Valentine’s and Random Acts of Kindness Day Ideas

Acts of Kindness Ideas - Kindness Bingo Card

Love and friendship are best expressed in the little things we do for one another. Thoughtful gestures like making the morning coffee or hoovering the house (yes, really), add up to a big display of appreciation. With Valentine’s Day and Random Acts of Kindness Day just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what you could do this year.

We’ve got lots of carefully chosen acts of kindness ideas for you. From the mini statements, like blitzing the bathroom before running your partner a bath, to the bigger shows of affection, like inviting your friends round for stacks of homemade raspberry pancakes. We’re looking forward to leaning into this month of gentle generosity.

With Valentine’s Day and Acts of Kindness day in the same week, our Kindness Bingo is the perfect way for you to make a difference to loved ones. Download our Kindness Bingo here.

When is Valentine’s Day?

Mark your calendar for February 14th, that date marks the sweet spot in the year when love takes centre stage. It’s a day dedicated to celebrating the special connections we share, beyond just romantic partners.

Whether you’re a sentimental soul or one who enjoys spreading love in unexpected ways, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in small acts of kindness and thoughtful gifts. So, get ready to embrace the love in the air and bring extra tenderness into everyday moments.

What is Random Acts of Kindness Day, and When is it?

Just a few days after Valentine’s Day, on February 17th, we’ll be keeping warm with Random Acts of Kindness Day! Embrace this occasion to enjoy the fuzzy feeling of supporting the people around you.

It’s a day dedicated to the simple yet powerful idea that small gestures have a big impact. Just by taking your housemate’s laundry off the line or helping a friend do a cupboard clear out, you’re making a positive difference to their day.

There are lots of ways for you to spread joy on Random Acts of Kindness Day 2024. In fact, we’ve put together a list for you in the form of a ‘Kindness Bingo’ card. Download a copy and see if you can get a full set in just 24hrs – we believe in you!

What to Cook for Valentine’s Day Dinner?

More often than not, Valentine’s Day falls on a weekday. It can be hard to summon energy after work or even find the time to mark the occasion. Fortunately, devices like air fryers mean that romantic dinner ideas can now be executed in no time at all. They’re the Cupids of the kitchen!

It’s never been easier to cook up three courses for your nearest and dearest. Our air fryer meal idea for Valentine’s Day is guaranteed to be a treat you’ll both enjoy.

Appetizer: Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles

Ingredients: Fresh asparagus spears, prosciutto slices, olive oil, balsamic dressing

For an elegant start to your evening, try prosciutto-wrapped asparagus bundles. This Valentine’s Day recipe offers a little something special without a big fuss. All you need to do is take a few asparagus spears and wrap them with thin slices of prosciutto. Lightly brush the bundles with olive oil, then air fry until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crispy – about 9 minutes at a high temperature.

Drizzle with balsamic dressing, parmesan or honey for a touch of sophistication and sweetness. Delicious and, thanks to air fryers’ minimal oil requirements, light enough to leave you hungry for the next course.

Alternative: Air Fryer Smoked Salmon Blini Canapes

Main Course: Garlic Herb Salmon

Lakeland Air Fryer with text "Join the hot air revolution. Shop all Air Fryers"

Ingredients: Salmon fillets, garlic, lemon, fresh dill and parsley, olive oil

When planning your romantic dinner idea, you need a reliable showstopper. Let your air fryer work its magic on a garlic herb salmon fillet. Marinate the fish in a mixture of minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. Add a few chilli flakes if you like a little heat.

We recommend laying down perforated air fryer liner to protect the base of the drawer. Then you’re ready to air fry until the salmon to flaky and infused perfection! This will only take about 7 minutes, so you have time to plate up some new potatoes and salad to complete the course.

If you’re cooking with a double-drawer air fryer, like the Lakeland Dual Basket Air Fryer With Easy View, you can time your starter and main to be just minutes apart, or air fry some golden roasted veg to accompany your meal.

Alternative: Air Fryer steak, broccoli and potato wedges

Dessert: Chocolate and Walnut Brownies

Ingredients: Dark chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, walnut pieces

Round off your evening of delicious Valentine’s gifts with a decadent tray of walnut brownies. Melt dark chocolate and butter together, then mix in sugar, eggs, walnut pieces and a splash of vanilla extract. Fold in your flour and baking powder and pour the batter into your Air Fryer Silicone Brownie Moulds, and you’ll soon have a rich, gooey pudding.

Alternative: Air Fryer shortbread hearts

Love bug cookies for Valentine's

Valentines Baking Ideas

Some things are just better said with cake. The practice of home baking is a wonderful way to celebrate the people you love, and the Lakeland inspiration pages are filled with great Valentine’s recipe ideas that involve all kinds of sweet treats.

If you want to express your feelings and your creativity, try crafting these Valentine’s Love Bug Cookies or Love Bug Cake. These hand-decorated treats are hard not to fall for! Get together all the decorating accessories you need in order to nail the intricacies and demonstrate your affection.

Or go for a romantic take on the classics. Red Velvet Cupcakes are both easy to make and guaranteed to bring joy. If you’re baking these as a Valentine’s gift, try bending your paper cupcake cases into a heart shapes before slotting them into your cupcake tray. The heart-shaped presentation is a small but transformative extra touch.

For those who enjoy the art of chocolate-making – or who want to give it a go for the first time – creating your own chocolates is a sure-fire way to win someone over. It’s not as difficult as you might think either, especially with the right kit to set you up for success. For something a little edgier, try making these Geometric Heart Chocolate Melts.

Let these Valentine’s Day baking ideas and cookie recipes bring joy to your special day. You can make these gestures as romantic and personalised as you like; we’ve got everything you need to present baked gifts that your loved ones will truly cherish.

And if disaster strikes or you run out of time, don’t worry. You can choose from loads of delicious and chocolatey Valentine’s Day gifts in our range. It’s always the thought – and the flavour – that counts.

Ideas for Random Acts of Kindness

In this cold month, the warm fuzzy feelings that come with giving are all the more precious. We’re encouraging everyone to try it out for themselves with some of these small acts of kindness. Our ‘Kindness Bingo’ card is here to supply you with inspiration and motivation. See how many acts you can perform in one day!

Start off by making someone a cup of tea without waiting for them to ask. Volunteer to help a friend or neighbour with a small task, like organising their wardrobe or taking their bins out. There’s glory to be had from these mundane moments! Helping out is the best way to get some of that springtime joy a few months early, easing us through the dark month of February.

Whether you craft delicious meals in an air fryer or express affection as a domestic lifesaver, Lakeland is here to inspire your journey. Good luck on your mission to complete these random and romantic acts of kindness!