galentine’s Day. Have everyone prepare their own signature drink for the occasion, whether it's a Pink Lady, Scarlet Spritz, or a Chocolate Martini. Plan a mini cocktail-making session where everyone can craft their chosen drink and share it with each other. If you prefer not to drink alcohol, you can experiment with non-alcoholic alternatives from Ghia, Kin Euphorics, and Surely.
Complement the cocktails with you and your friends’ favorite appetizers. Create a grazing table with cheese platters, charcuterie, bite-sized desserts, and a mix of savory snacks. Sip and snack while you chat, watch a romantic film or play board games. I love this idea of an at-home Galentine's Day cocktail party.
8. Organize a secret cupid gift exchange
Put a spin on a classic gift exchange by organizing a Secret Cupid. Assign each friend a secret buddy and encourage them to prepare a small, thoughtful gift or card for their designated person. Exchange gifts and reveal the Secret Cupids at the end of the evening.
You could even come up with a theme for the gifts like something homemade, white elephant or self-care, and set a budget to keep it accessible for all your friends. Another fun idea, that I’ve seen on TikTok, involves everyone bringing their favorite product or book to exchange among the group.
Looking for inexpensive yet thoughtful gift ideas for your friends? Here are some affordable v-day gift ideas for your friends that are $15 or under:
If you don’t necessarily want to host a formal gift exchange, you might just want to give your friends a small gift. Surprising people with a small token of friendship is the perfect way to spoil your closest girlfriends this Galentine’s Day.
Read More: 62 Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Her 2024
Camila Paris
Pre de Provence
ONE HUNDRED 80 DEGREES9. Karaoke night
Bring out your inner Britney with a karaoke night. Set up a karaoke machine or projector, and take turns singing your favorite songs. Create a playlist of love songs or upbeat tracks to keep the energy high. Think Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' "Islands in the Stream," "Something Stupid" by Frank Sinatra and Nancy Sinatra or Beyoncé’s "Love on Top". Feeling the urge to take the show on the road? Head to your local karaoke bar for a change of scenery and a memorable girls’ night out.
10. Get crafty
Spark your creativity with your gals by hosting a craft night. An at-home sip and paint is perfect for Valentine’s Day, but if you want to try something different, there are so many other craft ideas out there. Think embroidered dish towels or cocktail napkins, scented candles in thrifted jars, charm necklaces, or clay trinket dishes. Stock up on all the supplies and tools you’ll need for you and your friends. At the end of the evening, you can swap what you’ve made or keep your creations for yourself.
If you’re spending the day solo…
11. Read a romance novel
I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for a good romantic fiction. Whether it's the timeless stories of Jane Austen or contemporary love stories that tug at your heartstrings, you can’t go wrong with a romantic read this Valentine’s Day. Snuggle up with a cozy blanket and your favorite warm drink.
I recently read the French novel My Husband by Maud Ventura. It’s a suspenseful and darkly funny read about a sophisticated French woman who spends her life obsessing over her perfect husband. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a darker romance novel. There are so many more romance books to pick up this Valentine’s Day. Here are a few more of my favorites:
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell: This YA novel explores the relationship between two misfit teenagers, Eleanor and Park, as they navigate the complexities of first love.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne: An entertaining enemies-to-lovers office romance with witty banter and undeniable chemistry between the two main characters, Lucy and Joshua.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: A timeless classic. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy navigate misunderstandings and prideful attitudes before discovering true affection for each other.
La délicatesse by David Foenkinos: This French novel tells the story of Nathalie, a woman mourning her husband's sudden death. She unexpectedly falls for a coworker, marking her journey through grief and finding love again.
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez: This classic novel explores the enduring love between Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza amid life's complexities, delving into themes of enduring passion and the passage of time.
12. Treat yourself to takeout and a movie
For the perfect solo night this Valentine’s Day, indulge in your favorite takeout while enjoying a romantic film. Order your go-to comfort food—be it pizza, sushi, or burgers—and pair it with your favorite v-day flick. From classic rom-coms to thrilling dramas or even a binge-watch of your favorite series, create a cozy movie night experience just for you. Some of my top romance movies are Roman Holiday, When Harry Met Sally..., and It Happened One Night.
13. Indulge in breakfast in bed
Start your day by pampering yourself with a luxurious breakfast in bed. Whip up your favorite breakfast treats—whether it's banana pancakes, a veggie-packed frittata, or avocado toast—and enjoy it while lounging in bed. Pair it with a your favorite coffee and freshly squeezed juice for a delightful morning indulgence.
I’m guilty of eating breakfast in bed most weekends, so for occasions like Valentine’s Day, I try to make it extra special by preparing seasonal recipes and watching episodes of my favorite shows. Since February 14th doesn’t fall on the weekend this year, I won’t have the luxury of brunching in bed. If you’re like me, then consider postponing your solo celebration to Saturday or Sunday when you can fully revel in the moment.
Threshold
Chamberlain Coffee
Le Creuset14. Take a bubble bath
Take a moment to unwind and pamper yourself with a soothing bubble bath. Set the mood with scented candles (think rose, lavender, or vanilla), play soft music, and add your favorite bath salts or bubbles to the water. For occasions like Valentine’s Day, I usually pick up a themed bath bomb from Lush to make the moment extra special. While you unwind, indulge in some macarons, chocolates, or a cup of tea.
Jo Malone
Le Monde Gourmand15. Go on a solo date
If you find yourself without company on Valentine's Day, why not take yourself out? Going on a solo date is the perfect way to treat yourself and celebrate self-love. Start by picking something you genuinely enjoy. It could be a movie you've been wanting to see, a new restaurant to try, a solo picnic in a park, or a spa day. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to make any necessary reservations in advance.
Going out solo on a holiday like Valentine’s Day can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Whenever I’m dining solo, I like to channel Carrie Bradshaw in the episode of SATC when she takes herself out for a glass of wine alone. Enjoying the moment in total confidence.
Whether you’re single or taken, spending the evening out or enjoying a cozy night in, I hope these Valentine’s Day ideas will inspire you to celebrate love.
What are your plans for this Valentine’s Day? Let me know in the comments below.
