Valentine's Day Ideas for Valentine's Day Haters

Have you been dreading Valentine’s Day since the moment those heart-shaped boxes of chocolate appeared in the drugstore? You’re not alone. If the schmoopy stuff isn’t for you, check out these noncheesy ways to celebrate February 14—whether you’re single or attached.

Valentine’s Day idea: Have a scary-movie fest.

Why keep those scary movies shelved until Halloween? Queue up a list of the most bone-chilling films you can think of, put your feet up and start imagining Cupid starring in place of characters whose fates take a more unfortunate turn.

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Valentine’s Day idea: Ditch the cliché restaurant scene.

A wallet-busting prix fixe romantic meal for two? Save your dollars and show off your master chef skills instead. Consider trying out a new, unboring recipe if you’re cooking with a guy, or go big and host a potluck dinner for other Valentine’s Day haters. Another idea? Have a chocolate fondue party. Fondue pots are surprisingly cheap. Pick one up and lay out skewers and pretzels, strawberries, pineapple chunks, marshmallows—whatever you like—and get dippin’.

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Valentine’s Day idea: Have a game night.

Some classic ideas are so good, they transcend cheesy. Case in point: game night. Round up your silliest board games (Pretty Pretty Princess, anyone?) and some good company—couples and singles alike—and go out of your way to go all out. A little competitive spirit can be very sexy.

Photo: Cargo

Valentine’s Day idea: Break a sweat.

Got a little Valentine’s Day rage? Grab your single friends and sign up for a kickboxing class. Or if you think your date might want in on the action, consider booking a couples session with a private trainer to learn how to go one-on-one in the ring. (Just keep it in the ring, OK?)

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Valentine’s Day idea: Declare a pajamas-only day.

Make Valentine’s Day a comfies-only day! Whether that means camping out in your pajamas or exercising your right to a makeup-free evening, skip the pressures of getting frill-ified. Instead, mark an arbitrary day on your calendar to get all dolled up…just because.

Valentine’s Day idea: Spread the love by volunteering.

Show your friends, community or some adorable furry animals that you love ‘em all. Call up a local organization, such as a soup kitchen or shelter, to explore volunteer opportunities. Or get in touch with your pals who are exhausted parents and offer to babysit on Valentine’s Day, so they can get out and take a child-free breather.

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Valentine’s Day idea: Go bowling.

When’s the last time you laced up some terribly ugly shoes and got the ball rolling? Bowling is a perfect group activity, whether you’re with your girls or in a group of couples. If you have a boyfriend, it can also make for some sweet-natured competition (though we know you’ll kick his butt!). If your game is a bit off, consider just sitting in the crowd for an offbeat sport, like, say, roller derby. Game on!

Valentine’s Day idea: Eat with your fingers.

Listen, white linen tablecloths and candlelight are lovely the rest of the year, but if there’s something about Valentine’s Day that makes you want to puke at the thought of a stuffy maitre d’, consider booking a reservation at a restaurant where it’s allowed—nay, encouraged!—to pooh-pooh the silverware and eat with your fingers. You might try Ethiopian or Indian foods made to be eaten with bread, not silverware, or sushi or a dive bar with chicken fingers and fries.

Photo: CN Digital Studio

Valentine’s Day idea: Have a crazy-girly girls’ night.

Pay homage to some of the most loving relationships in your life: those with your girls. Chick it up with fun dresses, pink champagne or other fun cocktails, sparkly eye makeup, cupcakes, the works. Consider it a grown-up sleepover, though with less Truth or Dare being played. Or not—maybe they’ll push you to finally call the guy you have a crush on!

Valentine’s Day idea: Start a “Covert Cupid” tradition with friends.

Don’t let Secret Santa get all the fun. Like the popular office routine, try getting together and picking friends’ names out of a hat, then buying them a sweet Valentine’s Day surprise. Unlike the pressure on boyfriends to buy jewelry or lingerie, you can go wild with your gifts for a friend. That way, even the single girls can expect to unwrap a little something fun every year.

Valentine’s Day idea: Have an anti-rom-com film festival.

Sure, everyone likes to indulge in some harmless romantic comedies from time to time. When Harry Met Sally? Practically life-changing. But all that schmaltz can be a bit too much this time of year. Turn the genre on its head by watching your favorite comedy sweethearts in more girl-power roles. So instead of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, try her in Erin Brockovich. Instead of Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama, catch her in the most excellent Election. Jennifer Lopez in The Wedding Planner? No, how about Selena! You get the idea.

Valentine’s Day Idea: Have a spa night.

Valentine’s Day is often about taking care of your heart (and his), but why not take care of your body, too? Break out the bath salts, the nail polish or that hair oil treatment that sits in the back of your bathroom drawer, woefully unused.

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