Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and, well… we need each other. Let’s hold hands and get through this together!
We’re going to need some tools this holiday weekend. By tools I mean, baked donuts, strong coffee, and festive sprinkles. Coffee, donuts, and love are fitting for every day of the year, but especially appropriate for a Valentine’s Day weekend. I hope you sleep in and share coffee and donuts with someone you want to high-five for life.
To celebrate the holiday I’ve partnered with Lavazza Coffee to give away a Valentine’s Day Survival Kit! Just a few important things to inspire a lazy Valentine’s Day morning lingering over really fantastic coffee and sweet, tender donuts.
1 • My favorite Bodum French Press. Makes perfect cups of coffee!
2 • Make if official with couple mugs. Few things are more precious.
3 • A good throw blanket. For picnic-style morning coffee adventures.
4 • Critical in any at-home coffee date is the perfect cup of coffee! Lavazza Italian Coffee is my new favorite! Dark, rich, and round coffee without a hint of bitterness. Lavazza makes home coffee feel extra special.
5 • Two people, lots of love, one journal. It’s like a little time capsule of your years together!
6 • Mornings should smell great with this Capri Candle!
7 • I always want to watch When Harry Met Sally and I know you do too.
8 • No coffee date is complete without donuts! They’re tender, sweet, and jam-swirled. Get into it! Here’s the pan you’ll need!
9 • Games of skill and chance on the living room floor: checkers and chess.
To enter to win a gift basket filled with Lavazza Coffee, a $25 gift card to Lavazza, and the rest of these Valentine’s treats, please leave a comment below with your favorite Valentine’s Day tradition. Winner will be randomly selected Saturday February 14th at noon est!
Now it’s time to make the donuts!
Baked donuts are sweet and easy! No need to stress the frying. Donuts can be a breeze.
Flour plus brown sugar, and a good dash of cinnamon.
Egg plus melted butter, good vanilla extract, and buttermilk.
You know how they say “It takes coffee to make coffee”? Well… it DEFINITELY takes coffee to make donuts. Come prepared.
Wet meets dry aaaanndd stir.
The batter won’t be pourable thin, but rather, spoonable thick. Perfect!
I swirled two big spoonfuls of strawberry jam into the batter then oooh so carefully spoon the swirled batter into mini donut pans.
This is serious business.
Baked and golden brown.
A donut is not a donut without glossy chocolate glaze.
Chocolate powdered sugar, a good pinch of salt, and enough milk to create a thick but pourable glaze.
Each donut is dipped.
Dipped and sprinkled!
Tender little donut bites! Perfect for sharing and extra lovely with Lavazzo Coffee.
Happy Valentine’s Day to us!
Mini Jam-Swirled Baked
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (but we’ll only use 2 tablespoons of browned butter for the recipe)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup thick strawberry jam
For the Chocolate Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- pinch of salt
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a doughnut pan and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and sugar. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Butter will begin to crackle and pop as it melts. That’s the water melting out of the butter. Once the water has evaporated the butter will quiet down and begin to brown. Keep an eye on it, it browns quickly. The butter will begin to smell nutty. Remove from heat and immediately transfer browned butter (brown bits and all) to a small bowl.
- In a small bowl whisk together egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Measure out 2 tablespoons of browned butter and whisk into the wet ingredients.
- Add the wet ingredients all at once to the dry ingredients. Stir together until no flour bits remain and all of the ingredients are well combined. Try not to overmix the batter. That might create rubbery doughnuts. Add the jam and swirl into the batter leaving big streaks of jam.
- Use a small spoon to dollop batter into the prepared pan. Smooth out and fill each doughnut in the pan three-quarters full with batter.
- Place in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them and try not to over-bake them. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the doughnuts cool, make the glaze.
- To make the glaze, in a medium bowl whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. I didn’t sift my powdered sugar. I was able to whisk the lumps out. If you have stubborn powdered sugar, sifting before is best.
- Add 2 tablespoons of milk and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine. Add more milk as necessary to create a thick but still just pourable glaze.
- Once the doughnuts are completely cool, dip top-side-down into the chocolate glaze. Return to the wire rack and sprinkle with toppings. Allow to set for about 30 minutes before stacking or serving. Doughnuts are best within 2 days.
This post is sponsored by Lavazza Coffee. All opinions are my own.
Mariah
I just made these today with a strawberry glaze. Delicious!
Caitlin
#6 and #7 yes of course!
Katelyn Ragland
I always enjoy making a grand and sweet breakfast (always including strawberries). This year we didn’t get around to it until dinner, so pancakes for Valentine’s dinner it was!
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
I love that jam swirl, so pretty!
katherine w
Simple as it is, I love getting a homemade card from my mom on Valentines Day :)
Maria Scherkenbach
Since my husband and I first started dating, we always spend Valentine’s Day at home. We come up with a complete menu, put on some great music and get to cooking! We’ve been married 17 years now, and have 2 great kids. and we all share in the tradition now! :-)
Danielle
my boyfriend works on Valentine’s Day, do we always get a really late dinner/late appetizers..love it!
anna
My favorite Valentine’s tradition is from my parents, they would always give me a gift from my pet. And they still do, 32 years later and even though I live 3,000 miles away!
Eileen
I used to give everyone I knew in high school a single crayon apiece on Valentine’s Day. :) Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Carlin
My husband and I give each other the gift of time. Each year, one weekend day closest to Valentine’s Day, we declare one day to be chore- and errand-free. The day is all about being together and present in the moment. Now, “chore-free” has a new meaning with am infant in the house, but the intention of being present still remains.
lisa
We don’t really have a tradition, except that my husband has bought me cupcakes from my favorite bakery the last two years!
Kelly W
Joy! These donuts look absolutely delicious! I’ll be making them for my kids. Thanks for such great inspiration.
Diana
I try a new recipe each year on Valentines Day. This is an intentional culinary adventure that started when I was two years old and my mom started doing the same. We would work from the New York Times Cookbook and turn to the index for our new recipe. I use the Amanda Hesser edition for my upkeep on this tradition. This year I used a lobster recipe for my sweetheart on our Friday date at home.
sara
Those doughnuts are so cute! My fav Valentine’s tradition is making a photo book for my sweetie with favorite photos from past years. :)
annette brown
Staying home keeping warm by fireplace with lots of food,hugs and kisses
Lena
Every year I baked something new for my kids. This year I made home made peppermint patties in the shapes of hearts. Not really baking, but something new.
Karen Lynch
Our Tradition is no flowers, but some other show of love. This year it was my new love macarons. He got a GC to a speciality butcher, (he loves steak).
Derek Bozinoski
Our tradition is staying at home an cooking dinner together. This year it’s steak, potatoes and creamy califlower. For something different, I made some heart shaped biscuits with a little red food coloring.
Heather S
What a lovely giveaway! I would la la LOVE to win :)
Emily G
I love to make heart shaped treats each Valentine’s Day
Ally
I love snuggling and having breakfast in our PJ’s while we watch something on netflix :)
carly bassett
Card exchange at breakfast with my family
Rebecca
This year, my beloved and I shoveled snow off the roof in prep for another blizzard. . . Ah, Valentine’s Day in Maine!
Tia
Eating doughnuts in bed is my favorite Valentine’s Day tradition
Judy N.
Off to my Sister’s 40th wedding anniversary party! Maries on Valentine’s Day!
Jen
I always try to buy myself a few overly expensive chocolates… and eat them all in one sitting.
Kelly Reising
Pick me!
Deadra V
Our new tradition is letting my 4 1/2 and 3 yr olds make their own balance times to give to friends and family. Love how individual they each are.
Valentines Day with Mom
Since I was little, my mom has been making valentines day gift boxes for my sister and me. At the beginning they were mostly chocolates and heart shaped candies. When we were in college, she branched out to socks with hearts, chocolate making kits, and decorations for the dorm room. These days, anything red goes. We get spatulas, cookie cutters, flavored salt or spice blends, and lots of love. Thank you mom for making Valentines day special.
lorri langmaid
We make a dinner together of our favorite foods and enjoy as a family!
Rathika
Fondue, board games, and wine with lots of friends (single and partnered!)
Amber
My favorite tradition just started last year because my son is only two but we make some kind of baked good and decorate it together to give to the grandparents.
Bob langmaid
having dinner together!
Cristen
I use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to show my friends how much I love them; silly cards and texts and hugs are my jam!
Rachel S.
My favorite tradition is giving and getting a present from my dad. He always gives me a cute card and a chocolate heart. It makes me smile.
Melissa
Dinner at our favorite french restaurant
Kathy
Coffee in bed that morning and then homemade pizza for dinner. Chocolate Sunday for dessert and more coffee
k.kunze
I love going out on a Valentine’s date with my hubby.
Lori
Making a chocolate treat for my family.
Katie Sims
Jared and I don’t really have any traditions, per se, but we love to make the day a little sweeter in some way. We exchange cards, eat yummy food, then snuggles up with a good movie and some chocolate. Are you grossed out yet???
Katherine
Favourite Valentine’s Day tradition is finding ways to fit chocolate into everything!
katie
My favorite tradition is getting candy on sale the day after valentines!!
Georgie
I try to make sure that everyone who comes into my life that day will get a little piece of happiness.
April D Johnson
I have a doughnut pan..going to make these soon.
lisa
After many years together, my boyfriend and I are still figuring Valentine’s Day out. So long as we are together and there is something sweet to indulge on, it’s perfect.
Keri
Every year has been different so far, but baking and sharing heart shaped cookies have been a repeat event <3
Leslie
Every year I wear something red/pink or with hearts on it, including jewelry! It puts me in a happy, festive spirit :)
margaret massitti
My father, the first man I have ever known, he is my example of loveH He and my mother came here from Italy to make a better life for us and he left his entire family, he’s here alone no mother no brothers no sisters no cousins and has lived here for almost 50 years by himself To me this is love grand love for his family love for us, my father is my grand love. Lavazza helped him through all those years I only wish that I have made it up to him all these years, all the love that he missed across the sea
Emily G
I like making heart shaped desserts to feel festive every year!
amy guillaume linderman
taking the boys out to eat at the pizza place where we got engaged. then dessert at home and board games by the fireplace.
Carol Burgess
I bake cookies with my girls and watch Disney movies. Thanks for the chance!
Arlene
Valentines Day is about love… and love is so much more than simply your romantic partner. Currently, I do not have a special man in my life… and that’s okay! This year I am choosing to start a brand new tradition… one that I plan to do for years to come! I am going to make doughnuts (today will be for the very first time ever in my life… I’ve baked a lot – just never doughnuts), share them with friends, and spend time journalling about my gratitude for all the love I have in my life!
Happy Valentines Day to all… wherever you are and whatever you do! Make it special for YOU!
416expat
The new tradition in our family is the making of heart shaped pancakes with anything goes toppings for breakfast on valentines day.
Rose Williams
My traditional Valentine’s Day is spent with my kids. We would have a variety of pancakes. Each pancake is filled with different fillings. Ranging from strawberry jam, nutella and peanut butter. =)
Christie Hilton
We have been talking about what we could do–we’ve never really had a tradition. I think watching When Harry Met Sally would be a great one! I think we’ll give it a spin, along with some tasty beverages!
duchick
How sweet! I don’t have a favorite Valentine’s Day tradition since I consider EVERY day Valentine’s Day with my wonderful husband of 31 years. We are true soul mates and treat each other with respect and kindness and lots of love 365 days of the year. We do make sure we eat out some place special close to February 14th, but not exactly on the date since restaurants are so crowded.
By the way, I am so very happy to see a recipe using the donut pan! I got one in a box of kitchenware items I bought at an auction and have been unsure how to use it…now I do thanks to you!
Julie
We spend the whole day together, we never bought a Valentine’s day card, never made a reservation for dinner in 13 years together so I guess that has become a tradition. We will have a good dinner at home or a picnic in our hotel room if we are traveling.
Ashley
Growing up, my mother would always leave out candy and a cheesy Valentine’s Day card for my brother and me when we woke up. Today, she still sends us a card with some cash… Just to make us feel special and loved! :)
joan
A good movie, at home, with a bowl of popcorn and a bottle of red wine. Snuggled in with a blanket of course. :)
Toni
I have been single every single vday of my life, so I have no traditions. I’m just here for the pity vote. I don’t think I’d feel so badly about it if it wasn’t commercialized so much! Although tonight, I’m making myself a nice dinner, cocktail and truffles.
Noelle's Notebook
Favorite V Day tradition? Well… Hubby is a chef so he is currently cooking for other lovers/drowning in cupcakes and frosting today (he’s at a bake shop for the morning and cooking dinner tonight), but I do love morning coffee with my man…and making Thai food at home (what we did on Thursday night). Rice noodles are super sexy.
Janet Tybus
Heart shaped pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream
Deb W
West Side Market to pick up dinner, home to cook and sip freshly muddled raspberry martinis!
Kerry
We devise a fancier-than-normal dinner menu, shop for ingredients and cook it together. Then we totally curl up on the couch – plates perched on the arms of the sofa – and eat it while watching Netflix.
Katy P
The first valentines day I spent with my husband we were engaged and had just set a date for our wedding. So for Valentines day I made him a calendar with photos from the past year and a count down to our wedding. While a year past in between, I have picked up the new tradition by making home a calendar for the coming year, minus a count down.
jenny
My husband and I do not really have a valentine’s day tradition. However I see valentines as a great excuse for chocolate. This year I am going to make a hot fudge sauce for ice cream sundaes. It looks like we may be snowed in on Sunday, and these donuts and coffee are looking so perfect.
Stefanie
We stay in and I love to prepare a fancy dinner for my husband and seven children!
debbie
We don’t really have a Valentine’s Day tradition because our twins were born on the 13th. Our tradition most years has been cleaning up from a birthday celebration.
aneta
we don’t celebrate valentine’s day that much here (czech republic), well… not much fun.) but anyway, when i was younger, my mum used to give me some candies. and nooow… as my boyfriend never expect anything, i like to surprise him with… hum… last year it was a cake, this year i have some salty treats. :)
Sara
My favorite Valentines tradition would be making personalized cards for all my close friends. I am currently living in Thailand, so I’m a bit far from my friends and family this year, but it was fun to make special Valentines with my elementary school students, and mail them to everyone far away! Instead of eating berries and cream (my go-to Valentine treat) we ate spicy papaya salad and banana coconut milk pudding.
ricettevegolose
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is to fill the day with heart shaped things including my table setting and dishes :) Heart shaped pasta, or tart and a lovely dessert is what I never miss to show my love to my husband!
ricettevegolose
My favorite Valentine’s day tradition is to fill the day with heart shaped things, including my table setting and dishes! A good homemade heart shaped pasta, tart (savory or sweet) and a lovely dessert as well is what I never miss to show my love to my husband :)
Jessica
My dad takes the girls out:)
Jennie
I love heading out for a little road trip, finding somewhere cute for lunch, then spending the rest of the day in with movies and pizza! My dad always used to send me yellow roses which was my favourite valentines thing too.
Jennie x
Liz
Spending the day in bed with my lover and my cat. Meow
Sara
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is having a quiet evening at home making a delicious dinner for & sharing a bottle of wine with my love.
lizinpdx
My favorite Valentine’s day tradition is to watch Fight Club with my man :)
Kelly Minyard
A nice, relaxing meal at home playing board games by candlelight (with ample amounts of wine) is a tradition we love!
Emily K.
This is my husband and I’s first Valentine’s day together! We are a long-distance couple, and I’m so thankful we can spend this holiday together this year and start some new traditions!
Dana
Mimosa’s for breakfast!
Shannon Phillips
Oh la la! You are my go to gal for bfast recipes
Rebecca
Watching the Westminster Dog Show (which is usually on V Day, though sadly not this year). Nothing like puppies to make the day brighter!
Caitlin
my husband and I never actually celebrate V day on Feb 14—restaurants are much less crazy a few days later!
stealmyrecipe
My husband and I give our 5yo daughter and her 3yo brother a hand written love note with the reasons we love them. My mom did this for me, and I’m so happy to carry on the tradition!
Jennifer
I’ve been sending cards to my niece & nephew over the years, but this year my tiny human sent his cousins a card instead. My tradition just swapped to his (although he’s way too young to understand it).
steph gamble
Valentine’s Day was just a week after our first date, so I made my now husband cookies–caramel filled chocolate cookies–and now they are our special valentines cookies every year.
thesavoryconfection
My boyfriend and I always order old school shrimp cocktail no matter where we go, and no matter how good it may (or may not) be. I’ve loved fighting over the last shrimp with him for the past 7 years and I can’t wait to do it for 70 more!
Jess
I always make homemade cards and goodies for my sweetheart.
Melissa H
I order Italian takeout from a favorite restaurant and drink wine while watching favorite romantic movies at home.
april A
I don’t really have a Valentine’s tradition- so I’ve started one with my two little boys this year (2 & 3 years old) –baking and frosting heart shaped cookies together. ??
geneva
Creating Valentine’s cards with my kids!
Seleena Kuester
We’ll do pizza at home with me, the hubby and our little girl. Looking forward to a snugly night in with my two favorite people :)
Teresa A. H. Teague
My husband and I have breakfast out together, and get the children special love gifts. Oh, I can’t forget the See’s Candy we order since we live on the East Coast!
Charlotte
I always loved making heart-and-arrow sugar cookies for the school parties or for home. One year I tried to make ants on a log… It didn’t go well…
Becca
Handmade cards are my favorite on Valentine’s day!
Kara H.
We bake cookies!
Emily F
Sweet treats from my parents and galentines from friends!
Carissa
Getting breakfast burritos with my man at our favorite run down burrito spot!
