Valentine’s Day is celebrated every February 14 in the U.S. (and many other countries). Gifts are often exchanged between loved ones. Couples often share a romantic dinner at home or at a special restaurant. Some families like to celebrate together, adults and children.
About Valentine’s Day
The history of the holiday is complex and murky. There are several Saint Valentine’s in Christian religions, but otherwise the holiday is not a Christian tradition and in fact has pagan roots. Other vestiges of the Feast of St. Valentine occurred in the European Middle Ages as a celebration of early spring, when birds begin mating.
Today, Valentine’s Day is strictly a retail holiday, when consumers are coaxed into buying flowers, candy, perfume, cards, or other gifts, and making memories with special dinners.
Before Valentine’s Day, you might want to get in the mood by making Valentine’s cards and other “lovely” arts and crafts.
To celebrate the day with the ones you love, there are often special concerts, movies, and other events and entertainment. Some of it is irreverent, because not everyone likes to celebrate the day or be reminded of the lack of love in their life.
Whatever your inclinations, we peruse local venues and event calendars for fun events to mark the day. You can find all kinds of suggestions in the event calendar below. We’ll update this list in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, so check back from time to time for all sorts of Valentine’s Day ideas.
Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
Shop Edible.com for the following Edible Arrangements discounts in time for Valentine’s Day.
(Note: deals may not be available at your nearest location and other restrictions may apply.)
For a limited time, get a discount off qualifying item(s) for pickup or delivery at checkout at participating edible locations with the following promo codes:
- For a limited time, get 14% off qualifying item(s) for pickup or delivery at participating locations with the promo code “LOVE14” at checkout.
- For a limited time, get 15% off qualifying item(s) for pickup or delivery at participating locations with the promo code “LOVE15” at checkout.
- For a limited time, get 25% off qualifying item(s) for pickup or delivery at participating locations with promo code “LOVE25” at checkout.
- Valentine’s Day FREE Delivery while supplies last on orders placed through edible.com or in-store based on product availability and demand. (So order early to possibly get this deal.)
Best retailers for gifts, party supplies, holiday decor. Our list of the best places to buy gifts in the Puget Sound region. Our list focuses on local retailers with a variety of products for every occasion and gift recipient on your list. These shopping sources feature unique gifts for every special occasion, from Valentine’s Day to Christmas and graduation to retirement. Many of the brick-and-mortar stores also offer gift certificates and online shopping with delivery directly to your recipient for last minute gifts or when you aren’t sure what to give.
Valentine’s Day Dining Ideas
Valentine’s Day reservations usually need to be made well in advance (at least 30 days ahead). We also think it should be a restaurant you’ve been to before and know you will like. It doesn’t have to be a fancy place. A local fish-n-chips stand will suffice if that has meaning for you and your loved one. Dinner at home can also be a wonderful idea.
Our list of local dining loyalty programs and restaurant gift cards is a great way to save money while dining out for special occasions. We have a few tips for choosing a restaurant loyalty program that best suits your restaurant dining style. These tips can help maximize your savings. Find our list here: Fine dining loyalty programs & restaurant gift cards.
OpenTable’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America for 2024 lists just two places in Washington State: Il Terrazzo Carmine in Seattle and Over The Moon Café in Tacoma. We’ve got a longer list in mind. If we get a chance, we’ll put it here. Although if you don’t have a reservation by February 1 (and likely much sooner), then popular spots will be booked up.
A good way to save money on special occasion dining is to maximize your dining dollars with restaurant loyalty reward programs & gift cards (greaterseattleonthecheap.com).
You can also think outside the box and do something like wine tasting in Seattle and the Puget Sound region (greaterseattleonthecheap.com) or opt for late-night dining one of these 24-hour restaurants offer dining all day and all night (greaterseattleonthecheap.com). Or surprise your sweetie with a Getaway: Yakima Valley Red Wine & Chocolate Presidents’ Day weekend (145 mi. SE of Seattle) (greaterseattleonthecheap.com).
Valentine’s Day events and things to do
Listed below are events and activities on our calendar to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We continue to add to the list up until the holiday.
Puget Sound region
