Celebrating Love Without a Romantic Partner: Valentine’s Day as a Solo Mum

Valentines Day should be for celebrating all love, not just romantic partnerships

Valentine’s Day has a funny way of sneaking up on you.

Suddenly there are hearts everywhere, themed snacks at the supermarket, and reminders that the day is supposed to look a certain way.

But here’s the thing:
Valentine’s Day isn’t owned by romantic relationships.
It’s a day about love — and most of us have plenty of that already.

As a solo mum, Valentine’s Day can be whatever you want it to be.
Low-key. Over the top. Just-for-the-kids. Just-for-you. Or a joyful mix of all of it.

This is your permission slip to celebrate love — without rules, pressure, or comparison.

Go as big (or as small) as you want

If you want to decorate the house in hearts — do it.
If you want themed lunchboxes — go for it.
If you want to ignore the day completely — also fine.

There’s no “correct” way to celebrate love.

For little kids, the magic is often in the novelty.
For older kids, it’s about feeling thought of.
And for you? It might be about slowing down and treating yourself kindly.

Fun, easy ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kids

Here are some genuinely fun ideas that don’t require perfection or Pinterest pressure:

• Heart-themed food (keep it simple)
Heart-shaped sandwiches, strawberries, pancakes, or biscuits.
Nothing fancy — just familiar food with a playful twist.

• Valentine’s lunchbox surprises
A note. A sticker. A favourite treat.
Tiny gestures go a long way.

• A cosy Valentine’s night in
Favourite movie. Pyjamas. Popcorn. Chocolate.
Let it feel easy and warm.

• Make cards — not just for each other
Neighbours. Grandparents. Teachers. Friends.
Valentine’s Day is a beautiful excuse to spread kindness outward.

• Let them choose how to celebrate
Kids love having a say. Sometimes their ideas are better than ours anyway.

Celebrate the people who actually show up (hello, Galentine’s)

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to sit inside one relationship.

For a lot of solo mums, the real love stories live in friendships — the women who’ve held you up, babysat at the last minute, listened to voice notes at midnight, or simply get your life.

Galentine’s doesn’t need to be a big event.

It can be:

• a low-key dinner with friends

• a group chat decision to “treat ourselves”

• a walk, a wine, or a shared laugh once the kids are asleep

• or even just sending a message to say, “I’m really grateful for you.”

Your friendships matter.
They’re part of the love your children grow up seeing.
And they deserve to be celebrated too.

And don’t forget you

Valentine’s Day can also be a gentle reminder to include yourself in the celebration.

That might look like:

• Sending yourself flowers
• A bubble bath and a glass of wine
• A face mask and early night
• Chocolate you don’t have to share
• A moment of appreciation for how much you hold

Self-love doesn’t have to be performative.
Sometimes it’s just choosing rest, softness, or a small indulgence without guilt.

Love doesn’t need a single focus

Romantic love is only one expression of love — and not the only one worth celebrating.

There’s love in:
• friendships
• family
• community
• showing up for yourself
• creating moments of joy in everyday life

Valentine’s Day can be a celebration of all of it.

Final thought

You don’t need to opt out of Valentine’s Day because your life doesn’t look a certain way.
You get to make the day fit your life — not the other way around.

Whether it’s heart-shaped food, handwritten notes, or a quiet moment to yourself — love is already here.

Celebrate it however you like 💗