18 Affordable Things To Do for Anyone on Valentine’s Day

by Ramona DiFrancesco

Do you love Valentine’s Day and can’t wait to spend it with your boo? Are you single, ready to mingle, and just looking to have fun at the bar with friends on V-Day? Or are you the type that would rather just try to forget that the holiday is happening altogether? 

Well it doesn’t matter, because we can all benefit from a list of fun things to do on Feb. 14th. Whether you’re loving the love, or simply letting the day pass by like any other, take a look at this list to see things you can do on Valentine’s Day that’ll be a worthwhile way to spend it, and without breaking the bank or isolating. 

1. Go to a spa

Whether you’re going in for a couple’s massage or just want to pamper yourself, everyone can use a massage or a facial every now and then to wind down. 

2. Try a new restaurant

Consider trying out that Brazilian restaurant you’ve been meaning to go to, or hit your favorite comfort food place for a nice meal. 

3. Go to a comedy show

Feeling a little down on V-Day? Look up local stand-up shows in your area- it’ll be hard to feel sad in a room full of laughter. 

4. Create a memory book with your partner

Spend the day creating a scrapbook of mementos with your partner, including photos, gifts, ticket stubs, and other trinkets you’ve saved from your time together. 

5. Take yourself on a date

Afraid of doing things alone? Don’t be! Taking yourself on a date is just another great self-care activity we should all be doing more often. Consider visiting an art gallery or museum, get a mani-pedi or get your hair and makeup done professionally to give yourself that extra confidence boost, or take yourself to the movies! And if you go alone, you don’t have to share the popcorn. 

6. Window shop

Everyone loves window shopping, but it’s way more fun when they have all the cute holiday decorations out. Go shopping by yourself or with your partner and pick up some well-deserved chocolates and Valentine’s goodies. 

7. Recreate your first date

Recreate the first date you and your partner went on to give the night a sense of sentimentality and nostalgia. 

8. Tidy up your space

Been putting off cleaning your room, dusting the house, or still have those pictures of your ex laying around? Try a decluttering day- a pre-spring cleaning, if you will. 

9. Take a winter beach walk/walk your dog

Taking a relaxing walk on the beach can be great in the winter, as long as it’s not freezing outside. If you have a dog, you can spend the day walking them and enjoying the outdoors together. Better yet, spend the day pampering your pets with treats, playtime, or a nice, calming grooming sesh, so they can feel the love on V-Day, too. 

10. Make homemade pizza

You ever tried making pizza from scratch? How about making them heart-shaped? 

11. Go on a road trip to nowhere

Open a map and circle a random place in your area that you haven’t visited before. Especially on the Cape, there are so many nooks and crannies with interesting things that you probably never realized are there. 

12. Explore local wine and art

Find a class to take or a local theater production to attend. The Cape has quite an array of arts culture to participate in, being offered in places like the Academy of Performing Arts and the Cape Symphony. You might also consider a wine tasting date, to get a taste of what the local vineyards have to offer. 

13. Go on a library date

If you and your partner like to read, check out local libraries for a nice, relaxing way to spend the day together. To make it more fun and challenging, try to see what you can learn about the history of Valentine’s Day through the literature the library has to offer. 

14. Volunteer in your community

Donate your time to a local food bank, homeless shelter, nursing home, or anywhere else that could benefit from some TLC. Know someone who’s been widowed or lost someone special to them? Send them flowers and a kind note, to let them know you’re thinking of them, and that they’re still loved. 

15. Make a flower bouquet together

While the idea of picking flowers outside together sounds like a great date idea for springtime, it’s going to be pretty hard to do that in February. So head to your local florist or floral section of the grocery store and arrange a unique bouquet with your partner, to take home and admire what you created together. 

16. Attend the Big Love Event on campus

Feb. 14 and 15, Student Government will be hosting the “Big Love. Big Support” student service expo in Grossman Commons. You can stop by to learn about the important support services offered by 4Cs to help you succeed, and you can also get a free box of chocolate which may contain a hidden golden ticket. The prizes offered include two $750 scholarships from the 4C’s Educational Foundation, $25 gift cards to the 4Cs book store, and a pair of Apple AirPod Pros. 

17. Have a relaxing night in

Stay home, get in your comfy PJs, light a candle, and Netflix (might I suggest Sex and the City?) & chill. But, like, actually chill. Make it a self-care night. Put on a face mask, silence that phone, and don’t forget the snacks. 

18. And finally, don’t be so hard on yourself

Valentine’s Day can be fun for a lot of people, and really tough for others. So just keep in mind, you’re always worthy of love, but you are also a complete and whole person on your own, without a partner. And you can do any of the things on this list with family, friends, a romantic partner, or, just to treat yourself like you deserve.

(Ramona DiFrancesco )

Categories: Featured, Student Life