There’s plenty of fun to be had, whether you are at home or doing lockdown love over Zoom. With this year’s occasion looking rather different, so are the options on offer.

Cosy Aromas sent me some gorgeous wax melts that are perfect for creating a lovely romantic feel, shimmering away in the evening. Granted, I think I like them more than my boyfriend, but that still counts as a win to me. Paul and Tamar Mayne are the husband and wife team behind them, and still make all of the melts together themselves from their home in Suffolk.

For Valentine’s Day breakfast in bed fizz is a must, so I’m a big fan of the personalised bottle of mini prosecco that arrived from Say It With Champers. I won’t tell you the message I got printed on it, but it’s dead cute and dead us.

Yummy chocolate has made it on the list, and I’m excited for something a bit different. Conscious Chocolate have sent a box of luxury organic, vegan aphrodisiacs to our door for Valentine’s Day 2021. They look lush. I’ll report back on how they taste. I mean, do I have to wait for Valentine’s?

We are big fans of The Great Game’s treasure hunts, and actually did one in Oxford on our first weekend away together. They’ve produced an at home adventure that looks inordinately good fun and I’ve actually bought for some friends of mine. Can’t wait to test out the PuzMat!

Valentine’s Day 2021 might be a bit different, but it will be fun. As with all these things, it’s one day, there’s no pressure, and you can make it your own.

Francesca Baker

A limited edition 7” released to celebrate/commiserate Valentine’s Day, ‘Mary’ starts with huge dollops of promise, some plinky piano and smooth rolling vocals, building up in tandem to a singalong and swayalong chorus. A stripping back followed by edgy guitar at two minutes, prior to a Killers style bridge big gospel chants, the whole effect is that of a musical CV, demonstrating their talent. Most bands don’t slice and dice so many styles and genres over the course of an album, let alone one album. Impressive as their talent is, the ultimate result means that there is nothing to grip on to. Mary is the kind of song that happens, rather than happens to you.