Non-Traditional Activities for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day, traditionally a time for romantic dinners and roses, is evolving. More people are seeking unique ways to celebrate, or not celebrate, this day of love. Here's a look at some non-traditional activities that are gaining popularity. 

Skip it Altogether (Singles Awareness Day)

Celebrated on February 15th, the day after Valentine's Day, it's a time to recognise and celebrate the joys of being single. Far from being a day of commiseration, it's a day for self-love, independence, and appreciating the freedom that comes with singleness.

Singles Awareness Day began as a humorous response to the Valentine’s Day hype, but it has evolved into a celebration of singlehood and self-sufficiency. It's a day to remember that being single is not just a relationship status; it's a chance to focus on oneself, grow, and enjoy life without the constraints of a romantic relationship.

Movie Marathon

Skip the romantic comedies and opt for genres that steer clear of love stories. Horror, action, sci-fi – the choice is yours. Pop some popcorn, grab your favourite snacks, and enjoy a night of cinema blissfully free of love triangles and soulful glances.

The beauty of this plan lies in its simplicity and the comfort it brings. There's no dress code, no reservations, and no time constraints. You can pause the movie for a conversation about a shared memory or an inside joke. The evening can accompany your favourite snacks or a homemade dinner, adding a personal touch that no restaurant can match.

In a world where we often chase extravagant experiences, a movie marathon on Valentine's Day reminds us that sometimes, the most precious moments are the simplest.

Pamper Yourself

Who says you need a partner to indulge? Treat yourself to a spa day, enjoy your favourite meal, or simply relax at home with a good book. Self-love and self-care are at the heart of this celebration. If this sounds like a great idea, we have a whole article on self-care activities on a budget. 

Have an Anti-Valentines Day

Not everyone wants to celebrate love and romance. Anti-Valentine's Day events are perfect for those who prefer to avoid the Valentine's Day hype. These can range from parties celebrating singledom to themed events that humorously mock the traditional trappings of the holiday.

So gather your friends for a night of fun that flouts Valentine’s Day conventions. Think black heart decorations, sassy music playlists, gatherings with friends where the dress code is pyjamas, not party dresses and games celebrating single life. It's all about enjoying the company of friends and having a good time without the pressure of romance.

Anti-Valentine Day Cocktails

What better way to celebrate than with some unique, Anti-Valentine’s Day-themed cocktails? Let's mix up some fun with drinks that are a toast to the unattached, the happily single, and the just-not-into-Valentine's crowd.

The Bitter-Sweet Symphony

This cocktail is a playful nod to those mixed feelings about love:

40ml Russian Standard Vodka

20ml St. Germain

20ml Lemon Juice

20ml Grapefruit Juice

15ml Sugar Syrup

Garnish with Raspberries

Single & Proud Martini

Celebrate your single status with this bold martini:

Chill your martini glass beforehand

50ml Gin

20ml Dry Vermouth

A dash of orange bitters

Lemon twist for garnish

Cupid's Missed Arrow

It is a fun and fruity drink that playfully acknowledges Cupid’s off-target shots.

30ml Vodka

30ml Peach Schnapps

50ml Cranberry juice

50ml Orange juice

Serve with ice and a slice of lime for garnish

Love on the Rocks

It's no-fuss, strong and straightforward, just like the resolve to celebrate love on your terms:

50ml Bourbon or Whiskey

A dash of Angostura bitters

Ice cubes

Soda water (optional)

Maraschino Cherry (optional)

Orange slice for garnish

Volunteer

Swapping candlelit dinners for community service, couples and singles alike enjoy giving back. Volunteering at local shelters, organising community clean-ups, or spending time at senior centres benefits the community and brings a sense of fulfilment and connection. This altruistic twist on Valentine’s Day emphasises love in its broader, more inclusive form. 

Galentines Day

Popularised by the TV show "Parks and Recreation," Galentine's Day (celebrated on February 13th) is a day for women to celebrate their friendships with each other. Whether it's a brunch, a spa day, or just a night in with movies and takeout, the emphasis is friendship and fun rather than romance. 

Escape Rooms

The benefits of choosing an escape room for Valentine's Day are numerous. It's a chance to see each other in a different light, work together as a team, and engage in healthy competition. Communication and collaboration are crucial and, coincidentally, the foundations of any strong relationship.

Moreover, the sense of achievement you feel when you finally crack the code and escape the room is unparalleled. It's a shared victory, a memory created together that you'll reminisce about for years. And if you don't escape? Well, that's just another story to laugh over during dinner!

Just Do Whatever You Feel Like Doing

Anti-Valentine Day and Singles Day all have one thing in common: self-care. So while everyone is off doing cliché Valentine's Day things, take time and do exactly what you want to do, whether that’s cocktails, parties and spa days like mentioned above or watching Netflix with a pint of Haagen Dasz, as long as you enjoy what you do, it doesn’t matter what it is.

So, as you can see, Valentine's Day doesn't have to be all about traditional romance. These non-traditional activities offer a way to celebrate love, friendship, community, and even the joys of being single. Whether you're coupled up, flying solo, or spending time with friends, there's no shortage of ways to make February 14th uniquely memorable.