Whether you’re riding solo, going out with friends, or staying in with your partner(s), this year, Valentine’s Day gives us an excuse to make a day, or night, out of a regular Monday. You don’t need to be in love to celebrate it, you just need a love for life.
We understand that planning an activity can feel daunting, so if you’re scrambling for last-minute ideas, we’ve got you. If you’re stuck on ideas of what to do to make the holiday special, we compiled a list of 11 non-cheesy things you can do at home, out on the town, with someone, and on your own.
“Melancholia,” 1989, Fernando Botero. Image from Wiki Gallery.
At home:
Take a virtual class
Staying in is the new going out, and whoever says that you need to go out to do something new is terribly wrong. Learn how to cook your next signature dish or finally master the perfect dirty martini in the comfort of your home. Websites such as Masterclass and brands like Williams-Sonoma offer a variety of interactive classes, such as how to make the best egg whites for silky-smooth sours and how to make cool coffee art that rivals that of your local barista. If you want to stick to good ole’ YouTube, Omi Hopper a.k.a @CookingConOmi posts a lot of casual, fun, and easy-to-master cooking videos, such as sofrito puertoriqueño and pastel de yuca. The internet is your oyster!
Yes, dancing with someone is a fun and flirty way to interact, and it can have the same effect even if you’re by yourself. It doesn’t matter if you’re going for slow and romantic or want to turn your living room into a Bad Bunny concert, the endorphins will flow. So, set the mood by blasting your favorite music and busting out the dance moves that make you feel yourself. Let the beat guide the rest.
Take an international “trip”
You don’t need to hop on a plane to feel like you’re on vacation, you just need a little imagination. Channel your dream destination and make food and drinks that take you to that place, play music native to it, and take it up a notch by dressing the part, too. Consider it preparation for the real thing.
Turn up the heat
Depending on how long you’ve been with your partner(s), things in bed may have gotten a little stale. Spice things up by listening to audio erotica, watching porn, and playing out each other’s fantasies. And if you’re alone, explore pleasuring yourself with a new sex toy. Hey, treat yourself, you deserve it.
Plan a game night
Keep the mood playful by challenging your partner(s) to a few rounds of your favorite games. From light-hearted and flirty ones such as Twister to more intense, strategy-driven games like chess or R-rated ones such as sexy dice that’ll help you switch things up in the bedroom, there’s something for every type of personality and mood.
Give yourself a spa day
You don’t need to leave your home to pamper yourself. Run a bubble bath (honestly, Mr. Bubble has done it for us for decades), light your favorite candle (we’re obsessed with Otherland, the millennial Dipytque, which has a wide variety of high-end scents in gorgeous jars that seem to last forever), dim the lights, and keep a glass of fruit-infused water nearby to feel extra fancy. No tub? No problem! Throw a shower steamer into your shower to fill the steamy air with your favorite essential oils. Just close your eyes, let the warm water hug your body, and take a deep breath in — ahhhhh.
“La Calle,” Fernando Botero. Image from Google Creative Commons.
Out on the town:
Stargaze like a millennial
You don’t need to be an astronomer to understand the stars. Apps like Night Sky will show you what constellations you’re looking at IRL so you can distinguish more than the Big Dipper as you lay under the stars contemplating life.
Book a massage
We don’t know anybody who couldn’t use a deep tissue massage, so give yourself (and your loved ones) the gift of a much-needed kneading session. After all, we’re all stressed out of our minds right now and could do with someone removing the hard, built-up knots throughout our bodies. Plus, studies show that getting a massage can reduce pain and depression, enhance immune function, and even increase alertness. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you for the self-care.
Play tourist
We spend so much time in our hometowns that it’s easy to forget all the beautiful, unexplored areas they have to offer. Take yourself out on a date and hit some of the spots that have been on your bucket list for a while, whether that be a monument, museum exhibit, or buzzy new restaurant that has the best burrata in town. Groupon will typically have walking tour and site-seeing recommendations based on the town/city you’re at for discounted prices, and local sites, such as Time Out, keep up-to-date calendars that feature new events happening near you.
Plan a staycation
Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery to set the mood and give yourself a break from everyday life. If you have your mind set on a specific location, consider booking ahead of time next year to make sure you get the perfect room. However, if you’re more spontaneous, sites like Hotel Tonight can hook you up with great deals at some of the best spots. Either way, treat yourself to room service and indulge in the mini bar goods.
Visit a rage room
Look, Valentine’s Day isn’t always pink and roses. Sometimes, it’s anger and darkness, and that’s ok, this holiday can still be for you. Rage rooms are rooms where you can safely smash and destroy objects, such as vases and old television sets, with a baseball bat. So, channel your energy into an activity that’ll help you let off steam while getting an endorphin kick. New York has the Wrecking Club, Austin has the Breaking Point, and Los Angeles has the Rage Ground. If you’re not in one of these cities, just search “rage room in [insert your city/town name]” in Google and search for options near you. Trust us, you’ll feel infinitely happier once your session is over.
