Unconventional Things to Do for Valentine’s Day for Everyone

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a day of romantic pressure or lonely pining. Being single on Valentine’s Day can be incredibly liberating, a chance to celebrate the most important relationship of all: the one you have with yourself. If you’re looking for unconventional Valentine’s Day ideas, it’s the perfect opportunity for some serious self-care – think luxurious baths, indulgent treats, or finally finishing that book you’ve been meaning to read.

Forget the traditional dinner-for-two; gather your closest friends for a Galentine’s Day bash, host a cozy movie night, or treat yourself to a solo adventure. Valentine’s Day is about love in all its forms, including self-love, platonic love, and the joy of simply enjoying your own company.

So, whether you’re single, coupled, or somewhere in between, embrace the day as a chance to celebrate connection, in whatever way feels right for you. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have a “perfect” day. Focus on doing things that make you happy and celebrate the love you have for yourself and the people in your life. Here are 7 unconventional (but awesome) things to do on Valentine’s Day when you’re single (or whatever your relationship status is), that will inspire you.

7 Unconventional Valentine’s Day Ideas:

1. Show Yourself Some Much Deserved Love

• Spa Day: Treat yourself to a massage, facial, hair mask, or mani-ped at a spa or at home. Focus on relaxation and rejuvenation.  
• Bubble Bath & a Book: Create a luxurious bath with candles, essential oils, and your favorite book. You could also pick out an article online such as our “Embracing Solitude: Redefining Singlehood as a Journey of Self-Acceptance and Empowerment“.
• Indulgent Treats: Bake yourself a delicious dessert, buy your favorite chocolates, or enjoy a fancy coffee.
• Reflect on the Positives: Write a list of positive things that have happened to you or that you accomplished and are proud of yourself for. This could be things from the past year before Valentine’s Day.
• Retail Therapy: Buy yourself something you’ve been wanting such as flowers, a new outfit, jewelry, or a piece of art.

2. Show Extra Kindness to Others

• “Reverse Valentine’s Day” – Spread the Love: Instead of focusing on receiving, focus on giving. Leave anonymous gifts or kind notes for strangers, or donate to a charity you care about.
• Volunteer: Spend the day volunteering at a local charity, soup kitchen, or animal shelter. Helping others is a great way to feel good and connect with your community.
• Random Acts of Kindness: Perform small acts of kindness for strangers, like paying for someone’s coffee or leaving a kind note.
• Donate to Charity: Donate to a cause that’s important to you. You can even become a rescued cow’s Valentine here!

3. Redefine Your Valentine’s Day

• Start a New Tradition: Create your own Valentine’s Day tradition even if it seems unconventional. It could be an annual movie marathon, a special dinner you make for yourself, or a day of volunteering.
• Embrace the Freedom: Recognize the freedom that being single on Valentine’s Day affords you. You’re not obligated to anyone’s plans or expectations. You can truly do whatever you want.
• Reframe Your Thinking: Instead of viewing Valentine’s Day as a day for couples, see it as a celebration of all kinds of love – including self-love, friendship, family love, and even love for your pets.
• Look for the Humor: Find the humor in the sometimes over-the-top commercialism of Valentine’s Day. Watch a funny movie, read some humorous articles, or share some laughs with friends.
• Avoid Social Media Overload: If social media triggers feelings of loneliness or comparison, take a break from it for the day. Mute or unfollow accounts that make you feel bad, or simply log out entirely.
• Treat it Like Any Other Day: If Valentine’s Day hype isn’t your thing, that’s okay! Treat it like any other day and don’t feel pressured to do anything special. This is perfectly valid and often the best approach for some.

