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U Mich | Culture

5 Valentine’s (or Gal-entine’s) Day Date Ideas

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Alexandra Bakker Student Contributor, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mich chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

It’s that time of year again—Valentine’s Day. Single or not, you’re probably looking for something to do, and Her Campus has you covered! The five ideas for V-Day you’re about to read don’t discriminate between friends or couples.

1 – Movies

Now, I know I said these don’t discriminate between couples or gal-entine’s day ideas. And they don’t! Grab some friends and head to the movies to see the new Heart Eyes horror movie, coming out February 7th. Watching a horror movie about Valentines gone wrong might be just the thing to make us singles feel better. Or maybe it’ll make those of us in relationships just a little more grateful for our partner—you know, someone who isn’t a serial killer.

Not a horror fan? Fear not! Give Marvel Studios another chance with the new Captain America: A Brave New World film, released on V-Day itself. This action-packed superhero movie might be the perfect thing to take your mind off being single on love day (worst-case scenario, you get to look at Anthony Mackie for an hour and 58 minutes), or it might be a great way to get your heart rate up on a date with your partner!

If action or horror just aren’t your jam, there are plenty of other movies out there for friends or couples alike.

2 – Restaurants

Going out to eat is one of the most classic Valentine’s Day traditions. You can take your partner to an upscale eatery and make it a romantic evening, or just treat yourself with your friends at a nice place.

3 – Throw a V-Day Bash

There’s nothing like a great excuse to throw a party. And what better opportunity do we have in the month of February to get everyone together and have some fun? Decorate the house, cook some food, make a playlist, and celebrate your love (or celebrate being single!). Whether you’re planning a friends-only party or a double date-themed get-together, a big group event could go down in the books as a great Valentine’s Day memory.

4 – Go Shopping

There’s something immaculate about store-hopping for a day on the weekend. With Valentine’s Day this year falling on a Friday, some of that free time can be spent treating yourself or your partner. Go thrifting, go out to eat, or shop for some more special gifts. Romantic or not, spending money is always a blast.

5 – Activities out

Another great way to spend Valentine’s Day, with friends or lovers alike, is to get out and have fun with an activity of some kind. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but paying for a game of bowling or mini-golf  might be worth it. You could also have fun at a skating rink, making pottery, or doing some other kind of arts and crafts.

If you’re looking for something with a smaller price tag, though, doing a cute photoshoot for Instagram, taking a drive out of town for the day, or heading to a local trivia night might suit you better.

You could also take your friends or partner to the gym and play sports or just have a regular work-out sesh, or even get sweaty in the kitchen cooking or baking something together.

If the expenses are less important, you might want to look into finishing the night with a comedy show or local concert of some kind!

Whatever it may be, no one deserves to spend Valentine’s Day alone or not having fun. Taken or not, there are plenty of ways to make this V-Day great.

Hi! My name is Alexandra Bakker (Lexy for short). I'm a political science and prelaw major at the University of Michigan college of Literature, Science and the Arts with a hopeful minor in creative writing!
I love thrifting, traveling, coffee, reading, writing, and watching TV/movies!