Joanna
A Valentine’s Day hike (or snowshoe, or cross-country ski) is one of our family traditions. We try to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors as often as possible, and that also makes us feel less guilty when we indulge in great food and drinks afterward!
jennyg24
Joy, these donuts are beautiful – and the sprinkles, LOVE! I love having a good “galentines” night-in with my closest girl friends. Of course, this involves chocolate, wine and the best chick flicks – any day that’s an excuse to eat extra chocolate is a good one in my book!
Sarah
Getting flowers for mom!
Charlene Glover
We like to have dinner and a movie at home :)
Kali
My husband and I have a Valentine’s Day tradition of picking up a heart shaped pizza from Papa Murphy’s Pizza and a six pack of beer. It’s a no-fuss tradition that doesn’t require reservations.
Tyneisha
I love the tradition of letting my hubby surprise me! He’s so spontaneous and it’s something different every year!
Maria
Making brunch with my hubby, lots of coffee and extra bacon please!
Erin
I make valentines for my daughters every year, usually including a character from one of their recent favorites books. I have done Frances, Charlottes web, Skippyjon Jones, Clementine, Harry potter, and more. This year I did star wars since they are both obsessed with the movies and it reminds me of my childhood. They are hand drawn (I am no artist), but I think they enjoy them.
Madhavi
Dinner and wine at home with my husband.
Kelly
My new tradition…entering Valentine’s giveaways <3
Emily S.
This is our first married Valentine’s Day, and actually our first one living in the same city! Looking forward to starting some traditions this year.
Ebonye
My favorite tradition is dinner with my best girlfriends when we’re all single! It’s an amazing fun time!
Sharyl Wolter
We stay in. Grilled rib eyes and baked potatoes, champagne and some kind of chocolate dessert.
Kathy pilati
Dinner and a movie…at home!
Sharon Cirillo
My husband always gets me flowers and we exchange cards. We do a nice dinner somewhere. Not terribly original, but we are simple and we like it.
Ailee
Making homemade valentines!
Jennifer Halvorson
Just love to spend the day with the four loves if my life… My husband and 3 kids ??????
Vanessa G.
I love handing out cards and candy!
Emily
Every Valentine’s Day, my grandmother made us brownies in a heart-shaped pan and pressed Red Hots into their tops. After three decades of this tradition, this is my Valentine’s Day without her brownies. I may have to make my own.
jordan
I make my husband a Valentines card every year! ?
Brianna
Every Valentine’s Day while growing up, my parents would give us a new toothbrush to counteract all of the candy we’d be getting at school. Now I’m a senior in college and they still send me one every year!
Jessica White
My favorite tradition is making gifts instead of buying them. Now that we have a 2.5 year old son who is big into making crafts (and one on the way), we have introduced new ways of making gifts for each other that mainly include lots of finger paints, collages, and recently beading bracelets. Although I did make something extra special this year in the form of a poster collage for my husband, we typically keep it cheap, homemade, and a day filled with lots of heart shaped treats. Thanks for this chance to win!
Jennifer
I dated a guy for nearly six years, during and after college. He was my first boyfriend, and so he was the first man I ever spent Valentine’s Day with. We’d only been dating for about a month (despite two months of seriously “talking”, whatever that meant in the parlance of those times) so we agreed not to make a big deal of it.
That evening, he showed up to my dorm as planned, and he presented me with a handwritten letter. Nothing about it was overdone or trite. It was just loving and special because he was him, and it was the first time anyone had felt that way about me, and it was the first time I’d felt that way about anyone else. Writing Valentine’s Day love notes became our tradition every year, and it was always the perfect reminder of how our love started to grow. I had to let him go about two years ago, but he was a great guy and I can’t think of a better person to call my first love.
Abigail Boyle
For as long as I can remember, our family makes Half-Hearted Cookies from a VERY Land O Lakes cookbook. Mint flavored shortbread type cookies dipped on one half in melted chocolate with a little bit of mint extract. They are SO good. So much butter and deliciousness. :))))
Aubrey Hubbell
What a lovely, loving giveaway! One of my favorite traditions is making some sort of heart themed decoration – a banner of connected hearts hanging over the bed or hearts with things I love about him written on them, hanging from the ceiling <3
Teisha
My husband and I cook dinner together and make dessert. I love that he shows me his creative cooking skills while I get to show off my baking skills. :) lt makes it even more special being together, actively involved in what we’re doing and learning new things from eachother.
Erin
I like the day after Valentine’s Day tradition of chocolate on sale.
Bhiravi
Favorite Valentine’s Day tradition? Cute pink-and-red baked goods. And a manicure. But donuts just might be a new one!
sheila Kalajdzic
My favorite Valentine’s tradition is to not celebrate the holiday. I know that might sound weird, but my husband and I do sweet things for each other all the time and we don’t feel the need to celebrate this holiday just because the greeting card companies and retailers tell people to do so. It works for us! :)
Jeri
Valentine’s tradition is real chocolate pudding ( not in the cups or from a box) in fancy glasses. If you make enough and have enough glasses you can eat it all day and still have some to share.
Michelle T.
Don’t really have a tradition, but I normally cook my husband some of his favorite food. He is very easy to please, but I make sure it is some deep south comfort food that he grew up on. He usually walks in the door, dirty from construction work, but with a big bouquet of red roses for me! We invariably share stories from the time we met, and end up in a laughing mess! I guess this would be our tradition then, since we’ve been doing this for the past 22 years!
hopebordeaux
My family has a long Valentine’s Day tradition of prank-decorating each other’s yards and mailboxes. You haven’t lived until you’re making coffee and look out the kitchen window to see that your aunt has put animal-print underwear all over your yard and now your brand-new neighbor is trying to pry a thong out of her dog’s mouth!
Nanci Hargis
My husband and I get out the valentine cards that our kids made us when they were little and read them together.
There are tears and laughter !! We LOVE them! Then I clean up all the glitter!! (Our daughter liked glitter!!)
Laura
I love walking thru Seattle’s Arboretum and getting an almond-milk latte at Caffe Ladro!
Kaye
I love cooking with my sweetheart on Valentine’s Day, a tradition we started years ago with a spicy Thai soup, and will continue this Valentine’s Day with an Indian-inspired feast.
Erin
We buy one another cards & always go to dinner. Sweet and simple. :)
Amy Olmsted
Enjoying a quiet morning with a home made breakfast of fresh baked bread, butter and good coffee…then a walk down our dirt road to admire the snowy wilderness hand in hand. A lovely and romantic day together.
Lisa @ Cooking with Curls
When we lived in CA, we would always order Aldo’s Pizza Valentine’s package with a heart shaped pizza, candy, and a rose. :)
vanessa
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is celebrate the birthday of my great state that I love so much — happy 156th, Oregon! Oregon themed cake FTW!
Amanda!!!
I just love the day!!! Cold snowy western ny day!!! I day to cuddle your with your man!!! My kind of day!!!
Brittany F.
Ever since I was little my mom would be my valentine. At school she would buy the anonymous candy grams, from my “secret admirer”. She made me feel so special and loved, especially on a day where I really needed it at times. As a grown up, she is still my favorite valentine! She always gives me a card and some yummy treats that really makes me feel special and loved. I love her valentine’s and I love her!!
Haylee
My boyfriend and I love to go out for Valentine’s breakfast instead of a crowded dinner. It’s cold here, so our tradition is to bundle up, get breakfast and snacks, and then cuddle the rest of the day doing whatever makes us happy!
Lissa
My son turns double digits this valentine’s day!! Ugh. Time is flying…i think I’ll make myself these donuts to wash away my hes-growing-up-too-fast tears lol
Taylor Morgan
Spending the day treating myself! ????????????
marla fisher
We always exchange cards and candy Valentine’s morning with my kids!
eugeem@yahoo.com
i custom make a card for my man and include lots of photos of us taken in the past year, and if I have time – find an amazing mango mousse cake to share. Love is a drug :)
Alyssa
My husband and I always watch the special Valentine’s Day movie playing here in Santa Fe as well as cook and bake.
N.
We go out the night before, due to a long-ago tradition of turning down my man on Valentines Day. Thankfully, we recovered, and usually eat risotto at home on the actual day.
Katie
my boyfriend and i give each other valentines and then stay in for a home cooked dinner. i love those evenings – a little buzzed off whiskey while we cook and a little moony from reading what we wrote to each other, taking our time and cooking up whatever we feel like
Carolsue
My favorite tradition is to go to a romantic movie, then come home to watch a Netflix movie and share a nice bottle of wine.
Sarah
Because my mom’ birthday is on valentines day, I have a tradition of doing things by numbers for each birthday. Things like 49 candles on a cake on her 49th (even though that’s crazy dangerous haha) and 50 valentines and birthday cards on her 50th, this year it’ll be a poster for her work cubicle with 51 reason why I love her! :)
Abby Wei
Making my own valentines day dinner instead of going out to eat :) much more fun and intimate!
Felicia R
I always make a homemade valentine from construction paper and conversation hearts, and a big heart shaped sugar cookie with loads of frosting. any excuse for sugar cookies with frosting!
Hallie Smith
My boyfriend and I don’t bother with approaching restaurants or stores for Valentine’s Day. Instead, we make it a totally homemade holiday! We make gifts and cook a big dinner together. It’s so nice to spend a holiday home with who you love :)
Margaret
My boyfriend and I both work in the industry, so we’ll be working the night of Valentine’s Day. However, we plan to enjoy afternoon champagne and oysters at our favorite French patisserie the next day :)
Libby
He goes to the trouble to send me flowers and take me to dinner. Morning after breakfast is my thing. ;)
Darci Bos
I definitely need to invest in a donut pan! These look delicious!
vicky t
Every Valentine’s Day, I love making heart shaped eclairs as our dessert for the evening! We went out to dinner our first valentine’s day together and it was a total disaster. After that, we decided to spend valentine’s day in, and we’ve been doing so for the past 9 years! So much better than going out :) Some Lavazza coffee would be the perfect addition to my eclairs.
Marit
Every valentine’s day my husband and I stay in and cook dinner together–usually fettucine ala carbonara. :) I’ll have to make these donuts for breakfast tomorrow, they look absolutely fantastic!
Amy DeKok
I love doing SOMETHING to make my hubby of 42+ years more special…and tasty! All I need is some time with him..and I am happy <3
Liddy
My tradition has always been to give candy and other goodies to my five children. My dad passed away last year, so I’m starting a new tradition of taking flowers to my mom on Valentine’s Day, since her sweetheart of 63 years is now gone.
April @badgerkitchen
Dinner at home or ordering in!
Kimberly
I’m trying to start a new tradition of going to the local brewery for a Valentine’s day brew and bite to eat. I don’t see who would be opposed to this idea.
Krystal @ HomeMadeAustin
My husband & I give each other hand made Valentines! Silly, fun!
Melinda
I normally get together with some of my friends and have something sweet!
Chrissy
I like to make a special dessert!
Kalyn
I always make chocolate covered stawberries for Valentine’s Day!
Kate
My dad always does a lot of little elaborate things for Valentine’s Day for me, my mom, and my sister, but by far my favorite tradition is my dad making a mix CD of love songs for my mom every year, which she listens to all year until the next Valentine’s Day.
Nadine
This year is my first Valentines day with my boyfriend. We just returned from vacation so we decided to stay in – filet mignon with chocolate wine sauce and stout cake for dessert!
Jennifer C.
We always cook something really great and have the whole candlelight and flowers dinner thing! It’s awesome. This year we’re in the middle of a whole house renovation and don’t have a kitchen so probably pizza. It will still be awesome!
Sarah
No longer a tradition for me…but when I was a kid the Valentine’s party in grammar school was my fav!
Dianne Haerr
My Valentine tradition borders on pathetic, it’s to hit up the floral department on the 15th :) okay maybe the boxed candy isle too.
Cindy
My hubby makes dinner on Valentine’s Day.
Allie
My favorite Valentines tradition is getting a Valentines card in the mail (even when I lived at home growing up) from my dad. My favorite part as a kid was school Valentines parties – getting to decorate a mail box for my valentines, going around putting cards into everyone else’s mail boxes, and then getting to open all of the ones in my box at the end. Now that I’m an adult, I wish that was still what V-Day was all about.
anna h
I used to really love giving/receiving V-day cards in grade school (remember those store bought variety packs? I loved those). Anyway, since then my Valentine’s tradition morphed into making homemade cards containing favorite love poems, usually from the likes of Pablo Neruda.
Lori Osenbaugh
Since we are on a budget always, I cook Panned Seared RibEye for my husband every year. Big treat!
Kaitlin
It’s my boyfriend’s and my first Valentine’s Day together! I have to work on the actual night, so tonight we are going out for Thai food and bowling with a pitcher of Rolling Rock :) hopefully it will become tradition!
Veronica
Surprising the kiddies with candy in their lunch boxes and a little gift.
Allison Krzastek
My favorite v-day tradition is making dinner at home with my husband.
Kinsey
Flowers, definitely! In the dark, cold depths of winter, Valentine’s flowers are always my favorite!
Erin R
Making chocolates and homemade cards! I’m a huge fan of Lavazza, that’s a daily tradition for me ;)
Esther Kim
One of my best friends from high school moved away after getting married, but she always comes back for Valentine’s Day weekend and spends the day with me! We do different things each year; this year we’re going to the Hollywood Costume exhibit and checking out a couple other art galleries before going to Salt & Straw in Larchmont! This will definitely be a highlight of the month for me :D
Cristin
Chocolate marshmallow hearts!
kellybaked
My mom would always bake french puffs (aka donut muffins rolled in cinnamon sugar) for breakfast and decorate the table with Valentine’s decor and lots of candy! I loved that I didn’t have to wait all day for chocolate :)
Anna
We stay home and make a big dinner, set the table up very fancy with candles and open small gifts (candies and some small fun stuff for the kids). Then me and the hubs have drinks and just enjoy being in each others company. Very simple tradition.
Stef
I love to spend the day having good homemade food.
Elle
My dad and I always went out for chocolate chip pancakes when I was younger. Now that we live far apart he always sends a card!
Kristen
I always send valentine cards in the mail to my parents, grandma, and friends. It’s always nice to find something special in the mailbox :-)
Shelby
How cool is this!?!? No Valentine this year but I’m always up for a good cup o’Joe!!
Melissa
What a beautiful Valentine’s day basket! Every year, we make homemade pasta for a valentine’s day dinner (this year with Bees Knees cocktails!) and then raid drugstores for 50% off chocolates the day after V Day!
Elizabeth
I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day. Even before I was happily married. :) I love all the red and pink and hearts and, well, love! One of my favorite food traditions is making heart-shaped sugar cookies.
Lacy
Every Valentine’s Day, we go out to breakfast as a fam! My husband and I started doing that when we were just dating, so it’s a fun tradition to keep!
Kristen
I always make sure to send some Valentines in the mail to my parents, grandma, and friends. It’s always nice to get something fun in the mail :-)
Christina
my boyfriend and i always make a reservation at our favourite italian restaurant, then head out for ice cream.
Beth C.
Well, it’s a new one, but it’s going to be watching my daughter compete at gymnastics. A local gym has their meet every year at this time, so tomorrow night (and probably for the next few years at least), I will be cheering her on :)
Elizabeth
We make a nice, fancy dinner at home and snuggle up on the couch to watch a lovey-dovey movie :)
Katie
Baking! No matter what’s going on around Valentine’s day you can always count on something being baked and enjoyed.
globalite76
I mostly try to ignore v-day since I haven’t had a valentine in years.
Allison McGrath
Every Valentines Day I make batches of the most amazing brownies with a mocha buttercream frosting. I sent a tray in with my son to school this morning and my daughter took some to college with her.
DC
My mom or dad always sends me a customized box of See’s Candy! Such a treat now that I’m living on the East Coast.
Julie Baugess
Our Valentine’s tradition is to celebrate our love every day! Random love notes, flowers & treats are my favorite =)
caitlincheevers
I personally love Galentine’s Day on Feb 13 :) Waffles! Yum!
Kate
I love cooking with my SO on Valentine’s Day. All the restaurants jack up their prices so much, and it’s the perfect time to spend some time together appreciating each other. And to make short ribs. Always good to have an excuse for short ribs.
Nicole
What a fun group of new things to try! I enjoy picking out cards to send to my family every year. I love that my nephew is old enough that I can replace one pink, sparkly card with junior high humor.
Anne D
During college, my roommate would invite me over to her parents’ house for her mom’s annual Valentine’s Day dinner. It was a wonderful four course meal.
Karen Moynier
My husband and I always go out for breakfast on Valentine’s day. We take walks, share some laughs, some wine and strawberries. We don’t do much, but feel extremely happy and content.
Martine
Sending Valentines
Amy
My favorite tradition is the big dinner we make and share it with our kids. Steaks, crab cakes, shrimp, red jello jigglers and Red Velvet Cake Pops for dessert. (your Red velvet Cake is cooking in the oven as we speak)
Diana
One red rose and dinner at home together, so much more intimate than the pre-fixes everywhere.
Audrey
I’m not a huge fan of Valentine’s day, but I sure do enjoy 50% off chocolate the day after :)
marijke
Definitely eating chocolates and chatting to my mom. Single or not single, my mom is always there and that’s love :) Although ironically this year it’s the dreaded going out for dinner. Ah well, here we are!
Sarah Daulton
I’ve never actually had a Valentine’s Day ritual. Maybe this year I’ll start one. Lots of self loving, a hot bath, a glass of red wine, a delicious pasta, and a flick. Sounds perfect!
Clare Dyczkowski
My Valentine’s Day tradition is pretending to hate the holiday yet always finding a way to sneakily watch my favorite chick flicks like a huge sap. Bring on The Notebook!
Judy Fox
No traditions and nothing special. We just enjoy each others company and do whatever we feel like. At home. Away from people :o)
Karen Conley
Home, I stay Home with my Honey
Ali
We’re going to see the live taping of the Valentine’s edition of Thrilling Adventure Hour! It’s this awesome take on old time radio shows. It’s our 2nd time going! Sad to say it won’t be a tradition for long since they’re stopping the live shows :( We’ll probably just end up making dinner or something next year.
