February Bucket List: Fun & Festive things to Do this Month

February is the shortest month of the year, but it somehow feels like it lasts forever (looking at you, freezing weather and post-holiday blues). But fear not—just because it’s cold and dark outside doesn’t mean February has to be boring. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s, Galentine’s, football season, or just vibing in your sweatpants, I’ve got you covered with the ULTIMATE February bucket list.

From cozy nights in to creative DIYs, here’s your guide to making February feel festive, fun, and full of cute Instagram moments—because let’s be real, if we don’t post about it, did it even happen?

1. Read a Romance Book (Or a Spicy One 👀)

Valentine’s season = the perfect excuse to get lost in love, drama, and characters who are way too attractive for their own good. Whether you love swoon-worthy romance or something a little more… adventurous, February is THE month to cozy up with a book.

📚 A Few Must-Reads:
• “The Love Hypothesis” – Fake dating, STEM nerds, and the grumpy/sunshine trope we all live for.
• “Icebreaker” – Hockey romance + steaminess = you’ve been warned.
• “It Ends With Us” – If you still haven’t read this Colleen Hoover classic, February is your chance.

Grab a fuzzy blanket, make some hot cocoa, and get ready to fall in love (with fictional men who set unrealistically high expectations).

2. Write a Love Note (To Someone or Yourself ❤️)

Love letters are not just for Nicholas Sparks movies. Whether it’s for your partner, bestie, mom, or even yourself, handwritten notes are WAY more meaningful than a last-minute Hallmark card (no shade, but also, kind of).

💌 Ideas for Love Notes:
• Write a romantic one for your partner (“Roses are red, violets are blue, I tolerate you even when you snore—it’s true”).
• Send an unexpected letter to a friend—bonus points if it’s totally random and dramatic.
• Leave sticky notes with cute affirmations around the house.

3. Bake Valentine’s Cookies (Because Calories Don’t Count in February 🍪)

Nothing says “I love you” quite like sugar, butter, and excessive sprinkles. Valentine’s cookies are basically required this time of year.

💡 Fun Cookie Ideas:
• Classic heart-shaped sugar cookies – Frosting + sprinkles = happiness.
• Red velvet crinkle cookies – Because red = festive.
• Chocolate-covered Oreos – Not technically a cookie, but delicious nonetheless.

If you’re feeling extra, throw on a pink apron, play some Taylor Swift, and pretend you’re on a baking show (even if the kitchen ends up looking like a war zone).

4. DIY Valentine’s Decor (Or Just Cover Everything in Hearts ❤️)

If you love holiday aesthetics, this is your time to shine. DIY Valentine’s decor makes your space feel cute and festive without looking like the inside of a Party City.

🎀 Easy DIYs to Try:
• Heart garlands – Cut paper hearts, string them together, and suddenly you have Pinterest-worthy decor.
• Mason jar bouquets – Fake flowers + cute jars = effortless Valentine’s vibes.
• DIY Chocolate Money Box – We made one today, and let’s just say… it’s the cutest thing ever. Check it out here!

5. Wear Red Lipstick (Because You’re That Girl 💄)

Name a better time to rock a bold red lip than February—I’ll wait. Whether you’re heading to date night or just want to feel like an absolute icon at Target, red lipstick instantly levels up any look.

🔥 Best Reds for Every Vibe:
• Classic Red: MAC’s Ruby Woo (an actual legend)
• Deep & Moody: Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint
• Budget-Friendly: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Pioneer (won’t budge even after tacos)

6. Have a Self-Care Night (Bubble Bath Required 🛁)

February is the perfect time to romance yourself with an over-the-top self-care night. Think bubble baths, face masks, candles, and the most dramatic playlist ever.

🌿 Self-Care Checklist:
✅ A bath bomb that makes you feel like a goddess
✅ A face mask that gives you unrealistic skincare expectations
✅ Fuzzy socks & your fave cozy PJs
✅ An audiobook or rom-com playing in the background

Bonus points if you completely ignore your responsibilities for the evening.

7. Watch a Romantic Comedy (For the 100th Time 🍿)

Valentine’s season isn’t complete without a rom-com marathon. Whether you’re into cheesy classics or modern love stories, February is the perfect excuse to rewatch your faves.

🎥 Top Picks:
• “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” – Still iconic.
• “Crazy, Stupid, Love” – Ryan Gosling in a suit. Enough said.
• “10 Things I Hate About You” – The ultimate nostalgic comfort movie.

Pro tip: Pair your movie night with homemade heart-shaped pizza (which just so happens to be next on the list).

8. Bake a Heart-Shaped Pizza (Because Why Not? 🍕)

If your love language is food, this one’s for you. A heart-shaped pizza is adorable, delicious, and Instagram-worthy—aka the trifecta of a perfect Valentine’s activity.

🍕 How to Make It:
1️⃣ Buy pizza dough (or be ambitious and make your own).
2️⃣ Shape it into a heart (or something that vaguely resembles one).
3️⃣ Load it up with toppings.
4️⃣ Bake & enjoy.

Even if the shape turns out questionable, it still tastes like pizza—so, a win either way.

9. Start Junk Journaling (Because Aesthetic Chaos is Fun ✂️📓)

Junk journaling is the perfect creative outlet for random thoughts, doodles, and pretty scraps of paper you refuse to throw away.

✂️ What to Add:
• Magazine clippings & stickers
• Handwritten notes & quotes
• Pressed flowers, ticket stubs, or random memorabilia

It’s like scrapbooking, but without the pressure of being Pinterest-perfect.

10. Make a Football-Themed DIY (Because the Super Bowl is Basically a Holiday 🏈)

Super Bowl Sunday is about food, commercials, and pretending to understand football. Get festive with an easy, fun DIY—like football-themed snack trays or game-day banners.

If nothing else, just make buffalo chicken dip and call it a day.

Final Thoughts: Make February FUN (Even If It’s Cold & Dark Outside)

February might be short, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring! Whether you’re romancing yourself, hanging with friends, or going all out for game day, there’s always a way to make this month feel special, cozy, and full of fun.

📌 Which bucket list item are you most excited to try? Drop a comment below & tag me if you check anything off the list!

XOXO, Ashton ❤️