Over the past year, when it comes to holidays and celebrations, things have been a bit different (to say the least). And now that Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, it seems like many of us will have to settle for celebrating at home, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. There are plenty of ways to enjoy Valentine's Day and still feel special on February 14 without ever leaving the house — or even the couch.
Whether we're celebrating alone, with our significant others, or with the kids as a family, there are so many ways to have fun on a day that's all about showing love to the people we care about. From planning a fancy meal at home to catching up with friends and family on video calls and everything in between, this Valentine's Day can be just as special as all the rest, if not more.
Fancy dates out at restaurants might be off the table this year, but let's be honest: Is eating in an overcrowded restaurant ever that much fun? This year, we're presented with a great opportunity to get creative and make new traditions, because love can never be canceled.
Bake Cookies
This is a fun activity the whole family can get in on, and best of all, we get to eat the results. Bake a batch of fun Valentine's Day-themed cookies from scratch, or go with some ready-to-bake sugar cookie dough from the grocery store that everyone can decorate.
Have a Movie Night
Plan to wear PJs and watch some movies — maybe even a few romantic comedies for good measure. This can be done from the comfort or the couch, or make it extra special by renting a projector to use in the backyard or pitching a cozy tent or building a fort right in the living room.
Order Takeout
If there's ever a night not to cook, it's gotta be Valentine's Day! Skip the food prep and the dishes and order in a favorite takeout meal instead to share with the fam (or just the significant other). It's not the same as going out on a date, but it's pretty close!
Cook a Meal Together
Takeout sounds a little boring? That's OK — use this opportunity to cook a nice meal together, which could be really fun. Spend a little quality time in the kitchen, make something that's a bit fancier than what's on the menu normally, and even involve the kids — or wait until they're in bed if this is meant to be a more romantic activity.
Eats Tons of Candy
This one is simple, but it's easy to squeeze in if Valentine's Day is a little busy. After all, chocolates aren't the universal traditional gift for the holiday for no reason! Make sure the candy is heart-shaped, though — that's a nonnegotiable.
Make Valentine Cards Together
This is one of the things we really miss the most from celebrating Valentine's Day in elementary school, so why not bring this tradition home? The whole family can get in on this with a little glue, construction paper, and glitter (for the brave). Write sweet messages to each other, and make a DIY valentines mailbox out of containers around the house to receive cards in.
Exchange Gifts
This doesn't have to be anything big or flashy — in fact, these gifts could even be homemade (there are tons of ideas on Pinterest). But everyone in the fam can plan ahead to make sure they have a gift ready for everyone they love to exchange on Valentine's Day and feel all the warm fuzzies.
Get All Dressed Up
Staying home doesn't mean staying in loungewear on Valentine's Day — at least, not if that doesn't sound like a better option. Make the day feel more special by getting all dressed up. The more red, the better!
Plan a Game Night
Another activity that can be for parents only or involve the whole fam. Plan to spend the night breaking out those board games (or even order a new one ahead of time to play for the first time). Pivot to video games if that's more everyone's speed!
Have a Scavenger Hunt
Perfect for kids or adults, create a Valentine's Day-themed scavenger hunt around the house (or even in the yard) that involves sweet clues, hidden candy, and maybe even a few small gifts. There are tons of ideas out there like this one, and it's a fun chance to get creative.
Take an Online Class
This one might end up being a bit more suited to the adults in the family than the kids, but it's another fun activity that can happen without leaving the house. Right now, online classes are endless — learn to cook, paint, mix cocktails, or dance, all from the living room. Have fun learning a new skill together!
Make a Fun Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards are in right now, and it makes sense — they're pretty and they're yummy. Get a few fancy cheeses, jams, and other accoutrements and go to town. Make it Valentine's Day themed by adding some chocolate-covered strawberries or cut cheese into hearts with small cookie cutters.
Have a Fondue Night
Looking for a meal to be extra special? Fondue is where it's at, and it's relatively easy. Melt cheese, cut up fruit, veggies, and bread, and it's on. Don't forget the melted chocolate for dessert!
An At-Home Spa Night
This is fun, relaxing, and romantic all at the same time. Get the bath running, light those candles, and order a couple of super fluffy bath robes to make the night even more spa-like. And of course, face masks are absolutely necessary.
Celebrate on Zoom
Missing loved ones this Valentine's Day? That's what technology is for! Plan a Zoom or FaceTime meetup for February 14, and plan to snack on candies, drink wine together, eat a meal, or just catch up. This is perfect for kiddos who are missing friends and family these days.
Make Breakfast in Bed
This is a great gift for an unsuspecting significant other so everyone can start off Valentine's Day right — and it's fun for everyone to enjoy. Coffee, pancakes, maybe even a couple of mimosas, all from the comfort of bed. What could be better?
Have a Picnic in the Backyard
Celebrating Valentine's Day at home doesn't have to mean staying inside. If the weather is nice, consider packing up a picnic to eat in the backyard. This will feel extra special to the kids and adults — and the dog, if they happen to join in, too.
Do Nothing At All
There's no law that says Valentine's Day has to include an elaborate plan. If life has been extra stressful lately, it might feel special to spend the day with no plans whatsoever — and to stay in PJs all day long, guilt free. Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday in 2021, so many people will have the day off.
Take Lots of Photos
Hopefully, this Valentine's Day at home will be unlike any we have in the future, so why not take pictures to remember it? Get the whole family dressed up (or wear their favorite Valentine-y outfits) and do a fun photo shoot, inside or outside. Remember to use the self-timer to get everyone in at least one of the pictures!
Decorate for the Day
Even just a few decorations can make a huge difference and make the day feel more like a holiday at home. String up some lights, buy some red, pink, and white balloons, and maybe even a bouquet of red roses as a treat. Whatever the plan is, it'll feel much more special with a little decor.