Alicia
My bf and I usually just make a nice dinner or go out to eat! No gifts or anything. Just lots of nomming :D
Julie U
Always look forward to a special home cooked meal by my hubby
Gwen Rice
my husband and I always make the valentines we give to each other. . . it’s a great excuse to be creative and they are much more meaningful, not to mention personalized. He does visual art and I am a writer, so we can each excel at the thing we do to tell the other how special they are.
Dina
Every year since we have dates my husband and I go to the State Fair and take a picture on the top of the ferris wheel :) Then at night we stuff our faces with goodies and watch Back to the Future, because hey, why not?
Abigail
Many years ago, I was just having one of those days – I got called on in class without having done the reading, I fell down the stairs and tore my tights, the subway was closed so I had to ride a very crowded bus very very far – and then I realized it was Valentine’s Day, and I was single. I stopped at the store bought myself a massive steak and bought my cat the most delicious sounding cat food I could find. I went home, we stuffed ourselves, and snuggled on the couch watching some blockbuster thriller. Now, many years later, my man and I don’t really do too much to celebrate the day, but I always make sure my kitty gets some special treat and lots of snuggles.
Christi
Started a new tradition yesterday with our one-year-old, making valentines ??
Iris
Eating chocolate…lots of it!
saroyah
My favorite new tradition is making your single lady pancakes! #noshame
Sara
Eatin’ a big ole Hershey’s kiss (one of the huge ones!) with my mom and sister. Can’t beat family on Valentine’s Day!
Barbara White
My favorite tradition is to make home made Valentine cards for my children and significant other. Each one is individually made with ephemera included such as ticket stubs, tea tags, seed beads hand sewn and embroidery as the mood strikes. No frilly sentiment just a simple ” I love you from the bottom of my heart.” My adult children still look forward to receiving their very own Valentine’s Card.
Erika
When I was little, my dad always bought us fresh baked goodies when he came home from work. I remember running like the wind to greet him at the door and see what his gift was that year.
Elizabeth
Ooh I LOVE coffee. So on Valentine’s Day I historically have not been in a relationship but I love spending time with my girlfriends for “Galentine’s” Day. <3
Rachael
My husband and I treat it like any other day, but now that our daughters are 2 and 4 it’s fun for them. They’ll be getting pink heart shape pancakes and heart shaped bacon. And definitely donuts.
Tina
My favorite valentine tradition is exchanging cards with one of my best friends. Inside we write what our friendship means to each other.
Courtney Fanning Lindsey
I don’t really have a set Valentine’s tradition other than attending my kids’ parties at school and making sure I have special treats just for them for the day! This year it’s cupcakes from our favorite cupcake place! Hubby and I will probably spend the evening at home with the kids, watching movies and enjoying a nice family dinner!
mary catherine
receiving homemade (usually sparkly) valentines from my lifelong best friend!
Claudia
I don’t celebrate valentines day in the traditional sense, but I love to spend time with people who are important to me (using the day basically as an excuse to spend time with special people in my life).
britany
Since I don’t have my own special someone to cook for, I pass on the food love to my parents. I make a special Valentine dinner for them at home.
Shannon Kemp
I leave treats for my boys when they wake up and I make dinner for my husband.
I always make their cards too! We spend the day together as a family.
Tori
Every year my best friend still sends out Valentine’s cards a la grade school and it’s amazing! My boyfriend always gives me a new fun different chocolate (sea salt, lavender, chili, etc.) which is pretty fun!
Corey
I don’t have a Valentine’s tradition, yet…
Louise
Do something fun with my husband and always eat something chocolate related!
Allison P.
Chocolate!! And nothing goes better with chocolate than coffee :)
I’ve made the baked cinnamon sugar donuts from your site before and they were bomb! Can’t wait to try these.
Sarah
We love to do a family fondue night on Valentine’s day!
Michelle B
My mom always sends me a care package filled with sweets and little gifts
Leanne T
We stay in, share a bottle of good wine and I cook a nice dinner for the two of us. Our anniversary is the next day, so it’s always a fun couple of days of celebrating each other and all our years together.
Alexandra
I do not have any traditions but fondly remember the days of buying Valentine’s Day cards for everyone in your class and then passing them out or putting them in your classmates’ cubbies. I like the idea of everyone getting a valentine and not necessarily making it romantic:)
Nina
My favorite Valentine’s day tradition is going on a long hike with my family and baking cookies afterward. Then we order take-out and eat what is left of the cookies!
Christine
I usually spend Valentine’s Day baking up a storm and giving goodies to my friends and family
Abby H
Wow, what a great prize pack! Some really quality items in there! I don’t have any particular Valentine’s tradition, but growing up my Dad used to always buy me and my sisters a box of chocolates.
Victoria
Making brunch with friends! And then movie marathon.
mirela blajan
I love Lavazza! Nothing can go wrong if paired with donuts :)
Teresa Christovich
Every Valentine’s Day, I do something for me (gym class, box of chocolates, new outfit, whatever) because you have to love yourself before you can love anyone else!
Cara
I avoid the crazy dinner crowd and splurge on little luxuries to make a delicious meal at home.
Divya
Bake some sweet strawberry cream scones, whip up some spicy hot chocolate, watch a nice comedy show and go outside and stargaze as the citylight permits! Small joys!
Pam
My husband worked as a “balloon artist” in high school, and always brings an ENORMOUS balloon bouquet to my work for Valentines Day.
Allison M. Floyd
Red wine. Of course, I do that most days.
heatherjean
We are pretty laid back – I like to make a nice breakfast in the morning and relax and enjoy my hubbys company!
Jessica
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is that we don’t celebrate on Valentine’s Day! We celebrate three days later on our dating anniversary. :) Seven years this year!
Suzy Blundred
You know what makes Valentines Day so special to me is the realization that my sweetheart treats me likes it’s Valentines Day everyday!
Hillary
My Sweet dad still gets me flowers every year. Who needs a man? :)
Cori
I try to drag out the holiday as long as possible by leaving my boyfriend heart shaped confections throughout the week. As with our anniversary, we will return to the place where we first met, for a burger. I love the simplicity of our relationship!
Davis Ann
my husband and i don’t like crowds too much. so we started ordering a pizza and buying a nice bottle of red wine for valentine’s. i love it! Low key, and who doesn’t like pizza + wine?
Kiva
My man and I always go for a hike and make home-made sushi! He prepared sushi on our first date together and it’s been our special meal ever since.
Stephanie Y
I always make sure to wear something festive – red/pink with hearts! I also love to try new and decadent dessert recipes that I would normally not bake. This year I’ll be attempting a chocolate souffle molten cake!
Brittany B.
:)
Kristina S.
Oh man. All those goods would totally aid in my ultimate Valentine’s Day — making an early supermercado run for sustenance and then hibernating with my boo while mainlining the last season of “Six Feet Under.” Donuts and those wacky Fishers are my love language.
Heather
My husband and I go out for a Valentine’s dinner date every year.
Karla
Since the Northeast is almost always freezing cold on Valentine’s Day, I stay home and curl up under a blanket with hot chocolate to watch Casablanca and Hope Floats.
Kat
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition, whether I’m in a relationship or single, is wine with my ladies!
Ariana
I love your new website design!My favorite valentine’s tradition is from when I was growing up – my brothers and I would make crafty little gifts for each other with my Mom – using glitter pens and washable paint and buttons from the button jar.And then we would bake heart shaped sugar cookies and decorate them together! It is my favorite tradition because it reminded me of simpler times! :)
Liz
I don’t really have a tradition but I like to make something fun every year. Last year, it was a jar filled with reese’s cups and each one had a sticker with something I loved about my boyfriend. This year, I’ll probably make him a chocolate and peanut butter dessert. If you couldn’t tell, he loves chocolate + pb!
Keely
My parents always gave me little presents for Valentine’s Day. It was always so much fun!
Ingrid
My favorite was always the school valentines exchange, picking out those oh-so-cool cartoon character valentines and making one for everyone in class and then getting them from all your classmates (chocolates attached hopefully!) and dreaming that the boy you had a crush on really did mean the ‘You’re Sweet’ that his Mickey Mouse valentine claimed. I work at an elementary school now and we just had the kids make valentines and the ‘he likes’ ‘she likes’ 8-year-old crush frenzy that ensued was terrifying and hysterical!
Kellie Jo
I loooove Valentine’s Day. I think it’s my favorite holiday, which might be weird. I’ll make pancakes with raspberries (per my family tradition), and my husband and I have for the past few years gone to watch Casablanca at a historic theater in Birmingham, AL. Romantic, cheap, and relaxed. What more could you want?
Lisa Green
My husband and I hung out for the second time the day after Valentine’s day (13 years ago now!) And each year we talk about that first weekend. I also make him his favorite meal during Valentine’s week, and a favorite dessert. This year I made Chocolate Covered Strawberries.
Sara
Our Valentines tradition is to give each other memories. We don’t do cards or candy. At some point during the next 12 months, we’ll take each other to a special dinner, or event, or romantic getaway and just enjoy the time! I’d rather have picture books full of special moments, than have cabinets full of “stuff”
Tana
Start the day with heart shaped pancakes with maple syrup. Mmmm.
Sarah Griffith
I always buy a mini box of chocolates for my sons and leave it by their breakfast. They can even eat it with breakfast if they want to! Anything goes when you’re showing love <3
Steph Homan
Lots of chocolate and flowers every Valentine’s! It’s an excuse to bake a cake!
Donna Jacobson
I always make a special breakfast, including dessert. It’s a lovely way to start off a special day. Happy Valentines Day everyone! <3
Anne Dean
A simple homemade valentine card exchanged over a homemade dinner because everyday should celebrate love!
lsamsmith
Each year my friends and I have a “wine tasting party” the night before Valentine’s Day. Everyone contributes a bottle of wine, and we simply spent the evening imbibing and indulging on wine and Valentine’s Day-inspired sweets.
Kimiko
My favourite tradition is to exchange cards and make a meal today. the only caveat is the cards must be extra mushy/lovey-dovey!
Allison
I have zero Valentine’s day traditions. Happily in a relationship but we always ignore this holiday which is okay with me. I do tend to but discounted chocolate for myself after though.
meredith s.
I love to get together with single gals (whether I’m single or not) so they know that on this day of love that they really are LOVED!
sarah
on v-day, the boy and i come home all dressed up, undress each other, then enjoy french picnic dinner at home (wine, cheese, bread, fruit — no cooking, hardly any cleanup, super indulgent!) in our pajamas watching movies by candlelight.
Jillian
No traditions here–my husband and I are simple. But now that we have a little one, it is going to start being magical! I see many heart shaped crafts and baked goods in my future :)
Becky B
My husband and I go explore the chocolate shops in our city, in search of the perfect chocolate-covered marshmallows :)
Jenny Kehlenbeck
My husband and I always make sure we spend time together. Whether we do a nice breakfast or a nice dinner, my husband does the cooking and I do the baking. It’s something we do for each other. I always try to surprise him with little treats.
Elise
I love getting together with a group of girlfriends and making a whole bunch of hand made Valentine’s cards to give to friends and family. Crafty time with the ladies is the best!
Jessie
Going out to brunch and a museum with my husband (first year I can say that!!) and then takeout, homemade dessert and a movie marathon at home in the evening.
Jennifer
My hubs and I have two kids so there’s not much “is” time anymore. So on V-Day we do a special meal for the kids and hand out little gifts. When those kids go to bed, we order out and turn on Overboard or Casablanca!
Karla O
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is my husband and me having a couple’s date with our best friends!
Jessica
I love to make a special breakfast for my hubby on Valentine’s Day. Start things off in a lovey way. : )
Kelley
My boyfriend and I have been long-distance for the past year, but we always keep up a tradition we started four years ago, on our first Valentine’s Day together–we each put together a box (under $30) that contains candy, snacks and a movie of our choice. Then we have two date nights ready to go :)
Abby Oakland
Does buying the discount candy the day after count as a tradition?
Maggie
I’ve never had a significant other on Valentine’s day but I’ve always decided this day was to make the effort to not only show extra love to others but extra love to myself! Remind myself why I love those that I love and the things I love about myself.
Rachel
I love making cards or cookies for my friends and family. Love isn’t just for the romantic partners in our lives =)
lazyw
Oh how beautiful! Donuts are big here at the farm. I’d love to win these prizes too.
We actually keep a couple’s journal, have been since we were married only a few years. Love it.
One of our favorite Valentine traditions though is grilling up a huge heart-shaped rib eye steak from the local butcher. Always eat at home on this holiday. Lots of snuggling and cooking. xoxo
Audrey
I love spending my Valentine’s with my best friends. We usually make a Valentine treat (cupcakes and doughnuts are the favorites!), watch a movie, and enjoy each other’s company! xx
Kristen
This year we hope to start a NEW tradition! Our first bambino is due to enter the world tomorrow, and we are eagerly anticipating his/her arrival…which would be the sweetest Valentine’s gift ever. OXOXO.
Abbi
my first valentine’s day with my now husband we ordered Chinese food and watched a Cheaters marathon. I don’t think that they play Cheaters on tv any more, but we still order in Chinese food and watch something cheesy on television.
Marissa Baker
my favorite tradition is getting a basket of goodies from my mom on Valentines day- I am one spoiled daughter!
Heidi Howard
We stay home, watch a movie, and eat a home treat.
Laura
My favorite Valentine’s day tradition is buying all of the leftover candy on the 15th. It just tastes better when it’s wrapped in pink foil :)
Bonnie
I set the table up nice and put out flowers and make a really nice dinner for the whole family. They’re all my Valentines!
Meg
I’m starting one tomorrow. Chocolate chip pancakes for my hubby!
Marie
First of all, I’d like to say that I WILL be making these donuts. And eating them. With a 20% chance of sharing. Secondly, my husband and I usually cook a nice meal at home to avoid the crazy crowds and also spending too much money on a meal we probably could’ve made ourselves for much less.
Callie
I celebrate every year by doing cheesy things all throughout February for my hubby…silly love notes, chocolate truffles, little gifts, and red velvet cake…he loves it!
Kayleen
My husband and I are both musicians, so many times we are traveling or performing on Valentine’s Day. This year, we have engagements in different parts of the country, but will be traveling home together for the last leg of our journey. Hoping to grab some Valentine’s coffee before our flight! :-)
Suzy
Home cooked, grilled ribeye steak finished with rosemary and garlic infused olive oil, salad with Maytag blue cheese, a bottle of great local red wine and my sweet hubs is the perfect Valentine’s evening..
Betsy Madden
We like to make a big breakfast together (including coffee!)- something special and that we have never made before. We usually spend the day either lounging around watching movies together and if it’s warm enough (living in PA), go for a hike. In the evening, we will get take out since restaurants are horrible on Valentine’s Day, and this year we’re catching a spoken word about ex-relationships that should prove to be pretty funny.
Charity
My favorite tradition is champagne & homemade pizza at home with my hunny. We skip the crowds, get to dance around the kitchen sippin’ and cookin’, and have a date night in :)
Cheryl
Valentine’s day is always a night in! Nothing is less appealing than dealing with the restaurants hustle and bustle on vday :)
Stardancer
DONUTS. Ahem.
Valentine’s Day falls right after my husband’s birthday and right before mine, so our first Valentine’s Day, he deliberately made it low-key: Chinese takeout and the Winter Olympics, sitting on his mattress-on-the-floor (…college). Obviously the Olympics aren’t happening this year, but the Chinese takeout is our sweet, low-pressure tradition. Every year I appreciate it more.
Kaitlin
This is going to be our first Valentine’s day as a married couple! We’re planning to cook a nice dinner/dessert at home and share a bottle of wine.
Emalee
For Valentine’s day I always work (I bellydance at a Middle Eastern restaurant) and make a homemade dinner with my husband the day after. :)
paintthecity47
Me and my girlfriends make strawberry donuts and eat them in our PJ’s before heading to work! So fun to start the day all pink and fruity!
Riley
Valentines tradition… drinking wine in the comfort and solidarity of my pyjamas. Who needs people?
Chrissy Pearson
My husband and I have been Cape Cod sweethearts since we were 14….which is when he gave me a fushia Esprit scarf and a red and white Swatch to celebrate our first Valentine’s Day back in 84. Every F14 I break those babies out and we dance to Jack and Diane and You’re the Inspiration by Chicago.
Caroline H
As cliche as it may seem, my family makes a steak dinner every year for Valentine’s Day. It’s always open to whoever is at our house that day – friends, significant others, neighbors or sometimes just my mom and dad. My mom carried the tradition in the years my dad was traveling for work over business, and invited other women who were alone on Valentine’s day over. Over the years, as my sister’s and I grew up and went to college – my parents sent us back to school with a steak dinner to eat on Valentine’s Day. This year, my parents gave my older sister and her fiancee steaks to make at their condo, gave me steaks to take to visit a friend – and my little sister is coming home for the weekend to visit my parents. I’m not a huge red meat eater, but this is one of my favorite traditions – and the best year was when my dad made homemade onion rings. It’s a tradition I have and plan to carry on.
Jen
Staying in and cooking a romantic meal!
Hailey E.
Eating heart shaped pancakes or french toast then watching movies and stuffing face with sweets all day:)
Anna
I’m getting married this summer so boyfriend and I are still working on building a tradition for ourselves. This year will be cooking a nice meal together and getting a little champagne tipsy with our new toasting flutes!
nshsgirl
I eat Valentine hearts as my tradition.
Emilie
My husband and I cook a nice dinner at home. There is always a nice bottle of wine and plenty of chocolate throughout the day.
cheryl s
I don’t have any Valentine’s Day traditions.
