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February’s funny. In many places, we’ve passed winter’s chilliest midpoint and the start of spring is within reach. But at the same time, February’s harsh weather can seem never-ending, and the promise of warmer days feels like a pipe dream at best. Of course, Valentine’s Day sits squarely in the middle of the year’s shortest month, and whether you’re in a relationship or not, knowing how to spend the holiday comes with no shortage of options. Amidst all this cold and love-struck mayhem, I wanted to make room for consistent, daily joy. That’s why I’ve filled our February bucket list with inspiring and energy-sparking to-do’s that might just make the month your favorite yet.
Featured image from our interview with Aishwarya Iyer.
50 February Bucket List Ideas
While some may be quick to write February off as a month to skip over, I’d argue it’s one of the most magic-filled times of the year. There are warm mugs of our favorite beverages to be sipped, soups to be slurped, and an endless stream of movies and books to curl up with. See love, while traditionally thought of as romantic love in the context of Valentine’s Day, can take on endless forms. It can look like picking up your partner’s most cherished dessert after work, inviting a friend to their favorite café for a breakfast date, or simply carving out the time that’s yours and yours alone to spend in any way you’d like.
It’s with this idea in mind that we’ve rounded up your February bucket list, which plays lightly on the theme of love in all its forms. From how to make the most of your solo time to ways to build upon your new year reset, we have ideas for things to do in February that are sure to give you the butterflies.
1. Switch out your sheets. Is there anything sexier than silk? While many of us were rocking our flannel sheets and heavy-duty comforters throughout the holidays and into January, it’s time to celebrate the month of love with picks that’ll give you an excuse to spend all day in bed. This sateen set is so chic.
2. Discover your love language. I’ve long known that words of affirmation get me going (she’s a writer, duh!). But, after reading this article and re-taking the quiz, I was surprised to learn that physical touch is important to me, too. Do you know yours?
3. Surprise your S.O. with a home-cooked meal. Whether you go high with something fancy or play it cool with their favorite comfort dish, there’s nothing better than walking through the door to the heavenly scent of something homemade. No matter your love language.
4. Book an unforgettable experience. As a midwestern girlie, there’s nowhere that instantly sparks the idea of luxury more than Destination Kohler. If you haven’t made the trek up to Wisconsin yet, there’s no better time than right now. Visit the quaint Kohler Village for the Celebration of Chocolate festival, February 23-24. Expect chef demonstrations, wine pairings, ice skating, and chocolate tastings all throughout the weekend. Honestly, can you think of a better way to wrap up the month?
5. Try a new wine. Whether you book your favorite BYOB restaurant for Valentine’s Day or make a special meal at home, nothing says celebratory quite like a new-to-you wine. I’m partial to this crisp Italian white that’s refreshing and easy to drink as well as this sparkling rosé that boasts a sophisticated sweetness. Just call it the perfect V-Day bubbly.
6. … or make a new mocktail! With many of us continuing our Dry January into the months to come, it’s time to expand our creative minds and think outside the typical mocktail. Olivia Noceda is my go-to girl for the sexiest, most imaginative recipes. Can we please take a moment for this Glitter Lemon Drop Mocktini?!
7. Commit to random acts of kindness. During the month dedicated to love, there’s nothing better than spreading and sharing joy. Get inspired by our favorite ways to make someone’s day.
8. Decorate with Peach Fuzz. It’s only the biggest color of the year! Try these designer-approved ways to highlight the hue in your home.
9. Have a solo self-care night. Dim the lights and turn up the vibey music—we’re staying in. Put on a face mask, make a meal for one, and catch up with your favorite folks on YouTube.
10. Take the enneagram test. Like your love language, discovering your enneagram can open your eyes to the many unique ways you experience the world. Since learning mine (anyone else a four?), I’ve become much more sympathetic to how my sensitivity and creativity manifest themselves in my everyday rhythms, interactions, and routines. Get to know yourself a little better and take a deep dive here.
11. Level up your weekday lunch. This cauliflower salad couldn’t be easier to prep—and it packs so much flavor into your midday meal. While you’re at it, get inspired to make your lunch hour an intentional reset.
12. Binge a new podcast. Is anyone else in a podcast rut? These are the juiciest, most fulfilling, overall best podcasts for women—or anyone—to listen to. Our editors are obsessed.
