Valentine's Day: Romance Only, or Are There Alternative Traditions?

Some people adore Valentine’s Day and all the gushy love it brings, so if you’re one of those, you’re going to need your partner to participate, too.

Make your feelings known well before the date to remind him/her/them that there’s emotion riding on what the day brings, even if you don’t expect anything particularly special.

Asking if they want to go away for a few days near the date or on the day is a perfect enough way to set the tone for doing something. You might even be lucky enough to browse locations and ideas the very same day.

Of course, heading away isn’t your only option for Valentine’s Day, and since it’s all about love, a few more ideas come to mind:

• Relive your first date, go there and commemorate it, even if it’s just a walk in the park or somewhere bizarre, like an airfield museum.

• Dance to your wedding song, bring Valentine’s Day in line with your anniversary and make it more emotional than a standard day.

• Buy the same gift each year, such as Valentine’s Day flowers, or something more personal and playful, such as trading cards or knitting gear.

Who says Valentine’s Day is only for couples? It’s also the perfect moment to treat yourself with the same love and kindness you give to others. Whether it’s a quiet night in, your favourite sweet treat, or a bouquet just for you, celebrating yourself is always in style. Flowers can be a beautiful reminder that you are worthy of joy, beauty and care, every single day.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about romantic love. It’s also a great opportunity to celebrate the special friendships in your life.

Whether you’re planning a cosy get‑together, exchanging heartfelt cards, or simply want to say “thank you” to a mate who’s always there for you, flowers are a lovely way to show appreciation. From cheerful mixed bouquets to soft pastel bunches, a thoughtful floral gift can make your friend feel truly valued.

For more fun ideas on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your nearest and dearest, check out our Galentine’s Day inspiration.

Valentine’s Day can be impersonal, and it isn’t for everyone, which in most cases is because of a preference to show affection on another date, such as the one when you first met.

There ain’t nothing wrong with feeling like Valentine’s Day is a dud and avoiding it, provided you still find ways to celebrate your love and have a good time.

There are two opportunities you can take:

• Physical gifts are always welcome, with flower bouquets being the most appropriate, timely and non-soppy option, perfect in most cases because you can add personal notes, cards, vases and other trinkets that are personal to you both.

• Experiences shared are complementary to physical gifts or can replace them entirely, and you don’t need to book somewhere crazy abroad; a weekend away will do or even just a trip to the seaside, anything to give you some alone time.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just about romantic love. It’s also a lovely opportunity to celebrate the special bond between parents and children. Whether it’s a handmade card, a thoughtful bouquet delivered to brighten their day, or an extra special cuddle at bedtime, small gestures go a long way in showing just how much you care. Flowers make a sweet and meaningful surprise for mums, dads or little ones who want to share the love.

For fun ideas on how kids can join in the Valentine’s Day spirit, check out our guide to Valentine’s Day for kids.

You might be reading this without a partner to share Valentine’s Day with, in which case, you can still celebrate it with close friends and have a royally good time, romance be damned!

Here are some fast ideas:

• National parks, just stick on some hiking boots and head in there, pack a tent and some camping gear to heat food and make a weekend of it.

• Nights out, book somewhere fantastic to eat in a city centre that’s alive, dance all night, and have a hotel room booked with breakfast in the morning.

• Cinema time, a fast and relatively affordable (although that’s debatable these days) option that works best when there’s something good out.

• Something at home, be it a movie night, inviting everyone over, baking, anything that you love doing and can share.

Because that’s what retailers want you to think of it as, to be perfectly honest. It’s a significant day on retailers’ calendars, especially greeting card companies, florists, sweet shops, and everyone else selling gifts.

That’s the modern fix, but if we go back in time, we know that Saint Valentine was a Christian martyr from the 3rd century, who married soldiers who were forbidden to marry, so there is something behind the romantic day.

Geoffrey Chaucer's poetry in the 14th century put Valentine’s Day on the map with writings about love of the romantic kind, in the work The Parliament of Fowls (c. 1382).

History, modern commercialisation, add it together, and you have the Valentine’s Day of now, an occasion we all know for romance.