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In 2026, we’re expanding our definition of love to include all types of relationships, and we think that’s beautiful. This Valentine’s Day, gather your ride or dies and get them Valentine’s experience gifts, where the experience becomes the celebration. There’s no roses or cliche love hearts here, just good old-fashioned bonding with friends over arts, crafts and food (maybe some drinks if that’s the vibe). Tickled pink? Read on to learn 9 ways to spend Valentine’s Day with friends and start planning the fun!
1. Cake decorating
All celebrations deserve cake, and Valentine’s Day with friends is no different! But before you grab that Woolies mudcake, let us tempt you with buttercream, delicate sponge and a cake you’ve decorated yourselves. It’s satisfying, delicious and super fun, the perfect way to spend time with friends on Valentine’s Day.
Decorate your cake and eat it too at this cake decorating workshop in Adelaide, featuring a naked petite cake ready to be covered in frosting and flowers, and an optional high tea to keep you and the gals happy and fueled.
2. Paint and sip
Have you and your friends ever wanted to paint at a bar? With a paint and sip class, you can! It’s not always a bar, but the idea is the same, and everyone will get to sip on their BYO drinks while they put paint to canvas. The vibes are less art class and more ‘doing something fun and creative with a drink in hand’, making it the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day with friends.
Join a drag queen as you drink and draw in Sydney for a fun night out you won’t forget (unlike your standard bar crawl).
3. Pottery classes
Doing pottery with friends is like reliving your childhood together, which is a super cute way to while away a Valentine’s afternoon if you ask us. Embrace all the feels as you chat and create with messy hands and clear minds. When the experience is wrapped up, you’ll each have a handmade creation ready to be fired in the kiln. From mugs to vases or even quirky sculptures, these handmade mementos are keepsakes you’ll treasure. Perhaps the first of many.
Fancy a side of margaritas with your pottery class? This hand building workshop in Perth delivers! It’s a clay and sip experience with a complimentary margarita on arrival and the option to buy more during your class. The experience feels both nostalgic and delightfully grown-up.
4. Jewellery making
Jewellery on Valentine’s Day may feel a little cliché, but this beaded necklace workshop in Melbourne is all about beads and charms, feeling more like friendship bracelets and less like fancy diamonds. With light snacks and a large range of beads to choose from, this analogue Vday activity feels like a breath of fresh air and a wholesome catch-up with friends. Whether you go matching or everyone makes their own unique design, this is an iconic way to spend Valentine’s Day with friends.
5. Baking desserts
Here’s a Valentine’s Day idea for our dessert-loving friends—a baking class! If your crew never waves away a dessert menu, then getting together for a couple of hours of baking is sure to be a sweet treat. For something that feels like a challenge but is surprisingly easy, this raspberry macaron making class in Sydney will have everyone feeling impressed with the results. You’ll each get a recipe to take home, so we foresee many more macaron baking dates in your future.
6. Flower arranging
If spending Valentine’s Day with friends in a field of flowers isn’t friendship goals, we don’t know what is. This floral arrangement workshop in Brisbane starts with a stroll in a flower field, so everyone can pick their own flowers before learning how to arrange them. It includes a light breakfast with tea and coffee, as well as a ceramic vase to put your flowers in. All that with a side of sunshine? Bliss!
7. Cocktail making
Cocktails and nights out go hand in hand, so this Valentine’s Day, stick to the classics with a cocktail class for you and your friends. For our Mermaid Beach gals, this cocktail and distillery experience includes a cocktail class, a quick distillery tour, charcuterie share plates AND a welcome drink on arrival. The vibes are immaculate, the drinks are flowing, and the crew will be happy with you for organising such a fun Valentine’s Day with friends!
Looking for activities to do with your significant other instead? Fall in love with these Valentine's date ideas.
8. Origami art making
Who knew folding paper could be this satisfying? Gather your friends and dive into the graceful world of origami in this Melbourne workshop, where you’ll turn colourful Yuzen Washi paper into elegant koi—symbols of perseverance and good fortune. By the end of the session, you’ll each have a framed koi to take home. It’s a cuper cute and unique artwork, made all the better because you made it with your friends on Valentine’s Day!
9. Crochet and knitting
As cosy crafts get more popular, you and your pals may want to jump on the bandwagon with a crochet and knitting class. It’s the perfect way to kick off Valentine’s Day with friends and may even lead to a monthly cosy craft catch-up. Skip the screens and stress and return to basics—simple connections with loved ones over crafts and a cuppa.
Make your own crochet amigurumi toys at this workshop in Brisbane. Once it’s done, you can swap your creations for extra Valentine’s gifting.
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples—these ideas show that spending Valentine’s Day with friends can be just as fun and memorable. From baking and cocktails to crafts and blooms, there’s something for every crew to enjoy. Gather your friends, try something new, and make it a day for celebrating all types of love.