13. Pick up a cold weather-friendly hobby. There’s no better way to stay inspired indoors and make the most of February’s cold temps. From doing something with your hands like knitting or ceramics to becoming a baking goddess—these perfect chocolate cupcakes are on my to-bake list—consult our list of winter hobbies for all the inspiration you need.
14. Ask your partner these questions to build intimacy. Feel like you’re having the same conversation over and over again with your S.O.? (What’s for dinner? How was your day? etc. etc.) Skip the small talk and get to the heart of your connection with questions designed to deepen your relationship.
15. Volunteer at your local animal shelter. Donating your time to any cause is an honorable thing. But during this month full of fuzzy, warm feelings, I’m craving a little more time spent with cute animals who know how to give and receive love best. Connect with your local animal shelter to see what support they need and what opportunities are available. Who knows, you might just take home a new best friend.
16. Change up your cleaning routine. In other words: take back your Sunday. We tapped an expert for her thoughts on how to romanticize your new favorite chore.
17. Structure a Sunday reset. Sundays are my dedicated day of rest. I sleep in, read in bed for longer than I’d like to admit, and putter downstairs for a cup of coffee only when the craving strikes. And as much as I love this low-key rhythm to my day, I’m out to make it the tiniest bit more productive. Since setting this intention, I’ve started implementing the following Sunday tasks and activities:
- Deep clean the house
- Grocery shop/light meal prep
- A thorough skincare routine
- Get my inbox in a good place
- Make Monday’s to-do list
- Take a long walk with an inspiring podcast
A Sunday reset is the perfect way to start the week feeling refreshed and re-energized. Sunday Scaries, who?
18. Dedicate yourself to learning about Black history. (And make a plan for continuing your education—and activism—moving forward.) February is a month dedicated to honoring the greatness the Black community has contributed to all areas of our world. From the arts to science to history (and everything in between), Black people everywhere need to be remembered and lifted up. Do all that you can to read Black literature, listen to Black music, support Black creators—and dedicate time to learning their stories. And because I can’t emphasize it enough, this is not something to be checked off your list. Continue to take in all you can and find ways to give back and take action.
19. Watch the best new shows. With the Hollywood strikes left behind in 2023, we’re ready to soak up all that’s new in television. From the Mr. & Mrs. Smith remake to the high-budget Shogun to another continuation of The Walking Dead universe, February has plenty of good television in store.
20. Do a skin detox. Follow our esthetician-approved guide.
21. Work your way through all the Oscars nominees. Make it a point to try and watch all of the nominations in all the categories (a feat, I know!). But the challenge is worth it, because you’ll be privy to the best of the best in film over the past year. A few personal recommendations: start with The Holdovers, progress to Poor Things, and be sure to make time for Past Lives. (Because I’m sure you’ve already watched both Barbie and Oppenheimer ten times through.)
22. Tap into your feminine energy. PSA: it’s not just a trend. An expert shares everything to know about channeling your feminine energy and all the ways it can expand your world.
23. Try the Sleepy Girl Mocktail. Experts swear it’s the key to getting the best sleep of your life—and we agree. Get the recipe, plus other snooze-inducing ideas.
24. Consider going grain-free. Camille’s deep in her grain-free era and has loved how she feels as a result. If you’re experiencing tummy troubles, first chat with your medical provider—but consider making these delish zucchini muffins and the granola we can’t stop snacking on.
25. Build an intentional morning routine. Camille’s the expert, let her enviable (but totally doable!) morning routine inspire your own.
26. Show your coffee table some love. From the best coffee table books to tips for how to style this coveted design piece, make this the month you let your coffee table live up to its potential.
27. *Finally* get a new probiotic. You’ve read up on the benefits of adding a probiotic to your supplement routine and how it can be a game changer for your gut health. Now’s the time to put that knowledge into action! I’ve been taking the Hilma Daily Pre + Probiotic and am truly obsessed. Honorable mentions go to Ritual Synbiotic+ and the always-buzzy Seed Daily Synbiotic. (Of course, be sure to discuss with your doctor first to determine whether a probiotic is right for you.)
28. Upgrade your coffee ritual. Gone are the days of mindlessly pounding mug after mug of Folgers. Pair good coffee with Instagram-worthy mugs. And remember: it’s the little things.
29. Give your space a glow-up. New month, new digs. Dedicate a day (maybe this Sunday?) to giving your space the ultimate refresh. Go full-on Marie Kondo and, room by room, remove everything before going through all of it to determine what can stay and what can go. Put things back in a new, inspiring way that’ll keep your energy high all month long.
