Don’t panic, but Valentine’s Day is, like, basically tomorrow. (I mean, depending on when you’re reading this, it might literally be tomorrow.) No plans yet? No worries. We’ve gone ahead and done the hard part for you by pulling together this expert list of Valentine’s Day ideas to help you celebrate V-Day 2024 the right way—whatever that means for you.
Because, while, yes, making plans for February 14th can be a tad overwhelming, the good news is that what you choose to do on the most romantic day of the year is completely up to you (and your partner/s). There’s simply no rule that says you have to go full roses and champagne—though if that is your vibe, by all means, get at it!
The point is that whatever you’re into and wherever you are in your current ’ship—whether you’re longtime lovers, just started seeing each other, or are stuck in some sort of unlabeled situationship (hi, been there!)—there are so many ways to make Valentine’s Day special. Maybe you’re looking for a chill, low-key (and low-budget!) way to celebrate with someone special, maybe you’d rather go all out and book a sexy staycation or couples getaway, or, hey, maybe you haven’t even begun to think about what you want to do this year and just came here desperate for ideas! Either way, you can rest easy knowing that there's a date idea out there for you. In fact, there’s probably one right here.
Read on for the best Valentine’s Day ideas for almost any budget, relationship stage, and vibe—including ideas for those riding solo or planning platonic hangs, too. Here are 60 of our favorite ways to celebrate love in 2024.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1
See a Burlesque Show
Digital Vision//Getty Images
Whether you’re having a Galentine’s Day-style girls’ night this year or looking to set the mood for an intimate evening with a romantic partner, nothing screams V-Day vibes like a sexy little striptease.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
2
Go on a Double Date
Viktor Cvetkovic//Getty Images
Adding another couple to the mix is a great way to take some of the pressure off the whole V-Day Dinner Date thing and share the love with some of your fave friends. A win-win!
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
See a Comedy Show
izusek//Getty Images
Celebrating love doesn’t have to be all capital-R Romance complete with candlelit dinners and gazing deep into each other’s eyes or whatever. If you and your V-Day date prefer to keep it chill and have a laugh, then get thee to a standup show where I can guarantee a comedian will be only too happy to have a couple to call out in their set.
Grab your bikes (or rent a pair for the afternoon) and map out a scenic route to ride along. Pick a beautiful spot to end near at dusk and then watch the sunset together. Bonus points: Pack a blanket to lie down on while you munch on a picnic, snacks, or sip on some drinks.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
6
Make Pottery Together
seksan Mongkhonkhamsao//Getty Images
Either buy an at-home sculpting kit or book an appointment at your favorite place to play on the pottery wheel and make special ceramics together. Creating a piece that you can keep forever is a great way to commemorate the holiday—and have fun doing it! (Plus, there's just something kinda ~hot~ about working with your hands.)
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Browse Bookshelves
Rifka Hayati//Getty Images
For the bookworms out there, here's an idea: Go to your favorite bookstore together (or head to the library to make this #free) and each of you can pick out a book that you think the other will enjoy. Make this extra special by writing a sweet Valentine's Day inscription or tucking a note inside.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
8
Watch Valentine's Day-Themed TV Episodes
Westend61//Getty Images
If you're committed to doing something a lil' more chill, grab some popcorn and queue up the Valentine's Day-themed episodes of all your favorite TV shows. Pro tip: Keep things interesting by incorporating a mix of humor and drama. (Like the blood drive episode of The Office followed by a tense day at the vineyard with Gilmore Girls.)
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
Shop for Sex Toys Together
praetorianphoto//Getty Images
For a ~spicier~ approach to this Valentine's Day, why not head to a sex shop together and pick out something new? Whether it's a vibrator that you've never tried before, a new lube, or a costume for role play, going together helps you build up anticipation for an intimate time later in the night.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Re-Create Your First Date
itsskin//Getty Images
Bring it back to where it all began! Head to wherever you went on your first date (or simply re-create the ~vibe~ if you’ve since moved away) and reminisce about how far you’ve come since that first night full of sweaty palms and jittery small talk.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
Go to the Movies
Geber86//Getty Images
I know it might seem basic, but dinner and a movie is a classic for a reason. Besides, when was the last time you actually got off the couch to see something in theaters? Try hitting up one of those bougie places that serve alcohol and fancy snacks to make the experience seem even more elevated.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
12
Take a Sex Workshop Together
Authentic Images//Getty Images
Learn a few new sex moves or discover a kink on the day dedicated to doing the dirty. There are courses for pretty much every type of sex or interest. Plus, you can find classes in person or online depending on how ~hands-on~ you want the instruction to be.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
Hit Up a Comedy Show
izusek//Getty Images
Humor is one of the sexiest qualities in a person, so what better way to celebrate your love than laughing together all night? Hit up a stand-up or improv show to get those giggle-induced endorphins flowing.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
14
Have a Karaoke Night
HEX//Getty Images
There are just about a zillion love songs out there, so make your celebration musical by going to a bar where you can serenade your partner in the presence of drunk strangers. If you’d rather sing privately, you could always buy some karaoke mics on Amazon to belt it out at home. Either way, cheesy duets are highly encouraged.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
Walk Dogs at an Animal Shelter
kali9//Getty Images
Is this a secret ploy to get you to leave with a furry new BFF? Maybe. But even if you don’t adopt, giving some sweet doggos a bit of affection and attention will make you feel all the puppy love.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16
Volunteer Together
Hill Street Studios//Getty Images
If your heart (or self-control) can’t handle playing with adoptable pups, there are plenty of other volunteer opportunities to consider. Whether it’s building houses, serving food at a soup kitchen, or picking up trash on the side of the road, nothing is better than giving back to your community. (Plus, you know how hot it is to see your partner get their hero cape on and do some good.)
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17
Have an At-Home Spa Night With DIY Face Masks
Isbjorn//Getty Images
Create your own mini spa experience at home by mixing up a double batch of DIY face masks. Will it feel kind of goofy slathering this on your partner’s face? Yes, but that’s basically the point. Plus, you’ll both have soft, glowy skin afterward. Win-win.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
18
Go to a Botanical Garden
Spencer Platt//Getty Images
You probably don’t think winter is a great time to visit your city or town’s botanical gardens, but you might be surprised. Many botanical garden centers offer activities like lightscapes, art installations, and winter-specific tours. Plus, it’s probably way less crowded in February than it will be in spring.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
Treat Yourself to a Staycation
Maskot//Getty Images
Play tourist in your own city/town by getting a hotel room for Valentine’s Day. You can order room service, watch movies, play games, have hotel sex—you get the idea. This idea is a bit pricier, but you can always check sites like Groupon or HotelTonight to see if you can snag a discounted rate.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
20
Enjoy Some Romantic Stargazing
Stephanie Reis//Getty Images
Is there anything more romantic than looking at the stars together? Pack blankets and a thermos of hot cocoa so you stay nice and toasty.
Rachel Varina is a full-time freelance writer covering everything from the best vibrators (the Lelo Sona) to the best TV shows (The Vampire Diaries). She has over 10 years of editorial experience with bylines at Women's Health, Elite Daily, Betches, and more. She lives in Tampa, Florida, but did not feed her husband to tigers. When she's not testing out new sex toys (100+ and counting so far!), she's likely chilling with her dogs or eating buffalo chicken dip. Ideally at the same time. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
Kayla Kibbe (she/her) is the Associate Sex and Relationships Editor at Cosmopolitan US, where she covers all things sex, love, dating and relationships. She lives in Astoria, Queens and probably won’t stop talking about how great it is if you bring it up. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.