Article • February 14, 2024

Anti-VDay Valentine’s Picks

Not in the VDAY spirit? We have just the picks for you.

Whether you celebrate or not—or you’re pro it or not—Valentine’s Day is here. And with it, comes strong expressions and declarations of love. As romantic love still receives the spotlight today, we’re here to decenter it (just slightly). We’ve combed through the internet to put together four picks to help you celebrate the different kinds of love in your life, from the platonic and familial to self-love. Dive in to put the anti-VDAY pep in your step and embrace a holistic view on love.

Postdates

As this holiday rolls around, it’s easy to think about your relationships, and what you gained or lost from them, like that sweater you let them borrow. Or your fave band tee you forgot in their closet. Use Postdates to get your stuff back from your ex (or whoever you’ve lost contact with). You can even use it to send them the things they’ve left at your place.

Escape Academy

Take this time to water the platonic love in your life too, maybe by watching a movie, hosting a cute galentine’s or playing a game to drum up some friendly competition. Escape Academy is the ultimate virtual escape room filled with puzzles and riddles to challenge you and a friend. Do you have the teamwork to make it out?

Aloe Bud

Today is also the day for embracing self-love; it’s important to celebrate the care and compassion you give yourself, too. Let Aloe Bud be your reminder to plug some love back into you, even beyond this holiday. In the cutest 8-bit interface, it sends you reminders to drink water, grab a snack, phone a friend—whatever you know you need to do for a healthy mind.

Drawings for My Grandchildren on Instagram

In an effort to foster a relationship with their family that spans time zones, Korean grandparents Grandpa Chan & Grandma Marina started their Instagram account drawings_for_my_grandchildren. The page chronicles the stunning illustrations they dream up, each sketch paired with a thoughtfully written story. Dive into their archive of musings about family and life.