Marissa
My husband and I always have filetmignon for dinner at our house. He does the dishes! We usually share a dessert and watch our favorite movie each year.
RES
Little, inexpensive gifts — last year some good chocolate and a CD from high school.
Liz Diaz
champagne and pizza with my hubby! (we live in chicago so deep dish pizza is especially delicious!)
Sarah
I love to stay in a cook something special. We will go out somewhere nice later in the month when it’s not nearly as crazy!
Cynthia
My husband and my favorite V-day tradition is to actually celebrate V-day on 2/13 to avoid other people and general restaurant, flowers, chocolate craziness on 2/14!
Hiromi
Flowers and dinner
Traci
My mom used to send my brothers and me on a scavenger hunt on Valentine’s Day. Sugary sweets and warm socks at the end = the BEST
Helen
Receiving flowers and go to a great dinner!
Laura
We don’t have any traditions per se. I do buy as much heart shaped candy as I can, does that count? As our son gets older though, he’s becoming more thoughtful of others and wants to buy us cute little trinkets and make cards for each holiday. ?
sarah rodriguez
eating all the chocolates and baking with chocolate and wearing the chocolate, and ..well..with the chocolate! did i mention the chocolate?!
Lindsey (LouLouBiscuit)
These donuts look truly fantastic! I love the heart sprinkles. My husband and I used to go to our favorite Cajun restaurant in Santa Barbara called The Palace Grill every Valentine’s Day. Since we’ve moved to Texas, we still keep the Cajun tradition, but we’ve not yet found a restaurant that’s quite as good.
Aviva
Baking cupcakes.
Jamie
It sounds quite silly, but every Valentines Day since we’ve been married my husband and I get each other heart-shaped doughnuts. It’s our sweet, silly way to celebrate.
kaysia
Binge watching a new tv show and eating something deliciou for dinner with my husband
Rachel M.
It’s a pretty simple tradition, but every year I try to make a homemade Valentines card for my boyfriend. Usually they turn out pretty silly because I like puns, but it’s heartfelt and adorable. It’s pretty exciting when I get one in return too!
Susie R.
Stay in with my husband and cook an awesome meal!
Cheri
Hubby and I exchange homemade cards. Always a sweet treat and a kiss! I love Lavazza Coffee ~ yum
Emily N
No special plans, just hang out and make out!
Heidi Brown
Hi. Ever since our 5 year old was born my husband and I take the Friday before or after v-day off of work and sleep in, go to a fancy lunch and either a movie or a wine tasting. It’s our tradition. This year with V-Day being a saturday, we are spending the day together today and I am making lamb ragu for my parents tomorrow night With some rustic bread and good wine. It should b a special weekend. – cheers and Happy Valentines day, Heidi
Becky R.
My boyfriend and I are starting a Valentine’s brunch tradition this year. I’m excited about it- all my favorite foods + mimosas!
Kay
The poor man’s winter version of chocolate covered strawberries: a package of Dove dark chocolate and strawberry fruit snacks. Very creative from my long distance fiance!
Chelsea
The past few Valentine’s Days have been filled with pregnancy and small fussy children. So my favorite tradition has been my husband insisting I take it easy, skip cooking dinner and getting my favorite (not his) greasy fast food.
Kim Q
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is ignoring the day altogether! Ha! It comes just after both mine and my husband’s birthdays, as well as our anniversary. So, we buy little tidbits for our daughters and that’s it!
Caroline Long
Enjoying dinner my husband cooks!
Reneé
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is having a night out on the town with my single friends… In sweatpants! #nopressure #sorryimnotsorry
Meredith
We have a special breakfast of cupcakes or doughnuts with our kids and give silly cards. That night my husband is in charge of dinner and I get to relax while he cooks. Simple and wonderful.
Reneé
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is having a night on the town with my single friends…In sweatpants! #nopressure #sorryimnotsorry
Frances
My mom used to send the greatest care packages for Valentine’s day!
Reneé
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is having a night on the town with my single friends… in sweatpants!
Mikell
Our tradition is to go out to dinner but I always bake a decadent dessert.
Erica
Corned beef sandwiches and Dr.Brown’s cherry soda!
Erica
My family has always had some unique traditions — heart-shaped meatloaf!
Barley Babes
When I was growing up my parents did a Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt for me and my siblings every year. Each clue led to a different place in our house, and the final clue led to baskets of candy and a sweet card for each of us. As we got older, we knew that there were some places (my parents’ bathtub; the coffee pot) where we would definitely find clues. As kids we sprinted as fast as we could to the next clue, and then, as we got older, we would complain about having to go all the way down to the basement! It’s an absolutely wonderful tradition that I look forward to sharing with my children one day, and that I’ve already made several boyfriends participate in!
Reneé
My favorite Valentines Day tradition is heading out on a night on the town with my single lady friends in sweatpants!
#nopressure #sorryimnotsorry
Joanne
We always go out a few night before to miss the crowds and then we get a quiet night at home as well!
Kelly
My favorite tradition is being able to eat a box of chocolate and not be judged. “Hey it’s Valentine’s Day, the box doesn’t count against my diet if I eat the entire thing in one siting, right? Right. Good.”
Jillian O'Donohoe
My mom always gives me a small gift on Valentine’s Day. She even got it sent to me away at school!
Cheyenne Abel
As a true chocolate lover, I take pride in making sure that the first and last thing I eat on Valentine’s Day is always a piece of chocolate! No other way to live.
Maggie
I always make a homemade construction paper card for my valentine and he always gets me a bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Sarah W.
My favorite tradition is definitely the chocolate!
caroline
Well this is embarrassing… we don’t really celebrate. We might go out to eat the next week [avoiding the crowds] but yeah… it is however my bff’s birthday so that’s filled with heart shaped cakes and everything red and pink <3
Alison
We love a quiet night in, with good food and a movie!
Rosalind
My fiance and I have started taking classes together on Valentine’s day so we can learn something new. Last year we took an aluminum casting class, and this year we’re taking a pottery class.
kayleahooper
My mom was a single mother for the majority of the time when my sister and I were kids, and as a result she never really got to spend Valentine’s Day with a romantic partner. As a result, we always got all of the attention on this special day! She’d wake us up early (before school, of course), and we’d go get donuts then take them to a nearby park to watch the sunrise and chit chat. The whole rest of the day would be filled with surprise Valentines in our lunch bags, a special dinner (mostly made of chocolate) and a movie, then bedtime stories of true love to come. Now that we’re older, no longer living in the same household, and all three of us have incredibly sweet partners to spoil us we no longer have these traditions, but we still always make sure to call and say, “I love you” to the one person who deserves it the most: our wonderful mom.
Beth C.
We usually stay in and watch a movie, snuggled up on the couch. We’re such an old married couple…..
Megan G.
Sitting on the couch with my husband in our pajamas, marathoning the latest and greatest TV show we haven’t had time to watch, while noshing on homemade pizza and lobster tails from the grocery store. Very low key, no pressure.
Kathy
My husband and I usually send the kids to bed, create a yummy meal together, light lots of candles, turn on some music and enjoy the peacefulness and each other!
Anne Smittle
Hello! Since I am all about the chocolate, we give away chocolate to family and friends. Also exchange cards. I love baking a chocolate cake and plan on squeezing in this tradition tomorrow. Our niece was born 2 years ago on Valentines, so we’ll be celebrating with her (and then coming home and eating more homemade cake). Happy Valentines everyone!
Stephanie Kubala (@weetzie188)
I like how every year my dad sends me a vday card! Even though I’ve been with my bf for 4 years now, he will always be my first valentine!
Lucy
Flowers and breakfast in bed!
Megan
We’re starting a Valentine’s Day breakfast this year with our 4 lite kids. Heart shaped cinnamon rolls, heart shaped bacon, scrambled eggs and lots of heart garland hanging from the ceiling.
Rachel
In high school and college my girl friends and I used to do sort of a “Secret Santa” thing, but for Valentine’s day so no one had to feel left out because they were single. Nowadays, my husband and I don’t make a big deal out of it. If we celebrate at all, we wait until a day or two after Valentine’s Day, because then we get everything at super discount prices!
Rachael
My husband and I are pretty chill about Valentines day…it is basically the only day of the year that we treat ourselves to buying take out pizza for dinner! :)
Marissa
I buy little boxes of chocolates for my boys. I never get anything but I like to give.
Jessica
Scratch off cards!
Allison M.
Champagne and a great movie with someone I love.
Maggie R
I don’t really have one, I iudt try to show a lot of love to my family and friends!
Donna
We have a special drink together and then make dinner at home!
Jenna
My favourite way to spend v day is with my besties. We make each other dinner, have some vino, eat chocolates and some other decadent dessert! Perfection! Also, Lavazza is my jam!
shallowdeep
I’m single(but not so much ready to mingle), and I try to do something nice for myself on V-day. This year, I’m treating myself to a haircut, and dinner and seeing 50 Shades of Grey(I know. I’m judging myself).
Marisa Noel
We simply spend the whole day together. Every year I tell my husband not to buy me chocolate but he does anyway. Any day I get to spend by his side is a great one. Marriage is great. Love is grand. Happy Valentine’s!
Mary
leaving little sweet notes for a few days before Valentine’s day. Just a little way to remind him of the things that made me fall in love with him in the first place
Charlotte @ Drop Dead Bread
These donuts look delicious!
Our big tradition is simple, I buy him a single red rose from a florist, wrapped in plain paper. His mother, who passed away when he was young, loved roses, but always said that more than one was flashy, showy and over the top. It was agreed that sending just one, plainly wrapped so the beauty of the rose is all that matters, showed a greater understanding and deeper affection than big bundles. So now, every year, a single red rose wrapped in brown paper. And also some baking, because a few silly, giggly, flour-covered minutes are a nice way to remind yourself how much you love each other.
Jenn
I’m not a fan of the day, but do celebrate discounted chocolate on the 15th…does that count?
Caitlin M.
My guy surprises me with something different every year for Valentine’s Day. Last year a quartet came to my house while I was getting ready and sang two song. I was cracking up! Cupcakes are usually involved (maybe we’ll try donuts this year!) and cards with our sentiments are always involved!
Trisha w
We always exchange vday cards, spend the day together at an event that’s happening in town and make a special homemade dinner together.
Anette
I really liked the Valentine’s post we had in elementary school, the little notes we got were the sweetest and the superlatives attributed to the little sweethearts the most adorable (such as “turbo” meaning “really awesome” in a note from a boy), I still keep them!
Marsha A
All the singer ladies… don’t have any.
Marsha A
All the single ladies…. don’t have one. :)
Crystal
Every Valentine’s Day, I bake some kind of sweet treat for the people around me. Last year, I made an ombre cake with whipped cream frosting for my boyfriend. This year, I’m planning to make strawberries and cream cupcakes (they are his favorite).
Vero M
Love your recipes. My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition would probably have to by the Valentine’s Cards. I love making homemade one with the kiddos. So much fun!
Elizabeth
I have seasonal stuffed animals and a lot of decorations, so I love decorating for Valentine’s Day! My favorite tradition is watching truly terrible romcom with my seasonal stuffed animals. (I have a red dog with a heart around its neck that says ‘I wuff you.’)
jeanne
Giving my friends a paper bag with sweets :) <3
Lisa
My favorite tradition is making a fancy dessert- an excuse to make something I wouldn’t normally have time for. And of course the candy on sale the next day!
Christy Li
My favorite Valentine’s tradition is enjoying a homemade picnic with my boyfriend, must haves are creamy cheese, tomatoes, paninis, pasta salad, bubbly, and dessert! :)
Samantha
Specially cooked dinner and a movie at home. Simple and yet special!
Denise
My husband and I never really did anything fancy on Valentine’s day. All we ever want to do is cook something together and watch a cheesy comedy. Not to mention coffee and donuts for dessert!
Callie
dinner date with siblings and their significant others…at a brazilian steakhouse. so fun and so tasty!
carlyaparsons
I love Valentine’s Day regardless of whether I’m in a relationship or single, and every year I wear my red or pink pants and either bake something or treat myself to lots of chocolate! I think I have fond memories associated with Valentine’s Day because growing up, my mom would always put a heartfelt card and a basket of treats at our breakfast place settings. :)
Lisa
We cook a special dinner together. This year the kids are old enough to help with everything, and they’re so excited!
Ainsley
Cooking together! This year I picked the recipes, and am doing all the shopping, so it’s a surprise dinner too.
ashley
I eat a heart shaped donut every feb 14. I love donuts!!
Elise
My youngest brother’s name is Valentin, so my favorite – and only – Valentine’s day tradition is to call or text him to wish him a happy “saint’s day.” Other than that, I tend to forget about Valentine’s day altogether, but so does my boyfriend, so that works out perfectly ;)
bex3
My favorite tradition is making delicious cookies for the ones I love!
Boiling
Go to a cafe and spend the day there.
Daniel
I like making chocolate desserts on Valentine’s Day, maybe a souffle, maybe some truffles.
amanda proudfit
Oh my gosh! I love all those treats! We wake up early and have a nice breakfast and go out for a hike. & then just spend the day together. Such a nice excuse to have a day to make time for each other.
Nicole
I love to make baked treats withe Valentines sprinkles on top and share them with friends and loved ones!
lil
although i’m unfortunately very much an adult, i like to buy those kid classroom valentine cutouts and hand them out to friends with a sweet treat!
Krista
First we cook my son a fun heart shaped pizza and then I cook my hubby a special dinner for us to enjoy!
Michele
Our tradition for Valentine’s Day is my sweetie gets me the best Sees Candy and we share
the chocolate perfections for as many days as they last!
Katie
We celebrate on a different day near Valentine’s when the crowds are gone and babysitters easier to obtain. This year we are going to breakfast on Monday while the boys stay home with the sitter
Rachel
Get together with my girlfriends and celebrate friendships!
Nicole
I’ve always been single on Valentine’s Day, but have always either cooked dinner with friends or we’ve gone out and partied on the town. :)
Sarah L
My husband and I usually pick a fairly complex and time-consuming meal to make at home. It makes the evening special and is a lot of fun.
Kate
We’re more of a celebrate-for-no-particular-reason couple, so we typically skip the Valentine’s Day hype. Although one year I did buy my husband a card that said “I love you more than bacon”, because I figured that’s just about as romantic as it gets!
Michele
I always buy my daughter a pair of Valentine socks.
Emily
I love Lavazza!!!
My dad has always made Valentine’s Day sweet. He’s taking me and my mom out for a fancy dinner this year. He’s good at reminding this single gal that she is loved.
annaliese
Meeting up for our lunch break is my favorite part of the day!
Anna
Oooh these look good!
Favorite tradituon is to make goodie bags of treats and pretty things to. Give out to friends nearby or mail to a select few. It brightens up any day to get a package of candy and lovelies! Galentine, palentine, valentine it doesn’t matter. Share the love!
Grace
My favorite tradition is definitely cooking for Valentine’s Day dinner. It’s so much more personal and wonderful to spend the night creating delicious food together than going out to a restaurant!
Jennifer
Your doughnuts are so beautiful. I’ve bake a lot of things, but have yet to do doughnuts.
My favorite valentine’s tradition is NOT getting overpriced flowers (my garden is so beautiful) and to eat out around Valentine’s Day, but not the night of. Honestly, Valentine’s traditions are more fun with a little one…so much less expectation and just all love!
journeyfromself
My fiancé and I don’t have any Valentine’s Day traditions (nor have I ever) other than NOT go out to dinner! If I weren’t always so busy with school, I think we’d probably make a tradition of a hot springs weekend (our favorite), but alas, school.
Kristin B.
My favorite Valentine’s tradition was going to the store with my Dad and buying two boxes of those conversation heart candies. Then, we would write cards to one another and glue in candies to complete the sentences for us. It’s a tradition I want to carry on to my future family. :)
Katie
funfetti cake with my ladies for galentine’s day!
Su
My SO and I like to buy a box of assorted chocolates and play Russian roulette where who ever gets the coconut one first loses.. =) We also make dinner at home and drink wine and beer!
sara
Depends on whether its on a weekend or not. If it falls on a weekend we do a special breakfast if it is week day we do special dinner. We all exchange cards -home made of course- and sometimes a little gift.
Misty Drake
Favorite Valentines Day tradition is playing string quartet music with my family!
Alyssa
Last year was our first Valentine’s Day…(just a week after our first date!). This year, we’re spending our second Valentine’s Day living in a new city, as an engaged couple…and starting new traditions. This time next year, we’ll be celebrating as newlyweds!
Meg King
A botttle of bubbly and a nice meal at home!
KISS=keep it simple stupid : )
Mocha And Moccasins
These look amazing! I love the red swirls.
My favourite Valentine’s Day tradition is having a dessert party with my mom! :)
alanafixfeastflair
Cooking dinner at home is my favorite Valentine’s tradition. Going out is overrated. ;)
Tali
Valentine’s day is just another excuse to eat at an Italian restaurant (because Italian is consider to be romantic, right?) and then you don’t even have to ask about if we’re having dessert because yes. :0)
Katie D.
I like to surprise my husband with a hand made love note for Vday. My Mom usually sends me a sweet card which is special too :)
Sara
Homemade heart-shaped pizzas.
Shannon Y.
I loved that our high school sold (orange) crush cans to have sent to friends during home room. Did anyone else do that?
Samantha
When my parents were dating, they did the long distance thing and their first Valentine’s Day together was going to be during the week. My dad wasn’t going to be able to drive out to see her, so he made up an elaborate story about how historically, Valentine’s Day was actually the 17th (the Saturday). So my family always celebrates Valentine’s Day on the 17th now :)
jessi
My husband and I always treat ourselves to old italian music, lots of good wine, and a home cooked delicious meal of our favorite things!