4. Try a New or Unconventional Valentine’s Day Tradition

• Palentine’s Day: Host a party with friends where you celebrate the freedom of being single and focus on self-love and empowerment.
  • Group Activity: Go bowling, ice skating, or try an escape room with friends.
  • Potluck Dinner: Host a potluck dinner party where everyone brings a dish to share.
  • Game Night: Host a game night with board games, card games, or video games.
  • Long Distance Activities: Do your friends live far away? Consider alternative ways to spend quality time together: Facetime, online gaming (using gaming stations or free websites/apps), virtual movie nights (using hosts such as Watch Party.
• Galentine’s Day: Gather your girlfriends for a fun night in or out. Have a themed party, go out to dinner, or have a movie marathon. Although this falls on the day before Valentine’s Day, February 13th, it can be a great way to start the holiday.
  • Normalizes Celebrating Female Friendships: By making Galentine’s Day a recognized occasion, it normalizes and validates the importance of female friendships. It sends a message that these relationships are worthy of celebration.
  • Reinforces the Power of Female Friendship: In a world that often pits women against each other, Galentine’s Day emphasizes the importance of supporting and celebrating other women. It’s a reminder that female friendships are valuable and powerful.
  • Offers an Alternative to Traditional Valentine’s Day: For single women or those who aren’t focused on romantic relationships, Galentine’s Day offers a positive and empowering alternative to the often-pressured expectations of Valentine’s Day.

5. Focus on Connections

• Call a Loved One: Reach out to a family member or friend you haven’t spoken to in a while.  
• Write Letters: Write handwritten letters to friends and family expressing your appreciation for them.
• Connect with Nature: Go for a hike, walk in the park, or spend some time in nature. You might even spot some hearts in nature on the occasion!  
• Connect with Other Animals: Visit a local animal shelter, volunteer at a rescue organization, or spend extra time playing with your companion animals. The unconditional love and affection from animals can be incredibly comforting and uplifting.
• Meet Someone New: Join a local meetup group, take a class, or strike up conversations with people who share your interests. Valentine’s Day can be a great opportunity to expand your social circle and meet new friends.

6. Express Yourself Through Creativity

• Start a Creative Project: Use the day to focus on a creative outlet. Paint, write, play music, knit, or work on any project that sparks your imagination.
• Learn a New Skill: Take an online class or workshop.
• DIY Projects: Tackle a home improvement project, create some personalized gifts for friends, or try a new craft.

7. Go on a Solo Adventure

• Explore Your City: Visit a museum, art gallery, or botanical garden. Take a walk or bike ride in a new neighborhood.  
• Go to a Concert or Show: Treat yourself to a concert, play, or comedy show.
• Go on a Day Trip: Explore a nearby town or natural attraction.
• Start a New Hobby: Use Valentine’s Day as an excuse to finally start that hobby you’ve been thinking about.
• Fine Dining Experience: Treat yourself to a nice dinner at a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Don’t be afraid to dine solo!

What’s Your Unconventional Valentine’s Day Ideas?

So, now that you’ve seen some unconventional Valentine’s Day ideas, we’re curious: what are your go-to ways to celebrate (or not celebrate!) the day? Do you have any unique traditions, quirky rituals, or anti-Valentine’s Day plans you’d like to share? We’d love to hear your unconventional Valentine’s Day ideas in the comments below!

Own Your Valentine’s Day by Celebrating Unconventional Traditions

Remember, the most important thing on Valentine’s Day, and every day, is to do what truly makes you happy. Don’t feel pressured to conform to traditional Valentine’s Day expectations or the romanticized ideals often portrayed in media. Embrace your singlehood, not as a lack of something, but as a powerful opportunity for self-discovery and celebration. This day is about celebrating love in all its forms, and that includes the most crucial love of all: the love you have for yourself. Nurture that relationship, prioritize your well-being, and honor your own unique journey. Don’t be afraid to break the mold, step outside the box, and create a celebration that reflects your individuality. Whether that means a quiet night in with a good book, a wild adventure with friends, or a day dedicated to giving back to your community, the choice is entirely yours.

This is your day to define, your happiness to prioritize, and your love to celebrate. So, go ahead, use these unconventional Valentine’s Day ideas to be yourself, and have a fantastic day. Embrace the freedom, embrace the joy, and most importantly, embrace yourself. Happy Valentine’s Day!

“Love yourself first, because that’s who you’ll spend the rest of your life with.”

– Luigina Sgarro