Valentine’s Day can be filled with expectations. Do you make a big deal on Valentine’s, or do you just let it slip by quietly? Does your partner want a giant box of heart-shaped chocolates or an evening spent in a fine dining establishment? Will your partner feel loved by a heartfelt letter, or is it time for a ring? What if your partner was ready for something simple, you went over the moon, and now everything is awkward?
Couples aren’t the only ones who have trouble on Valentine’s Day. Single folks are put through the wringer too. What do you do when your friend sends a friendly Valentine’s card, and it never crossed your mind to send one? How long can you smile while reluctantly liking your friend’s posts about “how wonderful their partners are?” Can you take one more Valentine’s Day when you tell people you “love being single” while secretly crying tears of loneliness? Should you confess to your crush that you like them, or would that be seen as desperate and cringy?
It comes down to Valentine’s Day having too many expectations.
So, let’s keep it simple! Here is a list of our favorite easy activities and gift ideas to get you started with Valentine’s. We want you to be able to let people know you love them without any stress!
1. Throw a Valentine’s Picnic!
A picnic is a great way to spend meaningful time with your partner. It is also fun for a group of singles who want to enjoy each other’s company. A little cheese, some fruit, something to drink, a cute basket – and you have a winning date planned! If you want to make your picnic even more memorable, spread your feast on a blanket featuring a favorite photo or heartfelt, custom message. If you need a little help creating the perfect picnic, check out this fantastic guide.
2. Memory Blanket or Flag
This is our favorite idea – because it’s so easy – and cause we work for this little woman-owned company! Capture your favorite memories with personalized flags, blankets, doormats, and more. Just think about what means the most to your partner – is it your dog, a humorous memory, a vacation, or a loved one who has passed away? Whatever the photo is if you are looking for a gift that is unique and shows your love, these customized gifts are perfect.
3.Recreate Your First Date
Recreate the Day the magic started by recreating your first date! This is especially fun as you age together. It is a great way to reminisce about the years you’ve had with each other.
4.Budgeted Shopping Trip
Set a max budget together that neither of you are allowed to exceed, and then have a shopping spree to see who can find the best gift in that price range. This is also a fun idea for a group of friends. Need a gift idea? Check out our collection of personalized flags!
5. Treasure Hunt
A treasure hunt is a fun way to tie fun memories back to Valentine’s. Have a friend hide your partner’s gift and create a series of clues leading to it. A treasure hunt is also a fun activity for singles looking for a different way to spend Valentine’s Day.
6. Write or Visit a Senior
Feeling lonely this Valentine’s Day? Why not brighten the day of someone who may also be feeling lonely. Visit, call or write a senior you know who might be missing their love or family. This is a great activity for couples, singles, and families.
7. Involve the kids with a Craft Day
Are you a DIY warrior? If so, spend the evening together or with your kiddos, crafting little trinkets to show your love for each other. If you are single, consider having a craft night followed by a white elephant gift exchange with your creations! If you need some inspiration, this site has tons of fun craft ideas!
8. Create a Coloring Book of Your Favorite Memories
This idea is adorable and is perfect for anyone with an artsy partner – or give this coloring book to your kids. Gather photos of your favorite memories, pets, or vacations, turn them into pencil sketches, and compile them into a coloring book. Here is a guide to creating a coloring book from photos. If you don’t have time to do it yourself, Curious Customs can do it for you.
We know that Valentine’s Day can be hard! If Valentine’s Day stresses you out, take a moment to pamper yourself – even if it’s just 5 minutes to breathe. Just give from the heart and let your lover know how special they are to you. And for our single friends, hang in there. Find some good friends who you can spend the holiday with. While it might not be romantic, the memories you make will last a lifetime. Happy Valentine’s Day, from your friends at Flagology.com!