Betty
for a very looong time {ok it FELT like a long time} there was no “other person” in my life. to remind me i’m loved my sister would always get me a donut. when I think of valentine’s day I always think of donuts!
Ahwon
Making countless batches of heart sugar cookies to share with friends and loved ones :) and all the broken hearts for me!
Naty (@multipurpose)
Making some dessert we have never had or made before. This year will me a magic cake!
Lauren
Ben and I get fried oyster tacos from our favorite hole-in-the-wall, and then go see terrible movies at the drive-in in our pajamas. :)
Victoria
I’m all about the chocolate, spreading an extra day of birthday cheer to my Mom, and celebrating all the people in my life!
kathleen @ yummy crumble
These are perfect for V day. My tradition is giving sweet gifts to my kids. I leave little valentines hidden throughout the house
Sue Wirth
We stay home for dinner and give other family members little packages of chocolates…sometimes homemade…during dinner. Last year my mother-in-law was living with us and she felt so special when she got 2 valentines treats. I was glad she felt so loved.
Abby Barstow
I don’t really have a valentine’s day “tradition” but I have fond memories of growing up…my mom always made my little brother and I little bags or paper “mailboxes” and filled them with a handmade card and candy.
Michele
Valentine’s Day is my husbands Birthday, so for 15 years I have gotten the short end of the stick, but now that we have 2 daughters we split the day with a big Valentines Day breakfast with pink sprinkles on everything, presents for the girls and lots of candy in the morning and then in the evening we celebrate by going to his favorite casual restaurant. I guess I am still getting the short end of this stick…
Grace Bee
Wine and cheese night!
lindsey t
I made a new tradition with my son this year (he’s 3.5). This is the first year he’s been able to get involved and understand, so we made Valentine’s day cards for his classmates, teachers, grandparents, uncles and aunties. It was such a fun project to do together, I can’t wait to see how his drawing and letter writing ability gets better and better each year!
Boise Runner (@RunInBoise)
The BF & I have always had sushi dinners on V-Day.
Emily
Every year my mom does something for me and my siblings. Now that we’re all over the globe she send us cards or care packages, but my favourite memory was waking up every valentines day in high school and seeing these beautiful flower arrangements that she made herself. The one I remember best was a bunch of pink carnation blossoms in the shape of a heart that continued to bloom for the rest of the week :)
lingeringbites
We always get Starbucks breakfast (if I don’t have to work…) and on a hike if the weather permits. Then we just hang out. No restaurants, nada!
valerie sobus
making homemade valentines (although this goes down before the 14th) and making homemade chocolates (usually truffles but sometimes caramels!) and of course spooning with the hubby ;)
Amanda
Making cookie-brownie bars for my sweetie!
Julie
These look seriously awesome.
My favorite valentine tradition is sending cards and chocolate to my best girl friends. I’m single myself and I admit I like getting to participate in the pink-and-red festivities! It’s a good opportunity to share some friend love and make sure others don’t feel left out.
Amanda Hansmeyer
A really nice dinner in with my husband – it’s usually the Butter Chicken recipe I found over at the Pioneer Woman’s site. We write each other letters, and read them after dinner, with dessert.
Lindsay Abbassian
Growing up my dad always got me chocolate one Valentine’s day! Ever since college living on my own I send handmade Valentines to my college roommates!
Chi chi
since I’ve been working in a flower shop the last 15 years or so it’s really nice to come home after work and finally sleep! !!
Sarah
baking and decorating valentine’s sugar cookies!
Teagan
No huge Valentines day traditions! But I love to wake up to a nice cup of hot chocolate :)
Heather R.
We don’t really have a tradition but we always buy each other little gifts and have a special meal. This year we are doing lunch and visiting a chocolate factory. I can’t wait!
Ali
Making my mom’s secret sugar cookie recipe to share with friends and co-workers. Nothing says love like some butter cream frosting. YUM!!!
Autumn Jordan
in the week before, i set aside time each evening to create handwritten and stamped notes to be mailed off to all my little cousins, family, and friends. on valentine’s day i walk to the post office to send them off, and always make sure to treat myself to a french macaroon (or three) on the walk home :)
maxwell14
Hubs and I hang out at home. Meal of choice and decadent dessert. No phones. Just together. It’s the best ever.
Caroline
We often fail to get ourselves coordinated on Valentine’s day and then raincheck it but something with work or school or the kids distracts us until our anniversary in May. But he usually sneaks a small box of local chocolates for me to find while he’s out!
Lani
My very favorite tradition is handmaking a creative tree-themed gift for my dear one, with a Neruda line: “I want to do with you what spring does with cherry trees.”
Caroline
Cheese and wine picnic with my husband in our living room. Then buying half off candy the next day.
Callie
My favorite V’day tradition is waking up to a hot latte with some dark chocolate and the warm smile of my favorite guy. :)
Melanie Rogalski
Cooking and baking at home for the hubs and kids, after some great French press coffee to get me going :)
Talina
We like to stay home and make an special dinner – this year we’re having scallops, shrimp and ribs – for dessert I’m going to attempt to make molten lava cakes…. with creme brulee ice cream!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Lori-Lyn
I host a dinner or brunch every Valentine’s Day for my nieces. We always have a lot of pink and red decorations and chocolate, and we wear handmade party crowns! They’re my favorite Valentines.
Paula Kehm
Eating chocolates from a heart shaped box.I’ve loved this since I was about three!
Stephanie Priebe
Making a special dinner with my hubby at home.
Alison
Baking something sweet is a must – otherwise, I just enjoy spending time with my husband and pup doing anything!
Diana
Flourless Chocolate Cake for dessert. Perfect every time.
Danielle
Our anniversary is on the 17th of February so we never do anything special for Valentine’s Day since our day is only 3 days later. But I suppose buying candy half price on the 15th is sort of a tradition!
Lauren
Getting out of town for some sweet and quiet time together.
onemhz
My wife and I like to celebrate on a weekend near (but not actually on) Valentines day by dropping the toddler off at her grandmother’s and going on a date night. Which could mean a dinner out at the fondue place or ordering in and putting a movie on in a blissfully quiet house.
Ebony S. Hoke
I send flowers to my single girlfriends that live in other cities. They’re all really special to me and it’s a great time to remind them!
Kendall
For the past few years I’ve been getting the hubs a pair of “fancy” boxers from Lululemon as a V-Day treat.
Becca
We’ve done something different for Valentine’s Day every year, the only time we’ve don’t the same thing twice is spending the night at a casino. The second time is when he proposed, a little cliche but also precious :)
Alex Breslin
Ordering pizza and watching a movie, by myself. I’m always single!
Erin Ellis
I love making breakfast for Valentines Day. I always choose something ooey gooey delicious! French toast with way too much chocolate sauce – extra whipped cream on our latte’s – You name it. I’ve been eyeing these donut pans. I must give them a try! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
Erin
ErinLoves2Run at gmail dot com
Cindy A.
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is watching Valentine’s Day themed horror movies with the mister.
Sasha
We decided not to have a tradition but do try and plan a day not on Valentines day to cook a fancy dinner and pretend like we are out to eat- even down to the napkin draped over the arm and youtube piano music!
Crystal F
I’m single, but I always enjoy making Valentines for my nieces & nephews…..just to let them know they are loved!
Mary ClaySantineau
Every Valentine’s Day, we celebrate with our now grown kids; holding a fun dinner with valentine cards tucked under their plates and a sweet treat. We always found it more fun to stay in and play games or watch a fun movie as a family. :)
Sara
Breakfast date instead of dinner!
Marika
Turning it into a long weekend!
Heather Imbraguglio
Breakfast cinnamon rolls and awesome coffee made by my husband for me!!!!!
Rebecca
My mom and I always exchange the latest delicious treats we have discovered!!
Christina
This year were staying at home and eating ribs and probably watching Netflix. Quality time
Alesia Zeth
Filet mignon, baked potatoes and chocolate chip cookie bars that’s the best dinner for Valentine’s day
Jenny D.
I don’t know that I have a full on tradition but I do love that I get to spend Valentine’s Day with my best friend – my husband! He’s amazing and we are excited this year to celebrate our last Valentine’s Day as a party of two – we’ve got a little man on the way this April!
Alison
Valentine’s Day is my father’s birthday, so my fav tradition for my first 30ish years was eating birthday cake!!! I will happily keep up that tradition, no problemo.
And now that I have one of those husband things, we go out to the divey Mexican place in my neighborhood on V-day. BEST ENCHILADAS EVA.
Molly
wine, wine, and more wine
Susie D.
No traditions here, we mix it up, but there is always chocolate of course. :)
Liz
I’m single, so letting my friends know how much I appreciate them has always been a habit of mine on Valentine’s Day :)
Zena
I usually get flowers from my parents.
amylou61
My favorite Valentine’s tradition is baking something chocolate for my husband. He always appreciates it when I bake for him and he does so much for me, I love giving back to him.
Holly Clayton
Growing up with my older sister, my dad would come home from work on Valentine’s Day with a flower and a big heart-shaped box of chocolate truffles for each of this. Get this: the boxes were actually MADE OF SOLID CHOCOLATE. So we would slowly make our way through the truffles and then devour the boxes over time! I think the company that made those boxes of truffles no longer exists, but I hope my husband can do something similar for our (future) kids someday! It sure made us feel like princesses.
Jessica
I like making heart-shaped pizza to share with my family! <3
Allison (Spontaneous Tomato)
One of my sisters always sends the rest of us (3 sisters + parents) homemade watercolor/cray-pas cards and a chocolate bar (and then I always feel bad that I didn’t send her anything… but she still does it, every year!).
Jenna
Eating lots of candy of course!
Zhaleh
We always celebrate on the 13th and make it a cozy night at home.
judy
Jeez.. I’m usually alone for Valentine’s day! I thought this year would be different now that I’m married, but the army took my husband out for training.
Kimberly Klocko
I like to make heart shaped sugar cookies for Valentine’s Day.
Alyson
Just being together… we don’t really do anything special.
Rebecca
We don’t really DO Valentine’s Day, but there is chocolate, because chocolate is important . . .
kdaly
I’ve only ever had one Valentine’s Day that I wasn’t single, so most of my “traditions” involve Ben & Jerry’s and a movie and generally pretending like it’s not actually Valentine’s Day at all.
Sarah R.
For the past few years, my friends and I have made a point to celebrate our friendship with Galentine’s Day. It’s so pleasant to remember all the types of love.
Jenny
I’ve never really had a tradition. I’ve been in a long-distance relationship for almost 6 years so it’s just nice to do know that I have someone.
Karel Lee
Scavenger hunt for Valentine’s Day presents.
Jacqueline
We usually do a meal at home. This year I’m thinking grilled pizza if the weather is nice!
Julie V.
Not much in the area of Valentine’s traditions, except eating something red velvet.
Beth
My fave thing is drinking champagne with my husband for Valentine’s Day!
Gina
We don’t have a tradition, but I love that Valentine’s Day is a reminder of how important it is to tell/show the person/people you love how special they are every day of the year.
SJ
I have two favorite traditions.
1) Galentine’s Day with my best girlfriends “Parks and Recreation” style.
2) Godzilla marathon with my fiance served with a side of some decadent chocolate monster that I cook up in the kitchen.
Nutty Nutritionist Heather Mason
I want donuts so bad. I need to stop reading food blogs. my favorite Vday tradition is surprise decorating people’s cars with red hearts and balloons.
Ottilia Schafer
My boyfriend and I usually stay home and cook a nice meal together – one of our favorites is getting fresh ravioli from a local market.
Lisa P.
Hitting up local breweries and enjoying the day!
Andrea
Every year I make a homemade valentine for my valentine. There’s usually a silly pun included!
Tess
Oh my gosh, these donuts look amazing! My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is making cookies :)
Amy
As a single, chocolate-loving girl, my favorite Valentine’s tradition is to go to the nicer chocolate shops as soon as they put their Valentine’s items on sale and treat myself to a couple fancier pieces that are usually above what I can afford as a student. Also, I call my mom, because she is always my valentine. Guys come and go, but she is the one always truly there for me.
Emily
My best friend’s birthday is on Valentine’s Day, so my tradition is to send her something heart-related on her birthday. As for myself, I usually end up watching an action flick while eating Ben and Jerry’s straight from the carton.
Liz C.
We are somewhat tradition-less … we do different things every year! Sometimes staying in & cooking for ourselves & the 2 fur babies. Sometimes going out with friends for cocktails. This year, though, my sweets sent me to be with my bestie in St. Louis. Her husband is out of the country & we live 14 hours apart. I’m so excited to be her date for Valentine’s Day!!! … and am also looking forward to noshing on some red velvet cupcakes with my man when I get home. xo to you, Joy!
Kris
Dessert Club started on Valentine’s Day 2007 with me and 3 other single girlfriends I was in school with. We each brought a favourite dessert from a bakery or store in town, and then we sat down and ATE THEM ALL. We commented on each one like food critics and then eventually just gave in and got out the pen and paper and started making notes of it. One of my friends still jokingly signs her emails from time to time, “Dessert Club Vice President” or something like that!
Molly
Valentine’s day demands chocolate and coffee – all the days do though. This gift kit would kick it up a notch.
Naomi
My sister’s birthday is also on Valentine’s Day. I love getting her sweet presents!
Andrea j
The night will be my daughter, husband and myself getting takeout and watching a movie cuddled up on the couch! Perfect!
Beth
The past few years my partner and I have spent Valentine’s day with friends. We take turns with who hosts. Whoever host, makes dinner. And then the other couple brings dessert. It’s a very un-Valentine’s Valentine’s day, and we love it!
dawn
Mmmm…donuts! I don’t really have a valentine’s tradition as i am terminally single, but do make sure to treat myself extra well this weekend ;)
Leiann
No dinner reservations for us on Valentine’s day. A divine menu of our favorites- shrimp cocktail with martinis then truffle risotto, filet mignon, asparagus and flourless chocolate cake with a huge helping of romance.
Heather
Valentines tradition: Going out to breakfast to a nice meal minus the crowds :-)
Linn
Probably just getting a few treats or a cute stuffed animal from my parents! ;)
Cori
We are staying in and making dinner this year…..each year our plans seem to change. 2 years ago it was my son’s due date…but he arrived 4 (long) days later.
Monica
Favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is a relaxing dinner at home with my husband! There is always chocolate involved! :)
Meredith
My valentines day tradition is one I was lucky enough to witness each year growing up…my father worked nights and often would not cross paths with my mother as she scrambled to leave in the mornings for her role as public school teacher. Ever the romantic, my dad, when he got home in the AM from a long night shift, would place a valentine on the kitchen table for my mom. Though now retired, in their 70s, having been married over 40 years, and Valentines day falling on a weekend, I’m confident they’ll still be a Valentine on the kitchen for my mom, from my dad, first thing in the morning. Thanks for the excuse to share a sweet tradition – happy valentines day!
Neena
My sweet hubby, and now my tiny children, make me breakfast! I love waiting in bed and hearing whispers and giggles from the kids as they plot to SURPRISE Mommy with a special breakfast. Part of the ritual is pretending to be fast asleep when they sneak in for the surprise. It was sweet when my husband used to make me valentine’s day breakfast (although different and naughtier), but equally sweet now that my kids are in on the tradition!
Aurelia
I love the idea of a picnic like coffee date! But my favorite Valentines Day tradition is always exchanging handmade Valentines with my boyfriend. When we first started dating we were both very poor college students and couldn’t do anything extravagant so we decided to make a contest to outdo each other with homemade cards. No matter what he surprises me with now I still look most forward to his card, just to see what he decided to make this year!!
Toyia
I always make chocolate covered strawberries for my husband (cliche, I know, but he loves them!)
And we usually stay in and make a great dinner together…
Kris Nieves
Breakfast in bed for my hubby and I – no matter what day of the week. Omelettes, sausage or bacon, toast and a good cup of coffee.
Melissa Z
I love it as an excuse to get dressed up and go to a fancy restaurant!
Amy
I love sending my nieces and nephews Valentine’s Day care packages of candy and stickers in the mail. They are still in that stage, despite the Internet and everything else, that they love getting mail. And then I look forward to seeing all the photos they send me after they get their gifts!
Erin M.
I like making a chocolate dessert. I don’t have a tradition but it’s always fun to eat chocolate!
Ellen
My favorite Valentine’s tradition is buying all the chocolate on sale afterwards!
Lisette
I am starting a new one this year: having a group of singles friends (and a few married ones who have spouses working) over for dinner.
Karen
Our Valentine’s Day traditions have changed now that we have children. Baked meatballs and sauce, over baked polenta and board games with the kids. When they go to bed we pop open a bottle of champagne.
Preethi
I don’t have a cute valentine’s day tradition. But I would love to buy flowers to make our day special!
Stefana Dunca
our anniversary date is on the 15th so we always save our valentine’s festivities for a day to avoid the excessive lovey-dovey-ness of places and people. but there hasn’t been a year so far (5 already!) when i didn’t receive a box of assorted doughnuts on the evening of the 14th. which sparks a great breakfast in bed for him the next morning. workin’ it!
Chelsea
On Valentine’s day, my man and I get up a little bit earlier before work and swap V-day cards over our coffee. If it falls on the weekend, we make breakfast together.
Ally
I like to make homemade almond butter cups for my boyfriend :) who, by the way, is a Valentine’s hater.
Dorothy V.
I treat myself to something sweet, whether I have a guy or not!
Megan Esqueda
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is making heart shaped pancakes for my husband and son. We use pink and white polkadot place mats and napkins. It feels so special!
Mallory
Our tradition is always to celebrate Valentine’s Day either the day before, or the day after, but never on the day. It will always be a home cooked meal by myself, and then a dessert of the wife’s choosing or one of her favorites. This year we are celebrating tonight, two full nights early. It works for us and makes it less commercial.
