Hi Tar Heels!
I’m Taylor Coffey, a junior here at UNC-Chapel Hill and my favorite holiday is Valentine’s Day. While the holiday is going to look a lot different this year, if you’re like me you still want to celebrate the day safely. Here are some fun and safe activity ideas to do with your partner, friends, or family members this Valentine’s Day!
Bake and decorate sweets for someone
I love a good night of cookie decorating. If your partner loves sweets just as much as I do, this activity is sure to make them happy. I love to go overboard with multiple colored icings and sprinkles, but if cookies aren’t your favorite, try making some chocolate covered strawberries instead! Who doesn’t have a sweet tooth? Then you can safely deliver your creations!
Set up a movie night
Movie nights are one of my personal favorites! Consider setting up a movie on Zoom so that you and your partner can still watch together even if you don’t live in the same household! An easy screen share can connect you and your loved one for hours.
Solve your own mystery
This activity is definitely one for true crime lovers like myself. You can buy fake mystery packs at stores such as Target (or even Amazon) that allow you and your partner to solve your own mystery! The pack titled ‘Unsolved Case Files’ comes with all of the necessary information to complete this mystery with your housemates! Think about this game like an escape room but in the comfort of your own home. Or indulge in a nice game of Clue if you want to stick to the basics!
Go on an outdoor picnic
Picnicking might depend on the weather, but I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love a nice picnic. Setting up a picnic away from others and outside is a perfect way to stay safe this Valentine’s Day. Go to the nearest grocery store and pick up your essentials, grab a blanket and you’re good to go! If you want a cute picnic basket, go to your local thrift store and look around! I got a super cute picnic basket for only $2! If you want to indulge in picnicking with people outside of your household, remember to stay 6 feet apart and wear your mask!
Play a game together online
There are also tons of websites and apps that will allow you and someone else to play against each other without ever being in the same room! Look for multi-player games that will allow you and your loved one to go against one another. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like some friendly competition! My favorite website for this activity is backyard.co, but there are tons of others you can find with a google search!
Send one another food
Consider sending your loved one food from a local restaurant if you can’t be with them. It’s definitely better than cooking because no one likes to clean up a messy kitchen. Pick a night and surprise each other with your selection. Don’t tell them where you’re ordering from! It’ll be a fun surprise and a way to support local businesses. My favorite local treats are Bartaco’s street tacos, Linda’s tater tots or Al’s Burger Shack!
While all of these activities are tons of fun and a great way to keep the love flowing, most of all please make sure that you are being safe and responsible this year. There is no better way to show someone you love them than by making sure they are safe while keeping others safe as well. Wishing you a happy Valentine’s Day this year and every year!
Xoxo,
Taylor Coffey
