15 Best Ways to Spend Valentine's Day With Friends
Show your favorite people how much they mean to you.
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Celebrating your besties who support you through thick and thin is always a good idea, and setting aside time to spend together on Valentine's Day is a great way to remind them how much you care. From simple ideas, like sending them a card with a throwback photo or sweet memory inside, to weekend getaways, we’ve rounded up the best activities to do with your friends on Valentine's Day. There are ideas that will fit any type of vibe, whether you’re looking to have a relaxed evening gathered around a campfire sipping hot cocoa, hitting the bike trails together, or spending an afternoon crafting or taking a class together.
If you’re looking to spread the love even wider this year, there are also several ideas for places to volunteer in order to give back to your community. You can also opt to blow off some steam with exercise, send an edible gift (like homemade chocolates or baked goods) or pick out another gift your friends are sure to love. After all, spending February 14 with friends ensures that you’re spending time with those you love, and that's one of the best things to do on Valentine's Day.
Plan a Day of Self Care
Unwind together by planning an afternoon of pampering for you and your friends. Organize a trip to a day spa, a group mani/pedi visit to your local nail salon, or an at-home spa session with self-care gifts for everyone.
Hit the Road on Two Wheels
Whether you wheel up a mountain, along dirt trails, or just go for an easy pedal around town, planning a morning of biking is a fun way to get outdoors and explore together. Be sure to pack a picnic of goodies to enjoy afterwards, too.
Create Some Cute Crafts
Show your friends how much you care by sending them DIY Valentine's Day crafts, like these origami hearts that you can string around your room.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
Host Them for Hot Cocoa
Host an outdoor hot cocoa party by setting up a bar with marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and whip cream to let everyone serve themselves. You can gift everyone a personalized mug, and have blankets on hand to keep friends warm around the fire pit.
Take a Class Together
Learn something new as a group by signing up for a class together. Pottery or painting lessons, cooking classes, flower arranging lessons, or dance classes are sure to be crowd-pleasers.
Hand Out Cards to Everyone
Remember the corny Valentine's Day cards you used to give your classmates in elementary school? Share some nostalgia with these cheery valentines that show how special your friends are to you.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Celebrate on Ice
An afternoon at the skating rink or local pond is always memorable—and inevitably includes a lot of good-natured laughter at each other's attempts at grace on skates
Volunteer in Your Community
Volunteer at a local charity to spread some extra love on Valentine's Day. There are plenty of ways to find somewhere near you that can use some helping hands. Try the ASPCA's animal shelter locator or find out if there's a river or ocean cleanup you can lend a hand to. If volunteering in person isn't possible, you can also help by organizing a virtual fundraiser for organizations like Feed America.
Send a Throwback Photo
For longtime friends, text or send a card with a favorite photo from years ago along with a memory from that time together. It's bound to make them smile and get you talking about the good old days.
Plan a Potluck Picnic
There's just something about eating outdoors that makes everything taste better. Have each of your friends bring a dish for a picnic together then head to a nearby park or hike to a scenic spot to watch the sunset.
Go for a Walk Together
Getting outside for a walk is always a good idea. Nature and exercise both have calming effects, as do chats with your besties.
Plan a Weekend Getaway
Put your travel planning skills to good use and organize a girlfriend getaway, with a weekend trip to a cozy winter cabin, charming small town, or a cute seaside spot.
Host a Wine and Movie Night
Have your friends over for wine or cocktails, paired with a classic movie, Valentine's Day film, or TV show you all love.
Send Them Homemade Goodies
Put your baking your skills to work by making a Valentine's Day dessert to give to your besties, or invite them over for a group baking session.
Host a Valentine's Brunch
Serve up a delicious brunch and squeeze in as many heart-themed items as possible. These heart-shaped waffles with fruit cut-out will look beautiful alongside some berry-flavored Bellinis.
Get the recipe at Lovely Indeed.
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