Category: London

I can hardly believe Valentine’s Day is here again so soon, but as it is just around the corner I thought I would compile a quick list of fun ways to celebrate it. I know there are lots of people who like me, don’t go for the commercialised aspect of Valentine’s Day, with all of its marketing and production line-style gifts. I have only once fallen prey to the set menu dinner, which was a whirl of food slammed on the table, a packaged rose and then out! Never again! I also prefer to wait until the actual day is over to mark the occassion, if I do decide to go out for a meal, to avoid the manufactured feeling and price-tag! If you are trying to think of a more home-made way to show your love and have a little fun, maybe my list will help!

1. Make your own card – Let out your inner artist and create something original.

2. Go for a walk – Try a new place that you have always wanted to go to, but haven’t got round to. It’s fun to explore a new place together. Secret London is full of hidden gems!

3. Play a game – Embrace that inner child and play a board game or make one up with its own rules, forfeits and prizes!

4. Cook a meal together – Choose a course each or share the prepping, cooking and cleaning up. 

5. Bake biscuits – Fun and delicious! These biscuit recipes are from BBC Good Food.

6. Write a love letter – Or write one each and read them out together. Make it even more special with beautiful handmade or recycled paper. You could use tissue paper or create a wash with water colours.

7. Dress up, wear a wig, choose outfits for each other and go out! This one is really fun as no one else will get the joke!

8. Have a living room disco – A personal favourite!

9. Leave love messages around – Write on the mirror with soap and stick up Post-it notes declaring your love!

10. Create a photo montage – A fun way to remember shared memories.

11. Try out a Treasure Trail or guided walk – This is similar to Number 2, but the research and hard work is done for you.  Treasure Trails (UK-wide, downloadable or they can come by post) and my favourite London walks – Green City Walks. Inexpensive and loads of fun! 

12. Paint a picture of each other  (It doesn’t matter whether you can paint, it’s about having fun!)

13. Make a music compilation – Remember the days of the mixed tape? A lovely way to capture your favourite special songs and share with your lover.

14. Give a massage – Here are the basics to get you started, but if you’re experienced, go with your instincts. Massage basics by Easy Vigour and here’s a massage technique video by Alexazoic.

15. Create your own floral display – Using a little imagination you can make a supermarket bunch of flowers look more original. Mix two small bunches together, unwrap and re-wrap with your own paper, or mix in some foliage you have picked yourself. I prefer simple flowers to overly dressed-up bouquets 🙂 Try this spring flower arrangement video by Mel1408 for inspiration.

16. Make cocktails – Whatever your tipple, alcoholic or non, teas, coffees or juices, be creative and name your new drink for your lover.

17. Take a class together – Learning sparks the creativity and imagination, so doing a new activity together is not only fun, but can be a bonding experience!

18. Try out a new sport – similar to Number 17.

19. Watch an old movie – Snuggle up and enjoy!

20. Talk to each other – If you do nothing else, do this one! And talk whenever you can – this is what keeps us connected and bonded to one another.

Of course they say the best things in life are free, so let your imagination go wild! I could have mentioned poetry, writing a song, making a gift, performing a dance…

And there are dozens of single’s Valentine’s events, for example: Where to Celebrate Being Single by Fluid London.

I will be marking the occasion with The Muppets new film and watching my cousin’s band Leo’s Garden perform at The Water Rats, London, and a combo of ideas from above. Have fun whatever you do and leave me a comment if you have an idea to share! 🙂