30. Try cold water therapy. I won’t lie: it’s painful at first, but fully worth all the inflammation-fighting and skin-boosting benefits. Here’s everything you need to know before you start.
31. Make hand-made valentines. While I resented my parents for forcing my sisters and I to make our valentines every year growing up, I’ve since become grateful for their push for creativity. Now as an adult, I look forward to this time of year when I can celebrate all the love in my life—through friends, coworkers, and family. Stock up on supplies and craft your heart out! I love these watercolor valentines and the idea of making friendship bracelets is so sweet.
32. Invest in good tights. Gone are the days of making my $5 hosiery ~work~. We rounded up the best tights for keeping your leggies warm ’til spring.
33. Write a love letter (to yourself). Be sure to include yourself in all of the love month celebrations. In your journal or on a dedicated piece of paper, write a letter about all the things you love and cherish most about yourself. It could be the way you can be immersed in a book for several hours before coming up for air or your undying love for cats. (I’m using myself as an example.) Set aside an hour to craft the most important valentine. Be sure to keep it somewhere special so you can look back on it whenever you want.
34. Practice positive affirmations. Let’s keep a good thing going. Try these positive affirmations that’ll help you embrace your best self.
35. Refresh your workspace. Keep up your fresh-start momentum and extend it to your desk. It’s easy for clutter to build up—both physically and digitally—in one of the busiest areas of our home. Clear off your desk and only put back what’s necessary to keep you on task, productive, and inspired. Who doesn’t love a good minimalist aesthetic when they’re trying to get sh*t done?
36. Start planning your spring garden. If you’re starting veggies from seed, now’s the time to start them indoors. Get inspired by Camille’s green thumb journey.
37. Treat yourself to a new perfume. Who doesn’t love a new scent? Match your vibe to the romance that’s filling the air. I’m obsessed with By Rosie Jane’s nostalgic ‘Dulce’ scent (think: a decadent, but not-too-sweet vanilla) as well as Ouai’s ‘Melrose Place’—the fresh floral scent is the perfect harbinger of spring.
38. Romanticize your life. Pretend you’re the main character in a romantic comedy. You venture through bookstores on snowy weekend afternoons and make fresh bouquets to display throughout your home. For more ideas on how to elevate your everyday life, read this.
39. Practice a new-month routine. Our Wellness Editor, Edie—one of the most organized people I know—shares her top seven tips for getting aligned and starting the month with an intentional and productive mindset.
40. Treat yourself to a new candle. Splurge on one of our favorite luxury candles. I’m also loving LOHN candles—this amber and vetiver delight is the moment.
41. Add this chocolate poundcake to your Valentine’s menu. Throughout the month, enjoy chocolate when you can, wherever you can, and in any way you can. First up? This totally-delish, one-bowl chocolate poundcake.
42. Host an afternoon tea with friends. It doesn’t have to be fancy (but you’re welcome to break out the vintage china if you’d like). Put the kettle on, ask folks to bring their favorite sweets, and set out loose-leaf teas for everyone to pick and choose. It’s the perfect, relaxing way to connect with your friends, catch up, and gather.
43. Refine your creative writing. Set your imagination loose and craft entirely new worlds of your own. To get started, these 99 prompts were designed specifically to help you beat writer’s block.
44. Practice manifestation. Everyone’s talking about it and those practicing it are reaping the benefits. We spoke with an expert who shares how to manifest your dream life.
45. Get a head start on spring cleaning. A closet clean-out can be a process, but it can feel so good to identify the clothes that no longer serve you. The best part? It creates space for pieces that support your body and suit your vibe best.
46. Embrace the mob wife aesthetic. It’s statement-making and glamorous. Find a (faux) fur coat, big earrings, and heavy eyeliner—it’s the chicest way to stay warm.
47. Revive dry winter skin. Hydrating face masks not only leave your skin perfectly dewy, but they’re such a fun way to indulge in self-care.
48. Marathon your favorite rom-com movies. There’s never a better month to stream your favorite mid-aughts romantic comedies. These are all of our feel-good faves.
49. Take a detox bath. Self-care and self-love at their finest. Read up on our favorite tips for taking a detox bath.
50. Organize one thing. The junk drawer, medicine cabinet, or living room shelf you’ve been putting off? Set a timer for 30 minutes and surprise yourself by how good it’ll feel to get it done.
