The Foobooz Guide to a Last-Minute Valentine’s Day
These options ensure you won’t have to scramble — even if it’s already February 14th.
The Valentine’s Day box by From Marjorie is among our last-minute Valentine’s Day picks.
It happens every time, doesn’t it? Valentine’s Day just sneaks up on us and makes us look bad. But not to worry. After years and years of messing up this strange holiday, we’ve figured out the key: last-minute options. Whether you realize you forgot on February 14th or a couple of days before, these last-minute Valentine’s ideas make it look like you had it figured out all along.
The Day Of
Pastry delivery from High Street Philly
The bad news is that Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year, which means your day-of options are even more limited than usual. The good news is that High Street is open on Mondays, and they offer home delivery all day. If you happen to roll out of bed and realize you forgot to make a plan, a surprise arrangement of ham and gruyere croissants, apple hand pies, lemon squares, and more are just a few taps away.
Éclat Chocolate from Di Bruno Bros.
If you can make your way to a Di Bruno store on your way home from work, you’re going to be fine. We’re huge fans of Éclat Chocolate, but Di Bruno has an almost endless array of other treats that also feel worthy of a special occasion.
Dinner at Cafe Nhan
Look, it’s too late to find a dinner reservation. It’s just not happening. Instead of trying to get on every waitlist in the city, go off the beaten path a bit and head south to Cafe Nhan, which just so happens to have some of the best soups in the city. Things are sure to get … steamy.
The Day Before
A special bottle of wine from Bloomsday Cafe
Great work: You’ve surfaced with 24 hours to go. Use this extra time to grab a couple of treats throughout the city, ideally including a lovely bottle of wine from Bloomsday. (You can never go wrong with bubbles on V-Day.) Get some recs from their on-site team or order online for quicker pickup.
Oyster happy hour at Kensington Quarters
It’s a double-holiday weekend, with the Super Bowl coming the day before Valentine’s. Not interested in the game? Head out to a bar that doesn’t have a television. We’re big fans of Sunday-afternoon happy hour at Kensington Quarters, which includes discounted oysters on the half shell and glasses of wine. It would make for a low-key but still romantic date.
A visit to the Sisterly Love Valentine’s Day Market
On February 13th, the Sisterly Love Collective will host a festive market at Triple Bottom Brewing. Browse locally made sweets, beer and many more treats, then enjoy one of Triple Bottom’s drafts. It’s a great spot to pick up last-minute presents — or enjoy a fun date activity.
A Few Days Before
Custom cheeseboard by From Marjorie
Congratulations! You’re ahead of the game. From Marjorie offers adorable custom cheese and charcuterie platters for deliver or pickup at a handful of locations throughout the city. All the boards ordered during Valentine’s weekend will include romantic touches like fresh flowers or a few pieces of chocolate bark. They’re perfect for sharing, especially if you snag a bottle of wine to pair with your snacks.
A tasting menu at Southwark
Cross your fingers that Southwark’s special Valentine’s Day dinner hasn’t sold out yet, and ball out on a tasting menu inside one of the coziest dining rooms in Philly. Missed your chance? You can still belly up to the bar to drink unique wines selected by sommelier Jamie Harrison Rubin.
Baked goods from Second Daughter Baking Co.
If you get here before February 11th, you’re in luck. Order your loved one the best (and most famous!) brownies in the city. They’re simple, yet perfect.
