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You don’t need to be in a relationship to enjoy that red, pink and all-things-heart-shaped holiday known as Valentine’s Day. In fact, it’s a perfect excuse to #treatyoself. (But if you are in a relationship, you could always just forward these ideas to your partner in crime.)
Here are just a few Valentine’s Day gift ideas so you’re not scrambling during the week to figure out what to do next Saturday:
- Host a Date Night at Home: Pick up the Date Night In Cookbook, (and a picnic basket full of ingredients to make one of the dishes inside doesn’t hurt, either). Single? Um, perfect excuse to invite your unattached friends over for a dinner party. Our favorite cookbooks: Tiny Food Party and Claire Robinson’s 5 Ingredient Fix.
- Build a Blanket Fort: I don’t care how old you are. Those things are making a comeback! Before you start building, scope out Buzzfeed’s list of the top forts on the Internet for architectural inspiration. Just make sure to cover the ground level with a delightfully smooshy down (or faux-down) pillow and a so-soft-you-wish-you-could-wear-it chenille throw.
- Enjoy a back massage: Plenty of spas are offering Groupons and other special discounts for this classic V-Day gift, so why not take advantage of it? Your aching fascia will thank you.
- Plan (or Sign Up for) a Scavenger Hunt: You could plan your own, or, if you want to be every bit as surprised by the quest as your cohorts, you could search for an organized hunt in your area, like these ones by Pogo Events, or this one from Watson Adventures.
- Choose Jewelry With Heart: That’s with heart, not heart-shaped, despite what the saleswoman at Jared, the Galleria of Jewelry tells you. Etsy is full of designers willing to help you make a customized piece, whether you’re interested in a delicate initial necklace or a map-shaped pendant that charts a long-distance love.
- Take a Wine, Coffee or Chocolate-Tasting Tour: Whatever your favorite food or beverage, chances are there’s a factory, vineyard or roastery nearby where you can gain a whole new appreciation for it. And if there isn’t? Buy a few varieties to build your own sampler and create your own definitive ranking of the best of the best. (Psst…if you do, take photos and we’ll post the guide on LBW!)
- Embrace the Kitschy: Yes, it’s a Hallmark holiday. Yes, it looks like Cupid threw up in the seasonal section of every grocery store, Walmart and Target. But it’s kind of adorable, isn’t it? So maybe, just for one day of the year, you go all out: Dove truffles in a heart-shaped box, a bouquet of your flower of choice, a card with a dog saying “I Wuff You.” Maybe even make a “This I Promise You”-themed Spotify playlist, and watch early 2000s rom-coms. You have a valid excuse, after all.