The editorial staff

Charlotte Shields-Rossi:

DIY Galentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for people in romantic relationships, it’s also a time to celebrate friendships, and you don’t have to break the bank to do so. First go to Five Below or the Dollar Tree and get some decorations (streamers, banners, fake flowers, decorative plates — the works) if you want to go above and beyond write some meaningful handmade cards for your friends. After decorating your apartment/dorm/house gather your friends together for a potluck — voila! you have a DIY Galentine’s Day.

Rebecca Jozwiak:

Mocktails or a baking night

Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to grab some mocktails with friends while celebrating over shared appetizers. You can always keep Galentine’s Day celebrations lowkey by having your pals over to watch some V-Day movies and bake some treats. In my opinion the best cookies to make are chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies decorated with sprinkles and icing can make the night even more festive. Platonic or not, the holiday is a wonderful experience to hang out with those that mean the most to you.

Josh Imhof:

Home cooked meal

There is nothing more thoughtful than taking the time to prepare a home cooked meal for the person you love most. Fancy restaurants are nice, but not always realistic financially. Also, if you and your partner are eaters (we are) you can cook way more food for way less. Try and think of a food they really like but don’t get to eat often. Brownie points if you reach out to their family for a special recipe from their childhood. Double brownie points if the menu includes special drinks or a dessert.

Diva KC:

Crafts and shared hobbies

There’s no better way to bond than through a shared project, especially if they include shared interests. Build a lego set, complete a puzzle together or collect things around the house and start a junk journal! For the art lovers, collaborate on a masterpiece or recreate an existing one. Portraits of those you love are always a great way of honing in your observational skills. If you’re feeling more crafty, paper mache or pipe cleaner flowers are fun and affordable. Coupled with good music and ambient lighting, you’re set for a night of creativity in the presence of those you love.

Ben Deihl:

Strip District tour

Personally, exploring the city of Pittsburgh and finding neat little shops and cafes to enjoy is one of my favorite pastimes. Taking a tour through Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District is perfect for Valentine’s Day, checking all the boxes for a perfect romantic day. Want to kick the day off with brunch? Head to Caffe Mona for a classic French breakfast. City Grows and Roxanne’s Dried Flowers right on the strip are perfect for a floral gift for your loved one! And of course, there are plenty of restaurants like Bar Marco and Cellars Speakeasy for a bite to eat to end the night.

Naomi Girson:

Movie night!

Well, I hope you all know by now that I love a good movie. It’s an ideal way to spend some time with your partner without having to look them in the face for hours over a plate of half-eaten spaghetti. Something scary or sad might be a way to sit closer to them, but my vote is for something bewildering. Try a David Lynch, like “Mulholland Drive,” because you’ll have to spend the rest of the night trying to figure out what the movie even means. Or pop in a musical that will infect you both with an earworm that feels impossible to shake, try an all-timer, like “Singin’ in the Rain.” The options truly are endless, but I beg of you to stay away from the rom-coms, there’s time yet for those. And with a date on the most romantically-hyped day of the year, it’s just going to put a damper on the night, because I promise your date will not be Ryan Gosling in “The Notebook,” and you don’t want a reminder.