6 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Written by: Amy Li, fourth year of Medical Sciences
Photo credit: Unsplash by Rinck Content Studio
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, some of us may use this day to cherish a partner. But many people forget that Valentine’s Day can also be a day for self-love and self-care too. So, whether you’re looking for something to do with a partner, by yourself, or with friends and family, here are 6 curated ideas on Valentine’s Day that everyone can enjoy!
1. Valentine’s Day at the Market
A) Skating
Looking for an outdoor, low-cost activity on Valentine’s Day? Visit the Rotary Square at Covent Garden Market from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for free skating while listening to local DJs. If you don’t own skates, no problem! Skates are available for rent at $5 – cash only! Ciao Food Co will be in the vicinity, offering yummy Italian food where you can cozy up next to the fire pits.
B) Farmers and Artisan Market
Planning ahead to pick out gifts for your cherished ones on Valentine’s Day? Look no further! On Saturday, February 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Valentine’s Day Artisan and Farmers Market will host vendors selling all kinds of crafts and desserts: from handcrafted jewellery, to customized pet portraits, gourmet cookies, and floral arrangements! The Artisan Market will take place on the Mezzanine of the Covent Garden Market. The Farmers Market will take place on the main floor in the northeast corner of Magpie’s Collected Creations from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
C) Cookie Decorating Workshop
Do you have a sweet tooth? Visit the Market Kitchen at the Covent Garden Market to decorate cookies! Workshops take place from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. or 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 10. You will also receive a mini Valentine’s Day kit to customize and bring home—message Cookies by Carolynn on Facebook for event registration.
2. Valentines Pups!
Come join us at Weldon Library for some therapy dog magic! Stop by the Weldon Library Community Room, on February 14, from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. and spend time with some adorable companions from St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dogs.
3. Sexual Wellness Fair
Are you up for games and a chance to win prizes? The Sexual Wellness Fair is being hosted by the Gender-Based and Sexual Violence Education Team. It will take place in the UCC Atrium on February 14 from 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. There will be free STI testing, sex-positive games, prizes, and health supports onsite to answer any questions, so don’t miss out!
4. Meet Your Ideal Match on the Aphrodite Project
Created by students and for students, this questionnaire is designed to find your ideal match! Based on psychology research, it asks questions related to deal breakers, values and beliefs, personality and traits, future plans, etc. Previous participants include those from Western, Waterloo, UofT, McMaster, UBC, UCLA, Harvard, and more. The best part is that you can choose to sign up for a romantic OR platonic relationship! Sign-ups are now open! Questionnaires must be completed by February 9 and results are revealed a week later!
5. Host a Palentine's Party
A Valentine’s Day party is a fun way to involve friends and/or family. Bring all the Valentine-inspired food and drinks, watch corny romantic movies, and turn virtually any game into a Valentine’s Day activity. I highly recommend a Valentine’s Day-themed Family Feud.
6. Give Back
With the cold weather among us, Valentine’s Day would feel so much better through spreading warm feelings with others. This is the perfect opportunity to go out and volunteer. Do you have a favourite cause that you want to support? London has many organizations to choose from: Ronald McDonald House Charities, Boys and Girls’ Club London, and 519 Pursuit just to name a few. If you are too busy, try and think of the people you encounter every day and aim to put a smile on their face. Believe me, you won’t realize how much a simple interaction can change someone’s day by a mile.
I hope you found these Valentine’s Day ideas helpful! Remember, there is always a way to spread love, whether that’s with someone or with yourself.
Published on
