Valentine’s Day is a prime time to celebrate the incredible bonds of friendship that enrich our lives. Whether you’re riding solo, happily coupled, or somewhere in between, this guide is all about turning Valentine’s Day into a fun celebration with your pals. From creative gift exchanges to unique friend dates, we’re here to ensure your February 14th is filled with love, laughter, and a touch of magic. Let’s dive into some seriously cool ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your friends.
All The Best Valentines Day Gifts For Your Friends
Valentine’s Day isn’t solely the domain of romantic gestures; it’s also the perfect opportunity to show your bestie just how much they mean to you. Whether you’re leaning towards the timeless tradition of heartfelt valentines or simply saying it all with their favorite coffee, there’s a multitude of ways to express your affection. In this section, we dive into a variety of gift ideas that cater to all kinds of friendships, ensuring your gesture, big or small, hits the right note of appreciation and love.
By Fiona Murray (https://unsplash.com/@fsmurrayphoto)
The All-Time Classic: Give Your Bestie a Valentine
Giving a Valentine to your best friend is a fantastic way to celebrate your friendship in a way that’s both fun and meaningful. Far from being just for kids, this tradition can be a playful and heartfelt expression of appreciation between adults, too. You might opt for a card that’s bursting with inside jokes or one that tugs at the heartstrings. What matters most is the key is to make it resonate with your unique bond. Valentines can range from the deeply heartfelt to the hilariously funny, proving that this small gesture can pack a big punch in terms of emotional value. To add a Valentines Day card type of touch and make your friend smile, consider including one of these quotes:
- “I like you more than I like coffee… which says something.”
- “Here’s to a Valentine’s Day filled with good wine, good food, and especially good friends like you.”
- “Who needs a Valentine when I have a friend like you? Happy Galentine’s Day!”
By Wesley Tingey (https://unsplash.com/@wesleyphotography)
Spin Up Some Beats With a Mixtape
Give your friend a musical hug with a playlist tailored just for them. Whether you fill the playlist with new songs to discover together or revisit the classics, there’s nothing like showing love through a specially curated playlist. Feeling lazy? Try Spotify’s new feature, Spotify Blend. Spotify Blend allows you to mix up your favorite tunes with theirs, creating a unique soundtrack that represents your friendship’s rhythm. Read more about how to create a Spotify Blend from Business Insider. It’s not just about sharing music; it’s about sharing moments, memories, and the melodies that highlight your adventures together. Turn up the speakers on your next car-ride together and sing out the lyrics to songs on this playlist that say “I get you.”
Create a Heartfelt DIY Custom Sketch
Creating a custom sketch for your friend on Valentine’s Day is a heartfelt and creative way to show them just how much you appreciate their presence in your life. Whether you opt for a serious portrait that captures their essence or lean towards a funny sketch that brings out the laughs, this personal piece of art is a wonderful way to share something truly special. Funny sketches, in particular, can serve as a joyful reminder of the fun times you’ve shared, embodying inside jokes or memorable moments in a way that words simply cannot. It’s not just about the quality of the drawing but the thought, effort, and love that goes into creating something so uniquely tailored to your friend, making it a perfect token of your platonic love and appreciation.
By Fa Barboza (https://unsplash.com/@fan11)
Show Them Your Appreciation With a Themed Gift Basket
Putting together a fun Valentine’s gift basket for your friend is an excellent way to celebrate your friendship and show them how much they mean to you. Whether you decide to fill it with cheesy, funny items that will have them rolling with laughter or opt for more serious, appreciative tokens that convey your gratitude for their presence in your life, the goal is to tailor the basket to make your friend smile. Try searching popular sites like Etsy to find online orderable gift baskets or make your own.
Here are eight fantastic Valentine’s Day gift ideas for your friend to get you started:
- A quirky mug with an inside joke or a quote from their favorite show can start their day on the right note.
- Their favorite snacks or candies to indulge in a sweet treat that reminds them of the sweetness of your friendship.
- A mini photo album or framed picture of a memorable moment shared between the two of you, capturing the essence of your bond.
- Handwritten notes or a funny card that express your feelings in a way that only you two would understand.
- Customized keychains or magnets featuring a design or message that’s meaningful to your friendship.
- A book by their favorite author or in their favorite genre, shows that you pay attention to their interests.
- A DIY coupon book filled with offers for future hangouts, promising more fun times ahead.
By Brooke Cagle (https://unsplash.com/@brookecagle)
Extravagant Gifts Not Your Thing? Buy Them a Valentine’s Day Coffee
Sometimes, the simplest gestures speak volumes, and buying your friend a Valentine’s Day coffee is the perfect example of this. In the business of daily life, taking the time to share coffee can be a profound token of appreciation. It’s not just about the caffeine boost. It’s about what the act represents—taking time out of your day to make theirs better. Acknowledging the warmth and energy your friends bring to your life, is energizing much like the coffee itself. This small act of kindness symbolizes your willingness to pause and cherish the moments you have together. Coffee can create a space for conversation, laughter, or reflective appreciation.
