As Valentine’s Day approaches, stores have prepared for Feb. 14 and so should you. Whether it’s spending the day with a significant other or with friends, being with them is a great way to show that you love and care for them. Valentine’s Day is the day of celebrating and showing that we appreciate the ones we love.

Making food for someone is a nice way to show that you put in time and love into the relationship, just like the food you made. Baking together is also good bonding time and just plain fun, something as simple as going to your local store to grab chocolates and flowers. 

There are many holidays that restaurants prepare for and Valentine’s Day is one of them. It’s a wonderful way to treat your significant other, with their favorite foods from their favorite restaurant that they usually don’t eat often or just a good way to spend time together. A few local fast-food staples that are celebrating the love are Chick-Fil-A with their heart-shaped trays, Panera with their heart-shaped sugar cookies, or Papa Johns with their heart-shaped pizzas specially made for Valentine’s Day.

The local Angel Food bakery known for their uniquely designed donuts and flavoring also make limited-edition donuts designated for the upcoming holiday.  Some of the donuts that are available for this Valentine’s Day are huge heart-outline-shaped donuts which you can order online and pick up. Then, there are three options of a dozen donuts: heart donuts with different toppings or a combination of hearts, X’s and O’s and in the words ‘I Love You !’ along with a heart. 

As the weather starts to warm up and people soak up as much sun as they can, a picnic is a cute way to do just that — this can be with friends, couples or even family. Toss a blanket on the ground, or sit at a table and have everyone bring a food item and mocktails, then eat and chat away.

Remember that Valentine’s Day is for everyone, so for the people who aren’t cuffed up, as many like to call it, Galentine’s is an option where girlfriends can gather and celebrate with each other. Self-love is vital, so dress yourself up and do a photoshoot and feel yourself or dance like nobody’s watching!

Some fun interactive activities you can do that are nostalgic are laser tag, paintball, an arcade, an escape room, bowling, board games or mini golf. You can find local places near you like Park Tavern, the Walker art center or Mall of America.

Make sure your loved ones know how much you appreciate them.