Your February Bucket List: 40 Ways to Make the Most of This Month

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February is a bit of a paradox. Depending on where you live, it may feel like spring is just within reach. Or it may feel as though the bitter cold is endless, and the promise of warmer days seems like a distant dream. Then there’s Valentine’s Day, sitting squarely in the middle of the shortest month—bringing with it countless ways to celebrate, whether you’re in a relationship or flying solo.

But amid the chill and the romance of it all, I want to carve out space for something different: small, consistent moments of joy. That’s why this February bucket list is packed with energizing, inspiring ideas to brighten your days and maybe even make this month your favorite one yet.

40 February Bucket List Ideas to Romanticize Your Month

While some may be quick to dismiss February, I’d argue it’s one of the most magical times of the year. It’s a month filled with cozy rituals: sipping warm mugs of our favorite drinks, savoring hearty soups, and curling up with a never-ending stack of books and movies. And while Valentine’s Day traditionally celebrates romantic love, February invites us to embrace love in all its forms. It could be surprising your partner with their favorite dessert, inviting a friend for a breakfast date at their go-to café, or simply carving out sacred solo time to spend however you please.

With that in mind, we’ve created your February bucket list—a playful ode to love in all its forms. From making the most of your “me time” to building on your New Year reset, these ideas for things to do in February are guaranteed to spark joy and maybe even give you butterflies.

Love and Connection

1. Discover your love language. I’ve long known that words of affirmation get me going. 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?

2. 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.

3. Ask your partner questions to build intimacy. Feel like you’re having the same conversation with your partner? Skip the small talk and get to the heart of your connection with questions designed to deepen your relationship.

4. Commit to random acts of kindness. During the month dedicated to love, there’s nothing better than spreading and sharing joy. Get inspired by these acts of kindness.

5. Volunteer at your local animal shelter. 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.

6. 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.

Self-Care and Personal Growth

7. 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 YouTube channels.

8. 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 an enneagram deep dive.

9. Do a skin detox. Glow up for the month of love with an esthetician-approved guide.

10. Build an intentional morning routine. Start your days with purpose and clarity. Craft an energizing 2025 morning routine.

11. Tap into your feminine energy. PSA: it’s not just a trend. An expert shares everything about channeling your feminine energy and how it can expand your world.

12. 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.

13. Practice positive affirmations. Let’s keep a good thing going. Try these positive affirmations that’ll help you embrace your best self.

14. 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.

15. Take a detox bath. Self-care and self-love at their finest. Read up on our favorite tips for taking a detox bath.

Seasonal Joys

16. Switch out your sheets. Celebrate love with luxurious, silky bedding.

17. Try a new wine or mocktail. Toast to the month of love with something new.

18. 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.

19. Watch the best new shows. Cozy up with February’s top TV premieres—the month has plenty of good television in store.

20. Work your way through all the Oscars nominees. Perfect movie nights await! View the full list of nominees.

Creativity and Inspiration

21. 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.

22. Dedicate yourself to learning about Black history. 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. Read Black literature, listen to Black music, support Black creators—and dedicate time to learning their stories. This isn’t something to check off your list. Continue to take in all you can and find ways to give back and take action.

23. Practice manifestation. We spoke with an expert who shares how to manifest your dream life.

24. Decorate with Mocha Mousse. Add warmth and style with the color of the year.

25. Show your coffee table some love. Style it like a pro with new books or accessories. Browse our favorite coffee tables for both small and large spaces.

26. Make hand-made valentines. 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! How fun are these DIY valentines?

27. Refine your creative writing. Set your imagination loose and craft entirely new worlds of your own. To get started, these 99 creative writing prompts were designed specifically to help you beat writer’s block.

28. 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.

Health and Wellness

29. 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.

30. 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:

31. 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.

32. 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.)

33. 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.

34. 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?

February-Specific Fun

35. Book a getaway. It’s February—why not escape to somewhere warm?

36. Celebrate Valentine’s Day your way. Whether solo, partnered, or with friends, make it meaningful.

37. Make February your cozy movie month. Hot cocoa, fuzzy blankets, and cinematic magic.

38. 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.

39. 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.

40. 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.