💕

Valentine's Day Party Ideas 2026

Everything you need to host an unforgettable Valentine's Day celebration. 15+ party games for couples, kids, and friends, plus food ideas, decorations, and a complete planning guide.

15+ Party Games

12 Food & Drink Ideas

Decoration Guide

$60-210 Budget Range

2-3 Hour Party

Plan Your Valentine's Party

How to Plan a Valentine's Day Party

A Valentine's Day party works for any audience — couples, kids, or friend groups. Plan 2 weeks ahead, budget $60-$210 depending on group size, and focus on interactive games, themed food (chocolate fondue, heart-shaped treats), and pink/red decorations. Below you'll find 15+ games, 12 food ideas, decoration guides, and a complete timeline.

Best For: All ages
Party Duration: 2-3 hours
Budget Range: $60-$210
Total Ideas: 40+

Valentine's Day Party Games & Activities

For Couples

The Newlywed Game

Couples answer questions about each other — the partner who knows the most wins. Hilarious for both new and long-term couples.

4-20 Print question cards

Love Song Lyrics Quiz

Play a few seconds of classic love songs. Couples race to name the song and artist first.

4-30 Create playlist + answer sheet

Two Truths and a Lie: Love Edition

Each person shares two true and one false statement about their relationship. Everyone guesses the lie.

6-20 None

Blindfolded Chocolate Tasting

One partner blindfolds the other and feeds them different chocolates. They guess the flavor or brand.

4-16 Assorted chocolates + blindfolds

Couple Scavenger Hunt

Hide love notes and small gifts around the venue. Couples work together to solve clues and find them all.

4-20 Write clues + hide items

For Kids & Classrooms

Heart Bingo

Classic bingo with heart-shaped cards and Valentine candy as markers. Winner gets a small prize bag.

5-30 Print bingo cards + get candy markers

Musical Hearts

Place paper hearts on the floor. Kids walk around while music plays — when it stops, stand on a heart. Remove one each round.

6-20 Cut paper hearts

Valentine Card Making Station

Set up a craft table with stickers, stamps, glitter, and card stock. Kids make cards for family and friends.

5-25 Craft supplies

Cupid Says (Simon Says)

Classic Simon Says with a Valentine twist — "Cupid says blow a kiss!" "Cupid says hug your neighbor!"

5-30 None

Heart Relay Race

Teams balance a paper heart on a spoon and race to the finish line without dropping it. First team to finish wins.

8-24 Paper hearts + spoons

For Friend Groups (Galentine's Day)

Galentine's Trivia Night

Questions about friendship, pop culture romance, and Valentine history. Teams of 3-4 compete for bragging rights.

6-24 Write trivia questions

Speed Friending

Set a 3-minute timer. Pairs share stories, swap seats, repeat. Great for mixed groups where not everyone knows each other.

8-30 Timer + conversation starter cards

DIY Spa Station

Face masks, nail painting, hand scrubs — set up stations and rotate. Play a rom-com in the background.

4-12 Spa supplies + movie

Best Love Story Awards

Everyone votes on best first date story, most romantic gesture, funniest dating fail. Hand out silly trophies.

6-20 Voting cards + small trophies

Wine & Paint Night

Follow a guided painting tutorial together. Choose a Valentine theme — hearts, roses, or a sunset scene.

4-16 Canvas, paint, brushes, wine

Valentine's Day Food & Drink Ideas

Item	Type	Serves	Prep Time	Description
Chocolate Fondue Station	dessert	10-15	15 min	Melted chocolate with strawberries, marshmallows, pretzels, and banana slices for dipping.
Heart-Shaped Pizza	main	8-12	30 min	Shape pizza dough into hearts before baking. Let kids add their own toppings.
Strawberry Shortcake Cups	dessert	12-16	20 min	Layer angel food cake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries in clear cups.
Caprese Skewers	appetizer	15-20	15 min	Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil on skewers with balsamic drizzle.
Red Velvet Cupcakes	dessert	24	45 min	Classic red velvet with cream cheese frosting. Top with heart sprinkles.
Heart-Shaped Sandwiches	main	12-16	20 min	Use a heart cookie cutter on tea sandwiches. Fill with cream cheese and cucumber.
Fruit Bouquet	appetizer	10-15	25 min	Arrange strawberries, raspberries, and watermelon hearts on skewers in a vase.
Pink Lemonade Punch	drink	20-25	10 min	Mix pink lemonade with sparkling water and raspberry sherbet scoops.
Love Potion Mocktails	drink	12-16	10 min	Cranberry juice, ginger ale, and grenadine with heart-shaped ice cubes.
Charcuterie Board	appetizer	8-12	20 min	Arrange cheeses, meats, crackers, and fruits in a heart shape on a large board.
Strawberry Rose Cocktails	drink	8-12	10 min	Muddle strawberries with rose water, vodka, and sparkling water. Garnish with rose petals.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries	dessert	15-20	30 min	Dip fresh strawberries in dark, milk, and white chocolate. Drizzle contrasting colors.