Danielle H
I love making something sweet to share with my family and friends for Valentine’s Day!
Jenny C
My favorite tradition is to watch a romantic movie!
Carey
The kids get heart chocolates and love notes in their lunches and we have our favorite family meal- pasta with “Grandma Sauce.” (It’s not my grandma, just her recipe.) We serve it in a heart shaped Le Cruset pot that gets used sadly just once a year. Then chocolate lava cakes cause that’s special. xoxo
Hannah D
Little chocolate filled heart boxes for my children, and now grandchildren.
Natalya B
Relaxing breakfast and a nice dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.
jzgarnett
I’ve never been much for jewellery or fancy restaurants on Valentine’s Day, but I love exchanging silly cards with my husband and spending time together at home. We like kitchen dance parties, wine, and something sweet for dessert!
Emily D.
My favorite tradition is definitely buying up all the leftover chocolate on the 15th.
Carrie Quick
My husband and I always get each other cards. This year he is going to make me dinner!
anne k
Those doughnuts look bomb, I now desire a pan full of them!
In my nearly 30 years as a single lady on Valentine’s Day I used to always make myself a delicious chocolates treat and either stay in for a day of shows (with friends or alone) or go outside and enjoy an outdoor picnic with my parents. (I love my parents so it’s fitting for v-day right?) Being single doesn’t have to suck, just find someone in your life to appreciate.
Well this year is a bit special for me because I FINALLY get to spend it with someone. I decided to forego the commercial route and get more personal with my affection by baking a cheesecake. I plan on surprising my beau with it as well as a cup of coffee in the morning with his name on it! Other than that we just plan to spend time together over the weekend. :)
It’s going to be fun!
Amanda W
My favorite Valentine’s tradition is…don’t judge me…the pink, white, and red candy! I’ve loved it since grade school when you got the little heart-shaped sweetarts and so-very-cherry heart suckers with a Lion King or Power Rangers valentine. Heart candy foreverrrr. Thanks Joy! I’ve always wanted a donut pan.
Stefanie Delgado
I love to watch Pride and Prejudice (Kiera Knightley version) as well as stuff my face with chocolate and any other treats! I bake the treats myself and pass them out to loved ones. I have made everything from guava poptarts, to wine chocolate truffles, and heart shaped cookies and creme fudge.
Sara
My favorite Valentine’s tradition: my husband consistently thinking Valentines is February 13th and making me an extra special breakfast a day early :)
April
I make a special dinner for my hubby and son. Always a decadent dessert too of course!
rachael smith
My husband and I take our mom’s flowers since both of them are single and don’t have anyone.
laura
My favorite tradition is that my husband and I still ask each other, when we least expect it, to be each other’s valentine. We have absurd rules about accepting as many requests as we want but only being able to ask one other person. Of course, we always accept only each other’s request, but this tradition clarifies that we will not take each other for granted.
Emily
Does my tradition count if it’s going to Target on February 15, buying up all the half-price chocolate, and then inhaling it all? : p
Kim
Love having a nice dinner, indulgent desert and a movie with the hubby!
Ana Luiza
Stay in and watch lots of movies with great food, always… ????
Lauren
My favorite tradition is giving each other chocolate and making salmon for dinner.
carrie
My favorIte thing is going out dancing with my girls. Men may come and go through my life, but my girlfriends will always be there for me!
Lamisa
On Valentine’s day my girlfriends and I get together and watch our favorite rom-coms!
heidi
Mmm, does getting chocolate on sale the day after count as a Valentine’s Day tradition? ;)
Teresa Baker
I just love spending time with my dear hubby. We don’t have to go anywhere special, although he always plans a nice dinner out. And to top it off, we both got one of the best Valentine’s Day presents ever when I went into labor and delivered out daughter on the 15th. :-)
Vanessa
Mmmm those look delicious and gorgeous!! My favorite Valentine’s tradition is either breaking up with a current boyfriend, or attempting to resist the waves of breakups that sweep my little town every year around this time… rough stuff ;o) But this year will be funky tunes at a local club – Solid Gold theme – so we are aiming to celebrate this one!
Courtney Scott
Our favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is to go to In-n-Out and get our favorite meal together and then spend the day going on an adventure somewhere in Los Angeles. We also take the time to contact family and friends and let them know how much they mean to us. This year I will be giving my husband a digital calendar with 365 reasons why I love him.
nikki
our tradition is steak and wine at home with a game of scrabble!
jeanine johnson
We always make a steak dinner at home … delicious and no need for a reservation!
Rebecca Flower
When I was young my parents would take my brother and I to a local park for breakfast on valentines day. We would meet some other families there, and have chocolate and butter croissants, chicken rolls and a selection of other goodies (and champagne for the adults), all served on a red tablecloth with flowers. Even when valentines day fell on a school day, it was such a lovely way to start the day :)
Lindsey
My favorite tradition is preparing a Valentine’s treat for the kiddos I work with.
Nicole
We’ve never had Valentine’s traditions. Although, we probably end up watching movies at home most of the time!
Melinda @ cooking ala mel
Binge watch shows on Netflix and order in! And lots of chocolate.
Sabrina
Valentine’s Day!? What is this?
Usually.
This year I sent a selfmade valentine card to my sister.
Danielle
My boyfriend works as a pro climber so we have to be flexible as the weather dictates his life. In general though for holidays we love to cook something special at home and just enjoy the times when we are together. We don’t usually do any presents but his year i am surprising him with a new percolator! So some lavazza coffee would be the perfect addition!
amy
Girlfriends and lots of wine!!!
Aurelie
Breakfast must include bacon, maybe a Bloody Mary! Now with our new baby, valentines might have a few more surprises.
Natalie
Exchanging books and writing something really special and sweet on the inside..
Erin M.
Making something we’ve never made before at home… we try to pick ingredients we’ve never used before!
Susan
Don’t really have a tradition. Does going out to buy chocolates on sale the day after count?
EmB
My boyfriend cooks for me, and I bake the chocolatiest thing I can think of for him!
Sheila JOhnston
heart shaped pizza, corny but a long time tradition
Erin
My favorite Valentine’s Day thing is going out to eat with my family to celebrate my grandfather’s birthday.
Sue
Notting Hill and White Castle! It’s the only way to do it!
Jessie
My parents always made spaghetti and meatballs, like the Lady and the Tramp! And decorate the table with lots of candy hearts, which were promptly eaten and we were always full before dinner.
ammybelle
My partner and I were long-distance for a very long time, so we developed a tradition of Valentine’s Day Music fest – we’d send each other songs, make a playlist and listen to it together – but far apart. That way it seemed like we were together even when we couldn’t be. It’s still my favourite, though now we’re married and living together :)
Andrea
Ooh, freezing cold Valentine’s Day picnics!
Emilynn
I always make a gift for my significant other on Valentine’s Day, I spend a ton of time working on something special and they’re always surprised. :) Also, making something chocolatey and drinking wine is essential.
Alexis
Heart.Shaped.Pancakes.
Natalie
Taking a bite out of each of the chocolates in a box until I know what they all hold. Then going back for the rest! :) Oh and writing sappy things in a note to my husband. Of course.
Joy
I don’t have any set traditions, but I love the frilly Valentines my mom still sends me:) 3 kids and 12 years of marriage later! Joy you rock, and I just made an apple pie with your BEST IN THE WORLD pie crust recipe.
Adriana
Every Valentines day, my mother, sister, and I have some girls time. We hole up with our favorite movies (yes, The Notebook is included) and share a heart shaped pizza. Always a fun time! :D
AlliG
My mom started making heart shaped meatloaf when I was in elementary school, and the tradition caught on!
Jess
One of my favorite Valentine’s Day traditions is a throwback to elementary school. We would decorate boxes for our party, but we would have contests to see who could come up with the most creative. I remember making an aquarium and a grand piano, but some people really went all out!
Tina
My husband and I make cards for each other, a tradition we’ve had since we were dating!
lenaslunchbox
watching jimmy neutron and eating cheesy pasta with my best friend <3
Amberbrenna
I send handwritten cards stamped from Loveland, Colorado to my best friends and family :)
Planning for Paris
The hubby and I prepare a fancy meal! We love to cook together!
Lindsey
Hi Joy! My favorite tradition is to share a nice bottle of cabernet! Can’t go wrong with good wine!
Laura
My favorite tradition is making a simple but romantic dinner together at home and then making a trip to the store the next day to stock up on discount Valentine’s chocolate. The day after cheap chocolate is the best part!
Janine Seto
My new tradition of eating Boston Pizza’s heart-shaped pizzas!
laura samuel
ive never been in a relationship for valentines, but every year I always send my mum and dad and my best friend of 18 years a valentines and homemade chocolates. I see valentines as a day to remind the ones you love most that you appreciate them and doesn’t necessarily need to be a boyfriend/partner :)
Sarah H Brown
My husband and i aren’t very big on valentine’s day, and now that we have a kid we have even less of a chance for getting out for anything fancy. But I always like it when he takes the time to write something handwritten …double points for a handmade card.
Melissa
Tradition: Mom sends me a heart shaped box of chocolates every year even though I’m now 31and have a steady boyfriend. It wouldn’t be valentine’s day without them! XOXO Mom!
Also, the doughnuts look great as always!
Uriel Lewis
Flowers for the wife, chocolate for all, and quality time in the living room with a fire in the fireplace. Great food always.
Julianne
It may seem really simple, but just exchanging cards with my husband is my favorite part of the day!
Suzy Nam
Chocolate and nice champagne! And preferably no flowers. :-)
Sabrina
Thanks, Joy, for another fantastic recipe! Every Valentine’s Day, I try to find a new way to surprise my husband. Whether it be decorating our bedroom with red and pink balloons and streamers while he’s away at work…or showing up unannounced with a pan of his favorite brownies at the office…it’s always a fun challenge each year!
SophieS.
I always hand out “nerdy” valentines to all of my friends. Nothing says I love you like some science humor!
Katie
I send Valentines to my friends and bake some homemade brownies for myself ;)
Scott White
My wife and I only have two traditions for Valentine’s Day: Making Swiss Chicken casserole, and never managing to celebrate it on Feb 14th.
Joannie
Vday must include lots of wine. And chocolate. Did I mention the wine? :)
Gracey
wine and cheese night! Enough to count as dinner :) This is how we celebrate every year and I have zero desire to change the routine!
charlottejwilson
I love to make a Valentine cake with the heart-shaped cake pans I have. I use them pretty much only on Valentine’s Day, so I like to make sure they get their yearly workout!
Amanda
Growing up, my mom always made everything in the lunch heart shaped. I hope to carry on the traditions with my kids!
Mallory
We celebrate by hanging out together at home and we have a pact to spend 0$ on Valentines Day. Keep it about love not stuff!
Ann P.
I always mail cards to my loved ones to remind them how thankful I am for them :)
emily
I’ve never had a tradition, but want to start one!
Sara P.
I love to make a special Valentine’s breakfast for my family! Perhaps it will be these lovely donuts this year! ????
chrissie
my boyfriend isn’t a huge fan of Valentine’s Day, but we usually end up with last-minute plans for dinner somewhere. this year, we’re going to visit his parents and grandparents, so we’ll be celebrating love of a different kind!
Deb
Valentine day breakfast for my grown-up kids – heart shaped buttermilk and bacon waffles on beautiful heart-embossed glass plates. Pink mimosas too now that they’re all growed up ;} Happy Heart Day to all!
Mistie
It’s not really tradition, but I work on Valentine’s Day. I work in a spa so it’s always busy! Then I’ll treat myself to a nice dinner at home and something sweet :)
maddieswab
I love having a good Galentine’s Day dinner with my favorite ladies! :)
Julie
Homemade Valentine’s cards from my daughter to her Daddy.
Irene
My husband and I just spend the day together, watching a movie or playing video games. Our wedding anniversary is just a few days earlier than St. Valentine’s Day, so it makes no sense to celebrate twice in such a short time.
SaraC
I don’t really have any traditions now, but when I was younger, every year, my mom would get me some kind of silver heart picture frame. I still have them all to this day.
Tiffany
We like to stay in and cook a fun meal together, followed by fondue or another hands on dessert!
Hannah
My best friends and I all send each other goofy, punny cards!
Jill
I like to make heart shaped pancakes for my little boys on Valentine’s Day.
Allison
Pasta + wine + chocolate. Always a winning trio!
Holly
My parents always send me a nice card and treats. It’s nice to know that they’re my permanent Valentines :)
Angela C.
Does buying discount chocolate the day after count?!
Sarah
My husband and I exchange homemade corny cards.
Katya
My favorite tradition is to just together for a fun meal at home with some friends and enjoy cooking together.
Mariana
We don’t really celebrate Valentine’s day per se but since we hate the whole go out for an expensive dinner tradition, my boyfriend makes a fancy dinner for us and I do the dessert and get bubbles… Watching House of Cards used to be our tradition for the past 2 years but Netflix has decided otherwise this year :(
Cassandra Jones
I love making a Valentines day dinner for my young family. It is always includes a yummy treat at the end. Making dessert is my favorite part;)
Stephanie-Oh
I always give my 3 grandchildren something special for Valentines Day. This year I sent them their favorite Jeni’s Icecream flavor. Two of them are already little “chocoholics”!!! And , of course my honey gets a box of his favorite chocolates!
Nathalie
I’m a bit of a Valentine’s Day cynic, but I guess my favorite tradition is chocolate ;)
Kate
My favorite tradition is baking heart shaped cookies!
Kim
I bake sugar/almond cookies and always eat chocolate cake!
Karen Nielsen
Making heart cookies for the neighbors.
Corie
We haven’t really settled on family Valentine’s traditions but there is always a lot of baking and chocolate and good food involved!
Talia
taping valentines day notes on my roommates’ doors and mirror
Mila Carney
My favorite moments of Valentines Day with my lovee include a trip to our favorite coffee joint and an evening at our local oyster bar. Mmm! This year I will include your pb bacon cookies!
jenn d
I love to host a valentine’s day brunch for my friends and family
yupitsmabel
We love having a cheese-y romantic dinner. That means staying at home with a massive cheese board for dinner!
Dana S
I feel like it’s always galentines day. I send valentines to all my people near and far. I love to host dessert and wine parties.
Grace B
We stay in on Valentines and I love it! Always get eachother silly gifts and then split a bottle of wine, cook a baguette, and eat fancy cheese. Romantic and relaxing!
Megan
My boyfriend and I don’t have a specific tradition. But we just do whatever makes us feel good that day, or if we find something cute we will get it for each other. Last year we made chicken cheese steaks, and this year we are going to the coast and I am adopting a kitty!
christina
My valentine’s day tradition is to make a special dinner for my fiance. This will be our 10th valentine’s day together!
Gretchen Lambert
We aren’t celebrating on Valentine’s Day. We are picking a day the following week to buy reasonably priced beautiful flowers and have a fantastic dinner without the headache of the Valentine’s crunch!
Jenny L
I don’t really have a tradition, but I think I should start one involving donuts!
valerie
Our tradition is to enjoy a nicer than usual meal at home with some wine and dessert, of course. This year we will celebrate on the 15th since we both work on the 14th, but really every day is Valentine’s Day when you appreciate each other!
Shannon
Some holidays lend themselves to traditions, but I kind of dig surprises for Valentine’s. ; )
Stacy
My sweetie and I always get take out and watch the cheesiest, gaggiest romantic movie we can find. We laugh our way through it.
sarah
My mom used to always make a special meal for us on Valentine’s Day – either breakfast or dinner. She would use fancy dishes, we’d have sparkling grape juice, and she’d give us some cute valentine’s themed socks and m&m’s. I love that she celebrated that it’s a holiday about love – doesn’t have to be romantic. I think that’s why I still love the holiday on the years when I don’t have a significant other to share it with – I still have so many people I love! Was so fun to share those moments with my 5 siblings and parents, who have now been married for 40 years and are the best example of love I know!
Chelsea
I always eat strawberries on Valentine’s Day!
Ally
Our tradition is making dinner together and just enjoying each other on the day of and eating out for our “special occasion” experience on another day. We hate crowds (and fixed menus!) but still like to mark the occasion with a meal out, so this is a really nice way to do it.
jacqui o
the boyfriend and i have taken to hitting burger places rather than going out for fancy dinner. last 2 years – shake shack, this year – tasty burger!
Nancy M Carlson
Making something chocolaty and yummy for the ones you love.
Bianca @ Sweet Dreaming
wine and chocolate is the only constant every v-day :)
Teresa O.
Usually we get together with friends and the guys plan and cook the meal. Sometimes with a little help from the ladies but mostly they are in charge. It’s fun to sit back sipping my cocktail and chat while the guys put the dinner on the table. We always have such a great time.
Hannah
My mom always used to leave us a little “treat” for Valentine’s Day. Long before I actually had a Valentine I loved this tradition
Liz s.
I bake something full of love for my family!
Katie DeLaV
My husband is a chef, which means awesome meals at home, except for Valentine’s Day when he helps others célèbrate! I don’t mind waiting, though- his cooking is amazing!
Melanie
This is a more recent tradition in our house, but I try to be home for a barbecue and champagne dinner in San Diego every Valentine’s weekend. My dad takes an extra trip to east San Diego to get Phil’s BBQ (which is some of the best BBQ I’ve ever had FYI) and loads up on enough brisket, ribs, and pulled pork for about 8 people. We don’t have a specific champagne we always get, although we do tend to splurge for special occasions. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my single-hood ;)
Lora
Dinner at home avoiding the crowds.
Natalie
My husband and I like to visit Alyeska in Girdwood, Alaska (just around the corner from where we live) to go snowboarding together on Valentine’s weekend! He loves it. I love it. It’s so much fun!
