Valentine’s Day is all about love: romantic love, platonic love, self-love, and everything in between.
But let’s be real: mainstream Valentine’s Day celebrations often assume that everyone experiences the world the same way. Restaurants are crowded and loud, gifts aren’t always accessible, and traditional date ideas may unintentionally exclude people with disabilities.
Love is for everyone, and so is Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, a friend, or yourself, here are ways to make it more inclusive, thoughtful, and accessible.
Thoughtful and accessible gift ideas
Gift-giving is a classic way to express love, but not all gifts are universally accessible. Consider these inclusive alternatives:
Sensory-friendly gifts
- Weighted blankets for comfort and relaxation
- Aromatherapy diffusers with calming scents (make sure the recipient enjoys scents first!)
- Noise-cancelling headphones for those sensitive to sound
Accessible jewellery and personalized touches
- Braille-engraved jewelry with meaningful words or dates
- Customizable tactile gifts like embossed photo albums or touchable art
Subscription services
- Audiobook or podcast subscriptions for those who prefer listening over reading
- Streaming services with great closed-captioning and audio descriptions
- A meal delivery service that caters to specific dietary needs
Inclusive and thoughtful dates
Traditional date ideas don’t always work for everyone, but small tweaks can make a huge difference. Here are some inclusive alternatives:
Quiet and low-simulation activities
- Home movie night with audio descriptions and captions
- Board game night with accessible game options (Braille or large print cards, for example)
- Cooking a meal together with adaptive kitchen tools
Nature and outdoor activities
- A scenic drive to a beautiful location
- An accessible nature trail or botanical garden visit
- A picnic in a quiet, wheelchair-accessible park
Arts and culture with accessibility in mind
- Live shows or concerts with captioning and sensory-friendly seating
- Museum visits that offer tactile exhibits or guided audio tours
- Pottery, painting, or crafting sessions with adaptive tools available
Restaurant and dining accessibility
Dining out on Valentine’s Day can be a nightmare, from long waits and loud music to cramped seating. Here’s how to make it a smoother experience:
- Call ahead to ask about accessibility (ramps, accessible washrooms, quiet seating areas)
- Choose a place with multiple menu options for dietary restrictions and sensory-friendly meals
- Consider takeout and an at-home candlelit dinner for a more relaxed environment
- Check if the restaurant provides menus in large print, braille, or digital formats
Virtual and long-distance celebrations
Not everyone can be together in person on Valentine’s Day, but love knows no boundaries. Make the day special virtually:
- Plan a video call dinner date: order the same meal from your favourite restaurant and eat together over Zoom
- Create a playlist of meaningful songs and share it with your loved one
- Send a care package with personalized, accessible gifts
- Play an online game together that’s accessible to all abilities
Celebrating self-love and friendships
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. Whether you’re single or simply want to celebrate all forms of love, here are some inclusive ways to do so:
- Host a “Galentine’s” or “Palentine’s” Day get-together with activities everyone can enjoy
- Practice self-care in an accessible way, whether it’s a spa day, journaling, or simply resting
- Write love letters to yourself or friends affirming love, support, and gratitude
- Volunteer or donate to disability-inclusive organizations that make the world a better place for all
Love for everyone every day
Valentine’s Day should be a celebration of love in all its forms, and that means making it accessible and inclusive for everyone. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a fun gathering, or a solo self-care night, a little thoughtfulness goes a long way in ensuring that no one is left out of the love fest.
Because at the end of the day, love isn’t about expensive gifts or extravagant plans; it’s about showing up, being thoughtful, and making sure the people you care about feel valued and included.
Here’s to an accessible, love-filled Valentine’s Day for all!