9:45 AM PST, February 14, 2019
From enjoying some heart-shaped breakfast in bed to slamming your ex in a round of slam storytelling, here are some of the weirdest ways for happy couples and scorned lovers alike to celebrate Valentine's Day beyond roses and chocolates.
Heart-Shaped Bagels
Just when you thought breakfast in bed couldn't get more romantic, Einstein Bros. Bagels offers heart-shaped bagels in both plain and chocolate chip for an extra sweet mornings.
Meet a Tinder Date, or Watch Someone Else Do It
Tinder and other dating apps seem to be the go-to for snatching an escort, but why get your own date when you can watch stand-up comedian Lane Moore go through her Tinder matches live. She consults the audience and a panel on her potential matches before swiping right or swiping left.
Visit her website for more information on her special Valentine's Day show in Brooklyn on Feb. 16.
Socks and Sweets
Some people send candy hearts, others send lollipop-themed socks. Bonus: each purchase from the FUN Sock collection comes with two Chupa Chups lollipops for you and a loved one.
Couples-Only Flexibility Class
What better way to show off your moves to a loved one than with a couples-only heated flexibility class, followed by a 30-minute intimacy work shop with wine and chocolate with 305 Fitness? Available at locations in NYC, Boston and D.C.
Name a Cockroach After Your Loved One
Who said the perfect gift had to be expensive? For just $15, you can name a Madagascar hissing cockroach living at the Bronx Zoo after your Valentine. They'll even get an e-card certifying the thoughtful purchase.
Heart-Shaped Chicken Platter
Some girls want flowers, some girls want chicken nuggets. Make your gift of fried chicken even more special with a heart-shaped platter of either 30 Chick-fil-A Nuggets or 10 Chick-n-Minis.
Salami Bouquet
Why gift a bouquet of roses when you can gift a bouquet of salami and other cold cuts? Olympia Provisions offers the savory treat in either a three-stem or a six-stem.
Frenchie Kissing Party
For those who would prefer a canine Valentine over a human, get ready to smooch some snouts at a Frenchie kissing party. Fifty-six French bulldogs and their owners were gathered BarkBox's New York City headquarters for a night of custom artwork, romantic poetry and drinks curated by a dog sommelier.
Doggie Gift Box
To have a romantic night in with your dog, BarkBox is offering a limited-edition Valentine's box filled with "chocolate" tennis balls, a plush rose, "squeak-heart" dog toys and even toy boxers for the lingerie-loving pups.
Visit their website for more information.
Body Pillow
Cuddling is always sweeter when you can do it all by yourself, thanks to Sour Patch Kids' Valentine's body pillow.
Name a Star After a Loved One ... or Not.
Can you name a star after a loved one? Probably not. Many sites that offer to name stars or planets for a fee don't necessarily have the right to rename celestial entities, according to the International Astroninical Union (IAU).
The IAU is currently the only entity with recognized authority in naming the stars, and while they don't believe in selling the rights to stars or planets, they welcome anyone to suggest names for astral bodies that are not yet named. Visit their website for more information.
Doughnut Bouquet
Nothing says a decadent start to the day than a doughnut bouquet, available from Harry & David.
Couples Stretching
If you and your sweetheart have tried all the couples' massages in town, check out Stretch*d for a couples stretching session Feb. 11-17 that will leave you and your partner more relaxed and more flexible for whatever romantic activities are to come.
Boozy Ice Cream
Why choose between dessert or a drink when you can have both? Tipsy Scoop offers ice creams in both Strawberry Chocolate Kiss Martini and Monkey Shoulder PB & J Old Fashioned flavors with 5 percent alcohol just in time for Valentine’s Day. Snag the sweet treat online or at certain retailers.
Slam Your Ex in a Night of Slam Poetry and Stories
Sick of the romance but secretly dig the poetry that comes with the season? Join others feeling bitter this Valentine's Day for Ex-Files, a night of story slam hosted by nonprofit storytelling organization First Person Arts.
The Philadelphia show, touted as an anti-Valentine's Day event, will invite storytellers to take the stage and share real-life stories about their exes. And, there's even $100 on the table for winners of the night.
Visit their website for more information.
Heart-Shaped Pizza
For some warmth in your heart and your belly, celebrate Valentine's Day with California Pizza Kitchen's heart-shaped pizza. Guests can order any CPK pizza Feb. 13-17 at any participating location and upgrade to a heart-shaped thin crust for no additional cost.
A Self-Playing Piano That Serenades for You
Want to serenade your loved one but have no musical talent to make that happen? Want to pop the question with live music in the background but not fond of having an audience? PianoPiano has got you covered.
The piano rental company is offering a self-playing piano for the romantic night at just $895 for a grand piano or $795 for an upright piano. They'll even deliver the musical instrument to the location of your choosing.
Visit their website for more information.
Heart-Shaped Cheese Ravioli
You don't need to be in love with an Italian to have a craving for Coscto's new heart-shaped ravioli.
Wine and Dine at White Castle
Your favorite fast food joint turns gourmet for just one night a year! White Castle is now taking Valentine's Day reservations in select locations for table-side service and a candle-lit dinner for you and your loved one.
Heart-Shaped Cookie Bouquet
Flowers are nice, but cookies are tastier. Cheryl's Cookies offer long stemmed buttercream frosted cookie flowers for that special someone in your life who has a sweet tooth.
Return the Favor on White Day
Loved what you got for Valentine's Day? Don't forget to return the favor!
In parts of Asia, including Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Malaysia, those who received a present on Valentine's Day return the favor exactly a month later on White Day, or March 14, by gifting the other person something in return.
Forgot About Valentine's Day Altogether?
Valentine's Day slipped your mind? OpenTable's got your back. Use its restaurant matchmaker to pick out your perfect date spot and make a reservation at a moment's notice. You'll get a top pick, as well as additional suggestions.
No Valentine? No Problem.
South Koreans that end up single on Valentine's Day and White Day (observed exactly a month after Valentine's Day) instead celebrate Black Day on April 14, where they wear black and eat jjajangmyeon, a noodle dish topped with a black bean sauce that is black in color.