Willa McNeill
I suppose the most constant tradition has been celebrating my mom’s birthday which actually falls on Feb 15. She was born in 1918 so will be 97 this year. She lives in an assisted living facility about 2 hours away but my sister and I are planning to take a nice meal in for her and a friend. Should we take balloons? Flowers? Probably so.
Stacy
My husband and I make homemade waffles and watch have a mafia movie marathon. We have been doing it since we met — 10 years ago in high school!
correcttoes
My dad started sending me flowers on Valentines day when I was in 7th grade. He still sends them each year and its a sweet reminder of his love and care for me :)
Angelina
I’ve always been single on Valentine’s Day, but I do love to buy myself flowers (anything but roses) and bake something chocolatey. Single Lady Lava Cake was last year! :)
Belinda P
At home with hot chocolate, log fire and a schmaltzy, romantic movie – simple stuff but after 20 years marriage it still works well.
Lily Maker
We usually make a nice dinner at home and enjoy each other’s company!
Saroyah
My favorite tradition is making your single lady pancakes! #noshame
Meg Dickey-Kurdziolek
My husband deliberately do NOT celebrate valentines day on valentines day, and instead wait until what we call “discount candy day” (Feb 15th) to do something laid back and fun – like go to the movies and smuggle in hoards of cheap valentines candy to eat. (FYI – Discount candy day happens twice a year for us – Feb 15th and Nov 1st)
Rachel
What a yummy-looking recipe! Every year I love to make a garland of origami hearts. It looks so festive.
Helen
The boyfriend and I enjoy wine and cheese on Valentine’s day :)
Lexi
My parents always send me my favorite treats and we usually have a big family dinner! But now that I’m at school, we can’t do the dinner part ):
Chrissy
I don’t think my first comment posted… My boyfriend cooks me dinner (because I cook most days of the year!). And eating lots of chocolate of course!
Melania
When I was little my dad would present me with a little heart shaped box of chocolates. Now I do the same with my son! :)
Sarah G.
Candlelight dinner at home with homemade chocolate cake for dessert.
Karly K
One year my husband and I accidentally bought the same Valentine’s Day cards with polar bears on them way back when we were dating. Every year we try to find each other a V day card with a polar bear. It’s a challenge sometimes but its always fun to see what the other comes up with!
crystal harris
Love tobmake breakfast for my hubby
Sara Rodriguez
Where we come from Valentine’s Day is not such a big tradition (we have another holiday, in April, to celebrate love) but either way, we like to celebrate as many holidays as we can, so on V-day he cooks something new and fancy for lunch (usually cheesy) and I always make desert. This year it will be a chocolate ganache and sea salt orange caramel tart! And then movies of course. But maybe I’ll give a try to those delicious-looking doughnuts too! Have a great great V-day Joy :)
Valerie
Those donuts look delish!! No Valentine’s Day traditions because I don’t always have the day off and we live 2 hours away from each other, but I have it off this year so it’s a day of fun things we enjoy doing together…morning at the Farmers Market, a beer or two at one of the best breweries in town, and then dinner at the restaurant in the middle of the zoo.
Ally
This kit looks great! A wonderful complement to my favorite tradition: staying at home to cook and eat dinner together!
Ashtin Bertelson
Each year, since I was a girl, I have had a brunch date with the most important ladies in my life. Four generations of women in my family have made tradition by all coming together for a girls-only Valentines Brunch each year. During our annual brunch, we all (grandma, mom, aunts, sister, cousins and nieces) decorate the tablescape and room, cook, eat, and tidy up together. Then we exchange lovely, little treasures while we sip on mimosas and laugh and each other’s anecdotes. The best part of all of this tradition are the photos and memories we’ve collected over the years. Valentines brunch began with my grandmother and her daughters and has expanded as our family has.
Shoshana
I don’t really have a Valentine’s tradition…my husband and I don’t usually celebrate it. I guess you could say our tradition is to trade fancy dinners out and prix fix menus for our favorite local pizza place ;-)
Jessica
swedish fish… and wine!
Jennifer
I love visiting an observatory on Valentines to see the stars. Very romantic.
Dana
A cozy night at home with my hubby with a special dinner.
Elly K
I enjoy making my husband a funny card, having something extra delicious for breakfast, and going out to eat on a night that *isn’t* Valentines Day proper. This year, it was last Saturday!
Moni
My husband gets me flowers for Valentine’s Day. This year, he decided that it was also time to get our daughter her own bouquet of flowers! I like to bake something yummy and sweet!!!
Margie S
We enjoy chocolates, hot cocoa, and each others company.
Abi
A nice cheesy cozy pasta at home. Comfort food heaven!
Abigail
My favorite Valentine’s day tradition is cards — my parents always give each other 2 cards, a funny one and a romantic one, and so I’ve started doing the same with my boyfriend.
Rebecca
I’ve never really had a valentine’s day tradition, unfortunately, unless you count my parents giving me and my siblings chocolates!
Alyssa
Baking something with all of the chocolate with my oldest friend.
margie
We enjoy chocolates, hot cocoa, and just each others company.
Kristina
I love to split the Little Debbie’s valentine’s cakes with my friends- perfect treat!
Amanda L
My husband and I grill steaks, and make white cheddar beer soup. ;) I also make caramel cake for the girls.
B
girls night! cocktails, movies & sweatpants.
Susan
Our tradition is to hunker in at home with a good home cooked meal, some chocolate covered strawberries and a movie. We go out to eat the following night to a nice restaurant when it’s not so crazy and busy.
FYI, I have had a donut pan on my Amazon wish list for 2 years and no one has gotten it for me yet. I want one so I can make all of your and Shutterbean’s donut recipes!
Jessica K
My grandparents send me a chocolate heart!
Arley Arrington
We are celebrating with a Galentines party, featuring a Beyoncé themed dinner and lots of champagne. It’s the best night of the year!
Taylor
In the four and a half years we’ve been together, my husband and I have never celebrated Valentines day. BUT! This year I got it in my head that we needed some best friend fun times, so I’ve been planning a day that will include the following:
A visit to the Beer Can House in Houston (Google it, it’s amazing), a tour of a local distillery, a trip to Whole Foods to stock up on craft beer and junk food (natch), a Netflix pick of his choice, and a home spa night powered by Lush products.
Not to toot my own horn, but…I would not mind being my Valentine.
Obviously I’m pretty pumped about it.
PS I just bought that donut pan and I’m veryyyy excited to try it out this weekend!
kait
Usually it is shucking oysters and sipping negronis at home – followed up with an ice cream sandwich. But this year since its Mardi Gras I can only imagine it will be spent somewhere on St. Charles with a lot of beads and perhaps too many drinks — I hope yours is similar! Happy Mardi Gras, Joy!
Dawn Fredricks
Looking for ideas for new traditions!
Corcoran
My Husband is in the Military – in our 5 years together this year will be our first valentines as a Married Couple but also in the same state! My favorite tradition has been getting flowers and a card from him no matter where he was that year. I am excited to see what new traditions come after our first Valentines Day together in person!
Heather
Our only tradition is the fact that Valentines Day is NEVER romantic. One year when my husband and I were still dating, I received dead flowers. He didn’t mean it (they froze in the car while he was in college) but I was a little hurt. The first year after we were married my hubby gave me a vacuum…well, at least he always remembers!
Rita D
My husband and I always try to have a date/meal together for valentines day. Some years we go out some we stay in…sometimes it’s the day before or the day after valentines day, but we always make time for each other.
Pam Schraeder Capone
It’s been at least 30 years since we did anything for Valentine’s Day. This year we are going to our favorite wood pizza joint, share a pizza and a bottle of wine. The hard part is who’s favorite pizza are we ordering. I guess we will have to make this a traditional so we can switch off on the pizza’s each year
Maureen Elizabeth
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is watching When Harry Met Sally – classic fast-talking, awkward humor and really sweet moments of love!
skyla H
PizzA And wine!
Anila
I always enjoy having a mellow and laid back valentines day…making dinner at home, having something deliciously chocolately for dessert, and watching a movie. Perfect low key evening :)
Cecilia Pérez
I would love to make baked donuts!!
I think they are healthier than the other ones
Dina
My boyfriend I have a restaurant we go to every year on Valentine’s – pretty mundane but we like it. For my single days I used to make myself some very fussy and indulgent dinner and watch TV with my cat.
wendy
Homemade treats and hanging out with my Valentine.
Laura
My mom would always wake me and my sister up with a beautiful breakfast complete with pancakes and tea! She always made sure to make the day extra special for us :)
Kelsey McGinley
My fiance and I go out to dinner every year and every year he surprises me with a new place. It’s usually a restaurant that I have mentioned wanting to try and it is so fun to see what it is and know that he really listens!! The best part is that it could be a hole in the wall place or really fancy and its always fun and romantic! :) And of course I always bake something!
Cindy M
My mom always made us a red dinner when we were growing up! She’d add red food coloring to the boiling pasta water, and the pasta would come out pink. Marinara sauce on top, and a cute pink cocktail (Sprite and cranberry juice usually) rounded out the dinner. She’d add more to the meal, but red pasta was somehow so exciting! Unfortunately the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones sounds similar, but I assure you, it was all very adorable.
stephyharrison07
This look and sound heavenly!
Stephanie
http://ishowedupinboots.com
Elizabeth
Mom still sends a card and box with fun goodies and of course chocolate!
Natasha C
I just love to have a nice dinner with my friends or loved one – nothing fancy, usually pizza
Lizzy
My dad always buys me a little something valentine’s day themed. Usually candy, but sometimes PJs, jewelry and once throw pillows!
Kim Defibaugh
Favorite tradition…..cookies. of some kind, not always the same but definitely baking cookies. :)
Amy
My favorite tradition is NO TRADITION. I don’t buy into Valentine’s Day as a romantic holiday, but it is fun to do a few silly things for my family. Sometimes I make heart-shaped food (like cutting out roasted beets in tiny hearts for salad). I’ll print out Star Wars valentines for the kids – and sometimes for my husband, too – and decorate them with googly eyes and glitter glue. Mostly, I just like reasons to use glitter glue and googly eyes. And I’ll drink champagne with dinner. But again, that’s mostly because I like to drink champagne. I guess I’m treating myself like a Valentine by doing special things that make me happy. Hopefully that makes the people around me feel happy and special, too.
Stacey
spending it at home, making a nice dinner together!
Tiffany D.
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is eating chocolate fondue with my family. It was especially funny when my brother and sister were little and would get chocolate all over the place!
Jess Knight
These are so lovely! Such a fun idea to swirl in the jam. Pinned this recipe!
Danielle
My husband and I have adopted the tradition go to an expensive restaurant we usually couldn’t afford and treat ourselves the week BEFORE Valentine’s Day. This way we can enjoy our food without all of the crowds.
Julie
My husband and I always stay in. I make heart shaped pizzas (his favorite) and heart shaped cookies. Our anniversary is Feb 11, so I always make a nice salmon meal (his other favorite) and something chocolate. His gift to me every year for the last decade: twizzlers and champagne (the good stuff!)
Ilse
This is the first valentine’s day I am engaged, and I am excited to cook a romantic dinner for my fiance :) This will be our second valentines day together.
Growing up, I loved getting valentines from my parents – they were the first to love me, and will love me forever :)
Joanie
I cook something yummy @ home
Farah
Dinner at home followed by a netflix binge
Abby
This year my sister will be in town with her brand new finance! We’re going out to celebrate.
Lauren H.
Sending my sister nerdy pickup lines. Because somebody needs to.
molly
fondue and king crab!
Melanie
I always like making a silly, punny card to give to him. I’m not really artistic, but it’s fun nonetheless.
SM
I make two gourmet cupcakes, each year it’s different. Then my husband and I put candles in them, turn off the lights, and surprise our nine-year old twins with a happy Valentine’s Day treat. They make wishes, blow out the candles and devour the cupcakes. Then we read the cards or letters we leave for each other under our pillows.
Carley
Our fav Valentine’s tradition since having kids is to put them to bed early, make a yummy cheese plate and rent a movie.
Ruth
My husband cooks on Valentine’s Day, always lobster tails and shoestring fries, and we drink champagne. Our daughter joins us, but drinks sparkling cider of course.
Jessica
Staying in with a home cooked meal and chocolatey dessert!
Madeline
For 10 years we’ve been making cheese and chocolate fondue. Love it!
Kate S.
These are awesome! Can’t wait to try and make them mini as doughnut holes :)
My parents always got me and both of my brothers a card and some form or fashion of chocolates – they wanted to teach us that Valentine’s Day celebrates all kinds of love, not just in romantic relationships. Love them!
Terri Gostynski l.p. l.p.
I make a special dinner for my hubby nd we go for an after dinner walk if the weather allows Then home for dessert and a movie.
kaloskraft
My husband and I are not big on valentines’s day, we celebrate my brother in law’s Feb 14th birthday instead!
Ashley Lindsay
My best girlfriends are scattered around the country–I love baking batches of valentine-decorated cookies, packing them in mason jars and shipping them to make sure they have a sweet treat for the day.
Heidi
I (temporarily) dye my hair pink every year!
youareapearl
My hubby & I always cook a fancy candlelit dinner at home night-of, and then go out to a favorite spot the next day, dodging all the insanity ;)
jujubee777
I love to bake some treats for Valentine’s Day! Even if I don’t have a love interest to share them with my friends and family are always up for the challenge!
Kara Brown
We make homemade cards for eachother – the whole family does it! :)
Jessica Buller
We don’t have any valentine’s traditions, we go with the flow! I’ll most likely cook up a lovely meal for us and he’ll bring me a nice bottle of wine.
Karleen
My favorite thing about Valentine’s Day is that it’s the start of candy season! First, Valentine’s chocolates and then Easter candy comes out too! Oh and the Girl Scouts are setting up shop this time of year also. It’s the BEST!
Shikha
Since meeting my now hubby, every Valentine’s day we enjoy a special meal. Some years it’s splurging on a lovely meal at a nice restaurant, and other times it’s making a multi-course meal at home. Either way, it’s filled with just “us” time – no technology, no distraction. Just some delicious food and plenty of wine :)
Saroyah
My favorite tradition is baking your single lady pancakes #noshame
BakedNorthwest
Making a nice dinner at home is a no-brainer. If there is a fancy box of chocolates and wine and a movie that’s an added bonus!
Irena
Breakfast and coffee in bed!
Yolie Contreras
I always do something non traditional. This year my boyfriend and I will be visiting a local pig rescue! Spreading the love to animals in need.
Amy S.
My mom always gives us Valentine treats. I’m 35 and I still love it. :)
Chandra Meyers
It is the only day of the year my husband wakes up before me and brings me coffee in bed. Best day ever!
Kathleen
My sister and I have a valentine’s (or galentine’s) tradition where we put together a care package for each other filled with fuzzy socks, chocolate, nail polish, and other fun treats. I love putting together her care package every year and receiving hers in the mail!
Suze from OR
We mail Valentines through Loveland, CO so they have a cool stamp and poem on the envelopes!!!!
Lauren
My boyfriend and I always give each other silly/cheeky cards (for instance I got him one that simply said “dat ass” on the outside and “i like it” on the inside.) They seem to escalate every year and always sends us into a fit of giggles.
Hilary K.
Getting donuts for Valentine’s breakfast for my husband and kids is actually my tradition! This year I ought to make your delicious-looking recipe instead.
Nora B
My boyfriend and I have a nice breakfast together!
Looly
I don’t have a VDay tradition, but I do love to buy half-price candy on the 15th! :)
Erin
Sending cards to my two best friends since elementary school and celebrating Valentine’s Day with doughnuts!
Stephanie
The very first Valentine’s with the boyfriend…our plan is to break in the Kitchenaid pasta maker attachment he gave me for Christmas!
Aulia S
I don’t actually celebrate Valentines day, instead we choose a random day anytime in the year and celebrate that day as Valentines day. Totally fun, and always a surprise with no pressure.
Christie
While having breakfast in bed, my loved one and I share the things we are most grateful for in our lives.
Rachael
I usually get together with my girlfriends for cheeseburgers, chocolate-covered strawberries, and movies/TV.
cynthia
Definitely heart-shaped pancakes with fresh raspberry sauce and whipped cream for everyone in our family!
Stephanie
We really don’t have any traditions for Valentine’s Day….although it’s the anniversary of the day he proposed…so that makes it even more special……does that sound too sappy?
Ashley
My favorite tradition is the classic bouquet of flowers! That’s all I really require, and I was actually considering just doing a coffee date with my husband this year, simple but so us.
Ciara
What an adorable giveaway! Despite this being my boyfriend and my fifth anniversary we’ve spent most of our valentines apart so we haven’t come up with any good traditions. However I’ll be moving to him in Seattle this summer and we can start new traditions that will definitely involve donuts and coffee. Thanks joy :)
Hannah
My favorite tradition is celebrating my birthday with my family and friends! It’s a double celebration day when you’re born on Valentine’s day!
Morgan Farmer
My favorite Valentines tradition has always been the cheesy cards! Growing up my mom always got me the cheesiest card she could find and my husband and I are continuing this tradition!
Milica
Hey Joy! I’m extremely happy Taylor Swift introduced me to your fabulous recipes via her Tumblr page. :)
I’m only 18 years old, but since then, I haven’t been able to stay away from your incredible website and recreate your delicious ideas.
Since I’m not in a relationship at the moment, I intend to use this recipe and bake lovely donuts for my dancing class friends. Cannot wait!
I consider myself being quite romantic. This giveaway package would make me extremely happy.
Lots of love (and adorable recipes),
-M
Elizabeth Rogers
My husband and I like to keep it unconventional. This year we are hoping for hiking and a picnic. :) But there is always red wine involved.
Amy M
Lovely basket!! There has always been chocolate & hugs & kisses… wait! we have those everyday!! Maybe more chocolates on Valentine’s then :)
Rebekah
We break out the fondue pot and make it fondue-licious on sparkly plates…cheese, main course and chocolate to finish!
