Ideas for Celebrating Valentine’s Day Solo
I happen to love Valentine’s Day.
No matter if I’m single, partnered or somewhere in between I’ve always liked that there’s a day on the calendar where people are encouraged to pause and think about love. I enjoy sending messages to friends and family, getting little gifts for my kids, and planning creative ways to mark the otherwise regular day.
When Valentine’s Day can feel blue
With all of the above in mind, I do still understand why Valentine’s Day can feel hard after a breakup or divorce. I once had an ex-boyfriend cheat on me on Valentine’s day and I found out much later. I wondered how I would ever be able to celebrate again!
Turns out, life goes on if you allow it to. A few years passed and the sting of that experience eventually dissipated. I share that to remind you that if you’re in a tough situation, don’t think that because you’re not feeling this day or have negative memories associated with it, doesn’t mean that it needs to stay that way. It might not happen right away, but there’s a good chance it will happen in some future.
And even if you don’t have a particular traumatic event related to this celebration, the first Valentine’s Day after a breakup (when you’ve previously spent it coupled-up) can feel especially harsh. This holiday has a unique way of highlighting what’s missing.
Giving Valentine’s Day a new meaning
Rather than writing Valentine’s Day off entirely when I’m not in a relationship, I prefer to reframe it. Instead of treating it as a reminder of a non-existent significant other, I see it as an invitation to celebrate the parts of my life that already feel full.
If you’re solo this Valentine’s Day, here are a few ideas on how to make the day yours.
Valentine’s Day Ideas for when You’re Solo
Send (virtual) Valentines to the People You Love
Remember elementary school Valentine’s Day?
I’ve got fond memories of construction-paper mailboxes taped to chairs. You’d go to the store and pick out just the right pack of cartoon themed valentine cards and stickers and drop them into all your classmates’ boxes.
This is the grown-up, low-waste version of that exercise.
Send a favorite meme, a cute Canva card, or even a screenshot that made you laugh and send it to friends and family. Send it along with a ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ and see how delighted people are to get your message.
Make sure you think of all the different people in your life that you’re in touch with. It’s surprisingly fun to spread that energy to friends who are also single, but friends who are partnered also appreciate it. Maybe even ask what their plans are and share in their excitement.
Love doesn’t have to be romantic to count. This is a simple way to acknowledge the people who make your life better and to remind yourself that connection already exists all around you.
Plan an Art Date With Yourself
After you’ve sent the love outward, plan something just for you.
An art date doesn’t need to be a big production, but of course it could be! It’s all about what interests you. Maybe you want to an art gallery, maybe you want to be more lowkey and engage in an activity like coloring (bonus points for a Valentine’s theme). You could do so many things like journal, craft, paint, or spend time dedicated to any hobby of your choice. The great part is that making space for creativity is a way to reconnect with yourself, and that seems like a good thing of a day dedicated to love.
Create a Proper Solo Movie Night
I’m not talking about the “I’ll see what’s on Netflix” type of situation but an actual event you put some forethought and planning into.
Pick your movies in advance. Go all in on rom-coms, or skip them entirely and choose your comfort genre. Gather snacks, make a cozy setup with blankets and pillows, and settle in.
The difference between this and a regular night on the couch is intention.
You might:
Do face masks or beauty treatments while you watch.
Stay in pajamas and go for maximum comfort.
Create themed snacks or a special mocktail.
Thinking about what would bring you enjoyment and carrying out that plan is the idea here.
Buy Yourself Flowers or a Treat
If you can, buy the flowers. Put them on your table so you can enjoy them every time you walk past. There’s no rule that says you need to wait for someone else to do this for you.
The same goes for treats. Valentine’s Day chocolates are genuinely fun, and there’s something powerful about choosing a small indulgence just because you want it.
Closing Thoughts on Valentine’s Day When You’re Solo
I’m not especially interested in turning every holiday into a shopping event. But I do like marking moments in the year, and Valentine’s Day arrives right when many of us are still shaking off the New Year lull.
You don’t need a partner to acknowledge love. Friendship is worth celebrating. Family is worth celebrating. And if it’s just you and yourself right now, honor that.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you!