By Julissa Sanchez, Feb. 9, 2021
Whether one suffered a recent breakup or simply enjoys the riches of a single life, when it comes to Valentine’s Day, it does not have to always come down to spending it by somebody’s side.
With social distancing regulations being enforced, those with significant others may be unable to visit or spend time with their partners, so here are five budget-friendly, at-home activities for students who are spending a solo Valentine’s Day this year.
Love Stinks Cookies
Who remembers those soft served cookies that came once a year on Valentine’s Day in the shape of a heart covered in pink sugar crystals?
Well, feel free to recreate some but with a bit of spice to it. Try buying some store-bought sugar cookie dough, a couple of Valentine’s Day-themed cookie cutters and fun colored sugar crystals or icing.
After baking the cookies, feel free to decorate them in the most anti-Valentine’s Day style one can think of. Instead of the cliche pink “be mine” cookies, consider decorating with black icing with a white crack in the middle or a pink heart with “love stinks” instead for an Instagram-worthy picture to rack up all the likes.
Single-approved Hot Chocolate Bombs
Start wrapping up the night with some warm solo-approved hot chocolate bombs.
The process to make these delicious chocolate bombs includes melting the chocolate in the microwave according to the package directions, spreading a thin layer onto each of the desired molds and letting them cool the freezer for about 5 minutes.
Once the chocolate is set, remove each half gently from the mold and fill one side with the hot chocolate powder and other fun treats like mini marshmallows or crushed peppermint candy. On the rim of the other, pour melted chocolate to bind both halves.
Lastly, decorate with fun words such as “pass” and presto! To activate, simply place the bomb into a mug and pour warm milk on top; watch the magic and enjoy.
Watch Anti-Romance Movies
Nobody said one had to spend the night watching 2000s rom-com films; instead, end the night with a thriller.
For an adventous night, try giving films like “Get Out,” “Gone Girl” or “My Bloody Valentine” a try.
Host a Wine Tasting
After a long day of dealing with last-minute assignments and weekly quizzes, there’s no better way to wind down and relax than by ending the night with wine.
This activity is as simple as it sounds. Take a trip to any convenience store and buy two or three unfamiliar bottles.
For wine tastings, it is recommended to try new flavors before reaching for those favorite go-to bottles. Depending on ones’ budget, feel free to experiment with cheap or more luxurious priced bottles in a new flavor that attracts the attention, and sip the night away responsibly.
Charcuterie Board for One
A better way to enjoy the wine tasting experience is to pair it with a simple and convenient charcuterie board, or for those not familiar with the term — a cheese and fruit board.
The trick here is not to worry about what others put on their fancy boards but instead personalize it and have fun.
A very simple board to try out includes buying some cheddar cheese, red grapes, almonds or walnuts, dried apricots, crackers, salami, honey and Greek yogurt. For cheaper alternatives, consider the snacking small plates by Hillshire Farm, which looks just like an adult-style Lunchables and will perfectly get the job done.
As for the presentation board, feel free to use a fancy plate or wooden cutting board to place this on and still get those Instagram-worthy pictures.
Valentine’s Day does not have to be spent with others but if needed, please do so in a responsible and safe matter. Remember, we are still in a pandemic.