Arley
For the second year, my girlfriends and I are celebrating galentines day with a BEYONCÉ themed dinner, and too many bottles of champagne. It’s the best night of the year!
Amy
It changes every year but one of my favorite years some friends and I ordered Chinese take-out, got a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and watched a cheesy rom-com in our pj’s. Low-key and lots of fun :)
Claire
Growing up, my mom would always make something valentines themed as an after-school snack. We had pink applesauce one year with hot tamales in it. Several years it included a heart shaped brownie or cookie cake too. I loved coming home from school to this!
Melinda
My girlfriends and I always celebrate galentine’s day the day before. My best friends, lots of breakfast food and mimosas.
Barbara
Valentine’s Day is my younger sister’s birthday. We always looked forward to baking her a heart shaped cake (with pink icing!)
Love the donuts!
Diana
Valentine’s brunch, especially for the little one. We make it a fun thing for our son.
Mitzi
Drinking wine, lots and lots of wine, with maybe the Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice thrown in for fun.
Tania
This is my first valentine’s day with my fiancé as we have been long-distance up until last fall! Our plans revolve around making food at home: buckwheat waffles for breakfast and pizza for dinner! I’m looking forward to creating traditions in the years to come, although I’d say you can’t ever go wrong with either waffles or pizza!
Emily @ OffTheWaller
Our tradition is to eat something heart-shaped! Haha. Our first Valentine’s Day was heart-shaped pasta from World Market, and I think this year we will be making heart-shaped pancakes to include our little man in our tradition.
Angie
Making treats for my kids. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity and happy Valentines, everyone.
Allison T.
Couples massages! Always a great way to spend V-Day <3
Kelsey Jacobs
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is waiting to celebrate until a few days later when the candy was on clearance and the restaurants aren’t a mess. Coffee and donuts, though…that might be worth starting a new tradition!
Hayley
Albeit cliche, handwritten Valentines! I don’t care if I am 27- I shamelessly mailed handwritten Valentines to about 20 of my lady friends (plus one to my parents) earlier this afternoon. You’ve gotta spread the love to feel the love! <3
Gayle
I always send my husband’s office Valentine’s themed cookies. He loves the cookies and I like to give him a little something to let him know I am thinking about him on such a traditional “girly” holiday!
Aliza N
My mom always did something small for us for Valentine’s Day so now I make sure to send my mom and sister valentines every year… even if I’m late and need to send them via Paperless Post!
Britt
My person-for-life and I always make a decadent dinner of sea scallops! we alter the recipe every year and spend a week or two beforehand looking for a good wine pairing.
Heather
Spending the evening with my husband at home: dinner we make together, followed by dessert and a movie.
Lydia
I love the excuse to slow down and enjoy time together – especially sleeping a little later than usual and cooking breakfast together.
Floured Apron
I always take my daughters to a local pizza place for heart shaped pizza! It’s fun for us and the restaurant donates the profits to heart disease research! After dinner we come home and dig into a heart shaped brownie or homemade custard puffs. It’s always a day full of extra love!
Jessie
My parents used to always make a spaghetti and meatball dinner, like the Lady and the Tramp! We used to decorate the entire table (with mostly candy) and totally fill up on candy hearts before we even got to dinner.
Jessica
The tradition in my family was to always give one another lots of sweets. Valentine’s Day 2011 was the last one I got to spend with my dad. That year, I made sure I gave him lots of sweets. His weakness was chocolate, so I bought him a huge box of Lindt Chocolate truffles and his favorite Queen Anne chocolate covered cherries. He ate most of them (I worried about his sugar level), but looking back now, I’m so happy he had his chocolate and ate it too.
Katie
Getting Chocolates from Dad and a card from him every year!
Claire
Cooking something from scratch together, like tofu or pasta!
Jenny
It’s hard to say we have a tradition since it will be our first Valentine’s Day together, but I can still give you details of what lies ahead for the special day!
He made reservations for us at a restaurant in Providence, RI called Oki’s, a habachi joint. I’m excited for the delicious food of course, but more for the onion volcano.
And then we will head to Pastiche for dessert. Their lemon bars are amazing.
I do hope this does become a tradition for us<3
kate
My mother and I have made pink heart shaped sugar cookies for as long as I can remember. She has all different sizes of heart cookie cutters. My favorite one is about the size of my head!! She just sent me a picture of the ones she made today while im at college. :)
Thea M.
My husband is much more romantic than I & usually spoils me senseless no matter what day of the year it is, but this V-day, I’m going to surprise him with the traditional (specialty) chocolates, prosecco, and a sappy card with an equally sappy handwritten note.
Reba
My best girl friend and I used to make a big fancy dinner together every Valentine’s Day – steak, baked potatoes, chocolate cake, and champagne. We would decorate my little apartment with pink and red balloons and twinkle lights and then watch a romantic comedy after dinner. Now I am married and my friend and I live in different states – we don’t get to have our dinners together every year, but I always mail her a big valentine card with confetti hearts in it. Now, with a one-year old baby (and the next one on the way), my husband and I celebrate with a quiet, candlelit dinner. Except for this year…my in-laws are visiting from the UK and so we will have a big family dinner! Lots of love to go around. :-)
Heather Morgan
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition is exchanging cards with my parents. Romantic love has come and gone ten times over in my life, but my parents loved me before I was born.
Samantha
Staying in, making dinner, and drinking wine!
Christina
making chocolate covered strawberries together, instead of spending a fortune on buying them.
Bryony Owen
No traditions, but this year my friends and I are getting together for grilled cheese, wine and some tipsy chocolate chip cookie baking!
Sara
My husband and I refuse to go out and deal with the masses of people and the disappointing prixe-fix dinners. Every year (since we started dating, 9 whole years ago!), we stay home, open the nicest bottle of wine we have, and one of us makes dinner and one makes dessert. We always keep the recipes as secret as we can to surprise each other. It’s a great way to hang out and just appreciate each other.
Gwen
Our tradition started when we forgot to make any plans (we have 5 kids – it happens!). We ended up having a gracious family member babysit and we decided to just go to a movie at a cheap theater. We had a wonderful time. When the movie got out, we headed to our favorite restaurant to see if they any seats. At 10:45, they were nearly empty and we had a romantic dinner in a beautiful quiet setting. It’s become a favorite thing – except now we plan for it!
Wehaf
My favorite tradition is buying chocolates at half-off the day after Valentine’s Day!
Julia Kelley-Swift
These donuts look amazing… My favorite tradition is buying all the chocolate that is 50% off the day after Valentine’s day!
Emily
Every year I make my husband a Valentine’s day card. I’m certainly not an artist, it’s just a way we keep Valentine’s personal!
madeline
These look so yummy!!! My favorite Valentines tradition is those little Valentibes you buy as a kid to give to your classmates. I buy those and give them to my friends and loved ones!
Kimberly
I love to watch the lovey dovey movies on tv. Guilty pleasure for sure.
Liz
Our valentines tradition since our first date on Valentines Day 12 years ago has been to stay in and make home-made pizza!
Michele
Our favorite Valentine’s day tradition is getting Thai food for lunch. When my now husband first started courting me, he called me at work asking me to check my car for his house keys. It was a trap! I stepped outside and he was at my car with chocolates and flowers. It’s cheesy but sometimes cheesy works. My office had very limited options so I took him to the Thai place in walking distance where he had his first Thai Iced Tea. Ever since, we make it a point to go back there for Valentine’s day!
Have a great day!
Elizabeth
My fiancé and I like to share a nice bottle of wine and a home cooked meal. We skip the cards and gifts and just celebrate with simplicity and good conversation.
Elizabeth
We don’t do anything too crazy but I do cook my husbands favorite meal and dessert every year! His favorite dessert just so happens to be your black and white cookie recipe. I surprised him and made them a couple days early this year and tinted the white side pink in an effort to really get into the Valentines Day spirit haha!
Megan Tieken
First off, those doughnuts look amazing!! I’ve been dying to make them but I can’t seem to find a doughnut pan anywhere.
My favorite tradition for Valentine’s would definitely have to be that my boyfriend and I always end up staying in and cooking for one another/cooking together. Restaurants are way too crazy packed and expensive!! Last year on Valentine’s, I worked at an ice cream shop that made chocolate covered strawberries and had been working for over 24hrs straight. I was completely dead/exhausted and as I stumbled into my boyfriend’s apartment, he had made me a heart shaped pizza with candles all around and my favorite record on vinyl. It’s little things like that, that make spending Valentine’s in completely worth it for me. I can’t wait to carry on this tradition for the rest of forever. Who knows what he’ll have up his sleeve this year! ;)
Caitlin
I love getting flowers, exchanging cards and cooking dinner at home with my husband. Nothing too crazy, but romantic!
Megan P.
We don’t really have a tradition, but this year I’m making my husband and pancake-devouring almost 3-year-old heart-shaped red velvet pancakes with bacon hearts and we’re going to spend the day together.
Farah
Breakfast in bed with sweet love notes <3
steph
I always send valentines to my best friends, just like kids did in elementary school, though nowadays they’re either suggestive or punny.
Kelsey PS
We don’t have any set traditions, but I always enjoy having some dark chocolate ;-)
Rachel Tilly
Nothing fancy, just hanging out with My sweet husband. Although this year and last year we went to an off Broadway play around V day and I kind of think that should definitely be a tradition we keep up!!
Anie Toole
This year we are making heart shaped pizzas with our 3 kids, probably chocolate fondu and we go around the table and talk about things we love about our family.
Zoë
I always make sure to eat lots of chocolate and make sure my loved ones eat plenty, as well!
Sofie T.
Gal-atine to celebrate great girlfriends!
Niki Murray
Those donuts look fab and the giveaway is amazing….traditional Valentine’s is cinnamon rolls ( this year your dirty choc ones) bacon, eggs and coffee for breakfast….lounging indoors, a quick stroll to get some fresh air and then a romantic steak dinner in candlelight xxx
egahan23
I love ‘Galentines’ Day with my friends were we cook a fancy dinner and eat way too much chocolate!
Haylee Harker
My favorite tradition is watching a romantic comedy and eating lots of chocolates!
abbigator96
I love flowers!
Debi Jones
Sugar cookies with pink frosting
Deanna
A small-ish group of us has dinner at one of our’s homes. A main is picked and the rest bring the sides, desserts, etc. Then cocktails and games! Much more fun than going to a busy, overly priced restaurant for Valentine’s Day!
rusthawk
I make red velvet cake for Valentines. This year we’re going to build a fire in the fire pit and grill tenderloin and veggies.
naty
We love parks (national, state, and local). So for Valentine’s we make sure we visit one and go for a nice stroll (long or short). Whether it’s a nice 30 minute stroll or a multi-day hiking trip, we like to spend it with each other, walking hand in hand, enjoying the beauty that surrounds us, reflecting.
Sarah
I think my favorite Valentines Day tradition is steak. We usually stay in to avoid the crowds, but I’ll pick up some really good steaks from the butcher shop and we have a nice romantic dinner at home.
Tiffany
Ever since my son was born five years ago, we started the tradition of having heart shaped pancakes for breakfast. Last year we started the tradition of baking cookies for the Air Force guards that work the front gate of the base that we live at. It’s fun to spread the love!
Angela
My husband and I have never been very good at surprises, but Valentine’s Day is the one exception. I’m never sure what he’s planning or what I’ll wake up to, but it’s fun to remember to have fun. :)
Erin
Galentine’s dinner with friends. Preferably beer & burgers. And lots of chocolate
Rachel J
My favorite vday tradition is ordering in pizza and going out for ice cream! Fun giveaway Joy!
Tara
We love to cook something new and special at home together.
Meghan
My hubby and I are all about the food on Valentine’s Day! We make ourselves a fancy schmancy dinner and then find something equally bad for us for dessert!
Brooke Wilson
Romantic dinner in with my sweet heart!
nikki
My fiancé and I are hanging out with friends and taking them on a food tour of NYC :)
Liz
I’m increasingly fond of celebrating a wider group of Valentines. So homemade brunch with my mom, my daughters, my husband and a couple of friends, attached or not, to celebrate love and connection and the people who make my life rich and lovely every day. Doughnuts definitely, when possible.
Kristen
I’m usually single and prefer to ignore it.
Bethany Christie
My mom would always make me heart shaped strawberry shortcakes:) SO delicious!!
Tess Lecuyer
Cozy at home! Home baked is best!
sharon
We’re newlyweds so we’re still figuring out new traditions. This year, we’re heeding this article from thekitchn and staying in for a home cooked meal instead of dealing with the madness that valentine’s dinners can be.
Dee P.
Homemade dinner for two: the best way to celebrate each other!
runner's table
I don’t think my comment posted…my husband and I like to cook a decadent dinner together, drink lots of wine, and watch bad movies. I also like to eat tons of chocolate!
rachel
Buy chocolate on sale on February 15. ;)
Sarah
My favorite “new” tradition is to make galentines! It allows me to be creative and make something special for my friends!
Lacey
Reese’s hearts!
Silaygirl
I decorate our house with fun Valentine decorations, pretty Valentine table cover, prepare a very nice breakfast for my little guy with heart shaped pancakes, strawberries, fresh orange juice and for our after dinner I make us chocolate dipped anything :-) fresh fruit, marshmallows, pretty much anything that we already have at home..nothing expensive but fun and loving. Family Quality time and good – fun little eats are the best Valentine’s gifts + lots of hugs and kisses too. :-)
runner's table
My husband and I always cook a decadent dinner together, drink a couple of bottles of wine, and watch really bad movies…we like to choose a theme and find two or three to watch.
Ashley
My husband and I go skiing!
Laura Harreld
Every Valentine’s Day, my parents send me chocolate turtles from a shop in my hometown. They’re the best! Coffee and donuts might become my new Valentine’s Day morning tradition…
allisonemme
Our valentine’s tradition started last year was a fondue night… starting with beer cheese fondue and ending with some sort of chocolate fondue- cake, marshmallows, and fruit for dipping!
michele
hoping to start one this year with my finace: fancy cheese plate and exchanging love letters over wine.
Jennifer
One of my favorite Valentine’s tradition is making a decadent meal at home, like full fat fettuccini alfredo with scallops with chocolate cake.
Mariel
I love to do a carpet picnic at home, usually with sushi because it feels extravagant when you can’t afford to go out. Its perfect with some wine and a little rom-com, best friends, boyfriend, or solo!
Anne
Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday! For me it’s not just about having a significant other; it’s about reminding all of the people that you love, how much you care for them. I always hand make valentines for my family and friends usually around a silly theme. This year since it is a Saturday I am going to go to an exercise class (showing love to myself), have brunch and exchange cards with my parents (love to my parents), and then I’ll be making fondue with the boyfriend (showing love to him.) I cannot wait! Happy Valentine’s day to you all!
Lisanne
Ooh, these look lovely! And delicious.
It’s actually our first Valentine’s day together, so we don’t have any traditions yet. However, I’m staying over at his place, and we have to perform with the fanfare in the evening, so maybe one of those will stick :)
Warm Vanilla Sugar
This is a lovely recipe AND a lovely giveaway! Double awesome. For Valentine’s Day the boy and I just make and eat food ALL DAY. It’s the best!
twophdsandakg
Me n my husband go out for a coffee and cake.
Monique (@Msneekyneeks)
Valentine’s day is my dad’s birthday. When I was growing up, he would always get my mom and I something special for valentine’s day, even though it was his birthday.
ellie
I always make Valentines by hand (see here! https://withlovefromellie.wordpress.com/2014/02/07/valentines-day-cards/) and snail mail them to everyone I love!
xo, ellie
Meaghan
Did you know the Lavazza is sending an espresso machine to space? My Valentine is helping with it. :-)
VS
We stay in and make dinner and watch a movie. its perfect!
Audrey
My boyfriend and I watch “Best in Show” and eat 800 Degrees Pizza! Best Valentine’s Day ever!
Jessica
My valentines day tradition is to eat strawberry panacakes and drink delicious coffee, and then later on eat heart shaped pizza!
MM
In college, my best friends and I started getting each other flowers. It’s always nice to celebrate the friends we love.
Katherine
My favorite V-Day tradition is that we cook together. It is really nice to share that.
Gina Gollard
My favorite Valentine’s Day tradition actually comes the day after Valentine’s Day. My friends or my sister (my best friend) and I will go to the local drug store the day after Valentine’s Day, pick up some of the 50% off candy, and go movie hopping! Always so much fun and there’s no adorably annoying couples surrounding us haha!
Michelle
No tradition per se, but loosely, a “Galentine’s Day” tradition of spending it with my best girl friends!
Debbie W
My husband and I go to the West Side Market, choose our dinner by what looks good! We buy all the fresh ingredients then come home to prepare dinner together while sipping on fresh raspberry martinis!
Briel K.
I don’t really have a favorite Valentine’s Day tradition. I do like to try to wear the typical Valentine’s Day colors if that counts! I’ve always been single on the day so it isn’t really one of my favorite holiday’s. This year I’m going out to dinner with my cousin though which should be fun! She will be visiting me in LA for the weekend and we will also be going down to San Diego to visit her brother. Should be a great weekend!
Lizzie
My husband and I always make cheese fondue for our Valentine’s Day dinner, with caramel fruit dip for dessert. I love to cook and he’s still getting his bearings in the kitchen, but he always feels accomplished when he grates a big pile of cheese to melt.
evaallbooksconsidered
definitely not going out — my husband usually makes me an awesome meal and i make dessert. cards not gifts
Codie
I love sharing chocolates with my sisters on V-Day! And now I can share them with my daughter, too.
Amanda H.
We make a heart shaped pizza and watch Lady & the Tramp with our daughter. Corny, but I love it!
Jessica
My mom always buys me a box of chocolates and a sweet card :)
Amanda