(Super) Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas

Gabrielle Toback

Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, which is a workday.

For those who might be on a time crunch, here are some minimal-effort romantic ideas that don’t scream, “I totally forgot today was Valentine’s Day”:

1. DIY Food Bouquets.

Run to CVS and pick up some Good Cook bamboo skewers and a few pink ribbons.

Now, think about a particular bite-sized food you’ve heard your significant other raving about, be it mini cupcakes, pigs in a blanket, or even chicken nuggets. Pick up a package of it at your local supermarket or nearest fast food restaurant.

Place the prepared food on the ends of the bamboo sticks, and tie them together with your ribbons. If the food is a bit bulky, stagger the sticks so that the food isn’t bumping into each other.

2. Homemade Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Pick up two boxes of strawberries, two packages of chocolate chips, three different kinds of sprinkles (confetti, chocolate, or small nonpareils), and wax paper at your local supermarket. You can buy either dark chocolate or semisweet, because these melt smoothly.

Empty the chips into a large bowl and the sprinkles into smaller bowls. Place the wax paper onto a baking sheet.

Microwave the chocolate chips for about 20 seconds, then stir. Timing may vary a bit depending on your microwave, so can continue microwaving in intervals of 10 seconds until the chocolate is melted completely.

Dip the strawberries into the melted chocolate and wait a few seconds to let the excess drip off.

Dip the coated strawberry into one of your three sprinkle bowls until the berry is completely coated, then place onto the wax pan.

When you’re finished, place the pan in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, or until the chocolate hardens.

3. Delivery

If you have some extra cash lying around, a romantic delivery might be your best option.

Allen’s Flowers offers same-day delivery for various bouquets and claims to be the best florist in San Diego.

If you want a less expensive edible option, Edible Arrangements offers chocolate-covered fruit bouquets with same-day delivery as well.

4. San Diego Donut Bar

You’re going to need to get moving quickly for this one; this shop closes as soon as they sell out of donuts.

Run to their shop in downtown San Diego and pick up a dozen of these donuts (I highly recommend throwing in at least a few crème brûlée ones), and Bae can thank you later for these delicious, Instagram-worthy desserts.

5. Pacific Beach Sunset Picnic

If you’re out of work a bit early tonight, stop by your local deli and pick up two sandwiches.

Grab two sweatshirts and a blanket from home, and take your significant other to a surprise sunset picnic at Pacific Beach.

Once the sun goes down, stop by Baked Bear (located on Garnet Avenue and Mission Boulevard, right by the beach) for some ice cream sandwiches.