Valentine’s Day Ideas: Ways to Make It Special
Celebrate—or ignore—Valentine’s Day in your own chosen way with help from this Valentine's Day Ideas Web Guide. Arrange a special date, have a blast on the town with friends or plan a Valentine's Day meal for your whole family. You’ll find recipes, cocktail ideas and Valentine's craft instructions.
Expand All Guide SectionsThe History of Valentine's Day
Although many people claim that Valentine’s Day was created by the greeting card industry to generate income, the holiday actually has a rich and complex history. These sites discuss the history of Valentine's Day, including its origins and cultural celebrations.
Top Sites for the History of Valentine’s Day
The History Channel
has an extensive section on the history of Valentine’s Day. Read about some of the various legends associated with the holiday, along with profiles of a few famous romances.
Infoplease
provides a narrative of the history of Valentine’s Day. Learn about the “Roman Roots” of the holiday, including Lupercalia, a celebration of fertility.
New Advent
is a Catholic encyclopedia that details the history of Valentine’s Day from a Christian perspective. Use the hyperlinks that appear throughout the article to define and elaborate on terms of interest.
Valentine's Day Gift Ideas
Whether you’re looking for staples like roses and chocolate or are interested in unique Valentine's Day gift ideas suited to your special someone’s personality, the following sites can help you find what you need.
Insights for Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
- When ordering gifts online, be sure to allow at least a week for standard shipping.
- findingDulcinea's feature, Valentine's Day Gift Ideas, and the findingDulcinea Gift Giving Web Guide can also help you pick the perfect present for your beloved.
Top Sites for Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
To send flowers …
ProFlowers
provides photos of every floral arrangement it sells. Browse the luscious bouquets to find the exact color and size of the arrangement you want to have delivered.
1-800-Flowers.com
lets you preview arrangements with an extensive photo gallery. Select bouquets by flower type or plant type and choose from a wealth of gift baskets and food. Same-day delivery is available.
To send chocolates …
The Gourmet Chocolate of the Month Club
sends the lucky recipient a sampling of high-quality chocolate each month. This is a great way to extend your generosity past February—especially if your valentine is a chocoholic.
Chocolate.com
has a variety of gift baskets, organized by price and type of chocolate. Looking for something packaged specifically for Valentine’s Day? Their “Valentine’s Day Gifts” section offers a broad assortment.
For other Valentine’s Day gifts …
Gifts.com
has a fairly extensive selection of categories to browse for gift ideas. Try browsing by recipient in the “Personality” section to choose age group, gender and options like "The Thinker” or “The Natural Woman.”
Giftogether.com
features a unique take on gift suggestions and reviews: They're written entirely by visitors and include some unusual ideas. Wondering what to give your mistress for Valentine's Day? This site has it covered.
Romantic Valentine's Day Ideas
Find great resources filled with romantic Valentine's Day ideas for planning an evening with your spouse or significant other—all with a few clicks of the mouse.
Insights for Romantic Valentine’s Day Ideas
- This section offers some ideas for planning a night on the town, but if you’re looking for a more complete set of options for a fun night out, visit the findingDulcinea Nightlife or Entertainment Web Guides.
- For more resources to help you book a trip, visit the findingDulcinea Travel Web Guide.
Top Sites for Romantic Valentine’s Day Ideas
To find a restaurant …
Zagat
is the gold standard for restaurant and entertainment ratings. Find descriptions of food, service and atmosphere, and get opinions on hotels, nightlife and attractions. Some parts of the site require subscription.
DineSite.com
allows you to look for restaurants that offer a romantic atmosphere or include entertainment. Choose your location from the drop-down menu (the site covers more than 12,000 locations) to find that perfect romantic spot.
To reserve a table …
OpenTable
helps you reserve a table online. Create a free account to search for a table. The site also allows you to send a message to the maître d’ if you have any special requests.
DinnerBroker
lets you search available restaurants in cities worldwide. Register for an account, then browse special offers or discounts.
To plan for a special night out …
Yelp
is a community review site for restaurants, nightlife, arts, entertainment and more. See what other people have to say about the lounge you’ve always wanted to try before you plan your February 14 around it.