By Ball Park Brand (https://unsplash.com/@ballparkbrand)
Enjoy Valentine’s Day by Planning the Perfect Hangout With Your Friends
If you’re looking to bypass traditional romantic celebrations, planning a hangout with your friends is a great Valentine’s Day alternative. From hosting a cheesy rom-com movie marathon to spreading love to your community, there are countless ways to make memories. These activities not only celebrate friendship but also embrace the joy of being single. Enjoying the day with your friends turns Valentine’s Day into an occasion everyone can look forward to.
By Corina Rainer (https://unsplash.com/@corina_rainer_)
Bring Out the Popcorn and the Wine: Cheesy Rom-Com Movie Marathon
There’s something incredibly comforting about indulging in cheesy rom-coms with your best friends. Sometimes a rom-com is all you need to enjoy Valentine’s Day with your friends. The predictability of the plot, the inevitable mix-ups, and the heartwarming endings make for a perfect backdrop as you lounge on the couch with popcorn and blankets. A rom-com marathon requires a selection from a range of classics like Pretty Woman (1990) or Sleepless In Seattle (1993). Create a cozy viewing area, and let the laughter and possibly some happy tears bring you all closer together. It’s a reminder that love comes in many forms, and the love shared in friendship is just as valuable.
by Walls.io (https://unsplash.com/@walls_io)
Galentine’s/Palentine’s Day Party
If you’re a fan of the TV show “Parks and Recreation,” you may be familiar with the concept of Galentine’s Day – a day to celebrate the love and friendship between women. Galentine’s is all about appreciating the platonic loves of your life. Celebrate by decorating your space with festive décor, preparing snacks, and having a playlist ready. The only requirement is to enjoy the presence of your friends! You can even include activities like “friendship speed dating” where everyone shares stories or facts about themselves. Friendship speed dating can fostering deeper connections and laughter amongst your group.
by Fred Moon (https://unsplash.com/@fwed)
Food or Pub Crawl
Embark on a culinary adventure – or just hit up your favorite restaurants and bars – with a food or pub crawl in your city. This activity is perfect for the foodies in your group. Plan a route that includes several must-try restaurants or bars, allowing everyone to share different dishes and drinks. It’s a fantastic way to explore new spots in your city, enjoy a variety of flavors, and make memories with your friends.
by Hannah Busing (https://unsplash.com/@hannahbusing)
Volunteering Together
Volunteering together is a meaningful way to spend Valentine’s Day, focusing on giving back and spreading love within your community. Choose a local charity or organization that resonates with your group and spend the day making a difference. This can be a food bank, animal shelter, or nursing home. Volunteering not only enriches the lives of others but also fills your own hearts with joy and gratitude. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact of collective action and the true essence of love and friendship.
Mix Things Up with a Double Date on Valentines Day
Going on a double date with your friend on Valentine’s Day can be an exciting and refreshing way to celebrate. With the rise of dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge, coordinating a double date has never been easier. Oftentimes people create joint dating app profiles with their friends. This allows them to show themselves as a “package deal” to potential matches interested in a group outing. This approach not only adds a layer of fun but also comfort, taking off tradition dating pressure. It also provides a safer alternative to one-on-one dates. Alternatively, individuals can go solo on these platforms but still arrange to meet up as a double date. Double dating on Valentines combines the thrill of meeting someone new with the reassurance of having a friend by your side.
Use ChkM8 for Safe Anonymous Post-Connection Rating
While double dating inherently feels safer than meeting a stranger one-on-one, it’s always beneficial to have extra reassurance. ChkM8, a post-connection rating app, is designed for exactly that! ChkM8 is a tool for enhancing the safety and integrity of online dating (see our article about Dating App Safety). After a date or connection, ChkM8 prompts users to anonymously rate each other in three helpful areas: Safety, Integrity, and Likeability. Rating is done using a 5-start rating system and allows users to build a composite score over time. Additionally, ChkM8 offers category choices like “Genuine Connection” or “Great Conversation” to justify the ratings. When making connections and dating people you meet online, ChkM8 offers a new layer of reassurance. This feature not only promotes safer dating practices but also encourages honesty and accountability among users. To up your dating game, download ChkM8 here.
by Lauren Richmond (https://unsplash.com/@lashleyrich)
Regardless of how you choose to connect, implementing safety measures like ChkM8 can offer peace of mind so that you focus more on the experience itself. It’s smart to be safe and stay aware. But at the heart of it, Valentine’s Day is about enjoying the company of others. Whether that’s through a double date with your bestie or meeting new people, we’re here for it. With tools like ChkM8, you can navigate the dating world with confidence, knowing that you’ve taken steps to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
