By Amber Spiotti

As the most beloved and most hated holiday is right around the corner, it is time to wander the aisles filled with heart shaped chocolate boxes to find the perfect romantic gift for your honey for Valentine’s Day. If you are single this year, it is time to gather up your single friends and treat yourselves to a memorable evening. Here are the top five ways for singles and couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day this February 14.

Party of One:

Secret gift exchange. If you didn’t do a Secret Santa last Christmas with your friends, now you have the opportunity. Get a group of singles and draw names from a hat. Make sure to set a price limit and then give each other little gifts, such as boxes of chocolate or a stuffed animal. The gift does not have to be anything extravagant.

Spa day. Grab the group of girls and treat yourselves to a mani-pedi at the local nail salon. Afterwards, grab lunch and end the night with a movie.

Day in the city. Take the train to NYC and make a day out of it. Grab lunch and check out the local museums and sights. With a Hofstra student ID, the Metropolitan Museum of Art offers cheap admission of under $10.

Dinner party. Dress up and make a family-style dinner. Any pasta dish is simple enough to make. Try baking some cupcakes or brownies for dessert.

Midnight bowling. This might bring you back to your middle school days, but grab a group of single friends and you’ll be sure to have a great time. Dave and Buster’s is close to campus and offers video games, as well.

Party of Two:

Afternoon walk on the beach. Grab a thermos of hot chocolate and take the short drive over to Jones Beach. You will usually find the boardwalk empty at this time of year, which will allow you to enjoy a romantic walk.

NYC-Dinner and a show. This date should be reserved for the couples that have been together for awhile. There are always great musicals on Broadway, as well as shows at the Lincoln Center and jazz hotspots like the piano bar, Don’t Tell Mama. Max Brenner’s offers some of the best desserts in the city, so be sure to try the chocolate fondue.

Karaoke night. Whether you find a place that is close to campus, or in the city this will become a memorable and unique date.

Ice Skating. For those a little more adventurous, you and your special someone can try Wollman’s Center in Central Park. After skating hand in hand you can find a horse drawn carriage and take a ride through the park.

Scavenger hunt. Leave a trail of clues written on note cards. The first clue may be accompanied by a bouquet of your date’s favorite flowers. Let the final clue lead your date to the restaurant of your choice.