Flavorpill
covers entertainment events in New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago. This is a good place to look for trendy venues or events.
To plan a romantic trip ...
RealTravel
has well-written community elements, including travel blogs, photos and reviews, and complete Frommer's travel guides. Try the trip planner to find maps, itineraries, guides and more.
BedandBreakfast.com
lists country and urban B&Bs, inns, guesthouses, lodges, home stays, cabins, ranches and farm stays around the world. Not all listings have detailed descriptions, but even the most basic listings still provide contact information.
The Leading Hotels of the World
offers international listings for five-star hotels and spas. Look for photos, brief descriptions and, in most cases, booking options.
Valentine's Day Recipes
Whether you’re having a dinner for two or are hosting a party for your friends and family, there are lots of great Valentine’s Day recipes to consider.
Insights for Valentine’s Day Recipes
- A great gift for friends and family are Valentine’s Day baked goods. For help whipping up some tasty heart-shaped cupcakes and cookies, visit the findingDulcinea Baking Web Guide.
- For advice on what wine or cocktails to serve, visit the findingDulcinea Wine Web Guide and the findingDulcinea Liquor and Cocktails Web Guide.
Top Sites for Valentine’s Day Recipes
The BBC
has some ideas for Valentine’s Day menus and dishes. Enjoy recommended dishes from professional chefs and cookbooks, including a “Shallot tart with goats’ cheese” and “Flirtatious fondue with strawberries.”
Allrecipes
offers reviewed dishes and menu options for Valentine’s Day. Visit “Browse Deeper” for dishes inspired by specific ingredients, such as avocados, chocolate, figs, oysters and caviar, berries and more.
Food Network
provides several menu options for Valentine’s Day. Look for dishes and cocktail recipes with photos provided by professional chefs.
Valentine’s Day for Singles
Even if you don't have a significant other, Valentine's Day for singles can still be fun. Use the sites below to find out how to have independent fun on Valentine's Day.
Insights for Valentine’s Day for Singles
- To expand your entertainment options, visit the findingDulcinea Nightlife, Entertainment, Movies, Music, Theater or Opera Web Guides.
- If spending this Valentine’s Day alone sounds like a bore, take a look at the findingDulcinea Dating Web Guide. With enough foresight, you can get your profile set up and an account activated in time to find a special someone by February 14.
Top Sites for Valentine’s Day for Singles
To find online resources on Valentine's Day for singles …
Quirkyalone
is a movement of happily single, serial nondaters. If you’re alone and happy, you’ve got company. Take a look at the manifesto, the book "Quirkyalone," and testimonials of other quirkyalones.
SingleEdition
helps singles relish a lifestyle for one. Find articles by staff writers, as well as features and news stories about single living from external publications.
To plan a fabulous night on the town, alone or with friends …
Time Out
is an international directory, although its listings in the U.S. cover only the biggest cities. To find all kinds of events, select from the categories near the top of the page.
Going
is an events calendar for young professionals in major cities around the U.S. Find nightlife, cultural events, concerts and other activities. Sort events by date and time, price or type of event.
To pamper yourself on your own …
SpaFinder
helps you find spas and spa events. Browse through the specials featured on the homepage to find great deals, gift certificates and more.
Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids
Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to make crafts with your kids. Why not make your own Valentine’s Day cards this year? Create lasting memories with Valentine’s Day crafts for kids.
Insights for Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids
- For more decorating and craft-making ideas, see Valentines: Cards and Crafts from the Heart by Thiranut Boonyadhistarn.
- For lots of other ways to keep your kids entertained, visit the findingDulcinea Web Guide to Parenting.
Top Sites for Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids
Parents.com
has articles on easy-to-make crafts and Valentine’s Day cards. Instructions and photos are included in the detailed directions. Visit “Valentine’s Day Food and Entertaining” for recipe and baking ideas.
Kaboose
has a section on Valentine’s Day crafts, with lots of suggestions for simple decorations. Look for games, activities and a list of specific crafts you can make complete with instructions, illustrations and tips.
FamilyFun.com
has a variety of craft and recipe options, supplemented by video tutorials. Don’t miss this great source for card making: It includes printables and other classroom gift ideas.
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