Valentine's Day Decorations

Entrance

Red & pink balloon arch
Welcome sign with heart garland
"Be My Valentine" door banner

Table

Rose petal table runner
Heart-shaped confetti
Red & pink candle centerpieces
Gold cutlery and pink napkins

Photo Backdrop

Heart-shaped photo frame
Red tissue paper flower wall
Fairy light curtain with paper hearts
"Love" letter balloons

DIY / Budget

Paper heart garlands (construction paper + string)
Mason jar candle holders with heart cutouts
Painted heart rocks as place cards
Valentine's card bunting from old cards

🎂

Valentine's Day Birthday Party?

Born on or near February 14th? Combine birthday magic with Valentine's Day charm. Our AI planner creates a complete party plan with heart-themed activities, a customized menu, shopping list, and timeline — all in 60 seconds.

Plan Valentine's Birthday Party View Valentine Birthday Ideas

2-Week Planning Timeline

2 Weeks Before

Choose theme (couples, kids, or friends)
Create guest list and send invitations
Plan menu and games
Order decorations online

1 Week Before

Confirm RSVPs and guest count
Buy groceries for non-perishable items
Prep game materials (print cards, buy prizes)
Test any music playlists

2-3 Days Before

Buy fresh flowers and perishable food
Prepare any make-ahead desserts
Charge cameras and set up photo area
Wrap party favors

Day Of

Set up decorations (allow 2 hours)
Prepare food and drinks
Set up game stations
Queue up playlist and test speakers
Take a deep breath — you've got this!

Valentine's Party Budget Guide

Category	Budget	Economy	Mid-Range	Premium
Decorations	$15-40	DIY paper hearts & candles	Balloon arch + fairy lights	Professional flower arrangements
Food & Drinks	$30-100	Potluck + punch	Homemade spread + cocktails	Catered + wine/champagne
Games & Activities	$5-25	Printable games + phone playlist	Board games + craft supplies	Hired DJ + photo booth
Party Favors	$10-30	Homemade cookies in bags	Small candles or chocolates	Custom gifts or gift cards
Invitations	$0-15	Digital (free)	Printed cards	Custom designed
Total	$60-$210	~$60	~$120	~$210

Need help with your party budget? Try our free Budget Calculator

Valentine's Day Party FAQs

How do I plan a Valentine's Day party on a budget?

Focus on DIY decorations (paper hearts, candle holders), potluck-style food, and free printable games. A great Valentine's party can cost under $50 total. Use construction paper for garlands, mason jars for centerpieces, and ask each guest to bring a dish.

What are fun Valentine's Day party games for couples?

The Newlywed Game, Love Song Lyrics Quiz, Blindfolded Chocolate Tasting, and Couple Scavenger Hunts are all crowd favorites. Mix competitive and cooperative games so every couple style has fun.

What should I serve at a Valentine's Day party?

Chocolate fondue is always a hit. Pair it with heart-shaped pizzas for mains, caprese skewers for appetizers, and pink lemonade punch or rose cocktails for drinks. Red velvet cupcakes and chocolate-covered strawberries are the go-to desserts.

How do I host a Galentine's Day party?

Galentine's Day (February 13) celebrates female friendships. Set up a brunch spread, plan trivia or spa activities, watch a rom-com, and exchange small gifts. Keep the vibe cozy and celebratory — pajamas and prosecco are a winning combo.

What are good Valentine's party ideas for a classroom?

Heart Bingo, Musical Hearts, Valentine card-making stations, and Cupid Says are perfect for classrooms. Keep games simple, inclusive, and low-mess. Provide pre-cut materials and have parent volunteers help with craft stations.

Can I combine Valentine's Day with a birthday party?

Absolutely! A Valentine's birthday party is a charming theme. Use heart decorations in the celebrant's favorite colors, play Valentine's games alongside birthday classics, and serve a heart-shaped birthday cake. Visit our Valentine birthday party planner for a complete plan.

What decorations do I need for a Valentine's party?

Essential: red/pink balloons, heart garlands, and rose petals for tables. Elevate with fairy lights, a photo backdrop with paper hearts, and candle centerpieces. A $20 budget covers DIY basics; $50+ adds balloon arches and flower arrangements.

How far in advance should I plan a Valentine's Day party?

Two weeks is ideal. Send invitations 10-14 days before, order decorations a week out, buy groceries 2-3 days before, and set up the day of. For bigger parties (20+ guests), start 3-4 weeks ahead to secure a venue.

What music should I play at a Valentine's party?

Mix classic love songs (Frank Sinatra, Etta James), modern pop romance (Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran), and upbeat dance tracks. Start mellow during dinner, ramp up for games, and end with slow dance favorites. Spotify and Apple Music have great Valentine's playlists.

What are Valentine's party favor ideas?

Budget-friendly: homemade cookies in cellophane bags, mini candy boxes, or Valentine's bookmarks. Mid-range: small scented candles, bath bombs, or chocolate truffles. Premium: personalized mugs, mini champagne bottles, or custom succulent pots.