These Valentine's Day marketing stunts mark the one time of year that many brands get to have some fun playing Cupid. Romantic getaways, decadent meals, flowers and jewelry are some of the hallmarks of this holiday that are being amplified by members of the transportation, food, fashion and entertainment industries. For instance, on the theme of travel, this year Virgin Trains launched a 'Love Carriage' for speed dating, while Addison Lee introduced a 'CupidCab' service as a last-minute gift idea for couples.
In terms of packaging, Veuve Clicquot and Marmite both began separate initiatives to help consumers create personalized packaging for loved ones, which always feels more special than an off-the-shelf item.
While many Valentine's Day motifs and gifts have become cliché, ThinkGeek and Doritos are two brands doing things differently this year with bouquets made of plush dinosaur toys and Ketchup potato chips.
40 Valentine's Day Marketing Stunts
From Romantic Taxi Rides to Thermochromatic Flower Shops:
Laura McQuarrie — Feb 13, 2016 — Marketing
40
Romantic Copywriter Candies
These Valentine's Day Candy Hearts Use Phrases Inspired By Copywriters
39
Ketchup Chip Bouquets
The Doritos Ketchup Roses Serve as a Tasty Alternative to Flowers
38
Personalized Valentine's Ice Cream
Tesco Ireland Stores Has Teamed Up with Haagen Dasz
37
Heart-Shaped Pizzas
Boston Pizza's Valentine's Day Special Raises Money for Charity
36
Luxury Valentine's Day Teas
These Luxury Tea Blends Make a Great Valentine's Day Gift
35
Suspended Cable Car Accommodations
This Airbnb Cable Car is the Ultimate Luxury Experience
34
Branded GIF-Generating Platforms
This Platform Lets Users Send Personalized Valentine's Day Memes
33
Personalized Valentine's Day Spreads
These Personalized Marmite Jars Make a Tasty Valentine's Gift
32
Mobile Valentine's Day Promotions
The Motorola Valentine's Day Promotion Involves Free Accessories
31
Matchmaking Travel Packages
Swipe Right is a Romantic W Hotel Package to Connect Singles
30
Romantic Fast Food Dinners
This Chain is Offering Date-Night Table Service for Valentine's Day
29
Japanese Booze-Infused Candies
The Latest KitKat Candy Bar is Flavored with Japanese Sake
28
Temporary Valentine's Day Menus
This Chain is Offering Limited-Edition Valentine's Day Beverages
27
Romantic Personalized Wine
Consumers Can Personalize a Veuve Clicquot Bottle for Their Valentine
26
Wizardly Valentine's Day Diners
This Promotion Involves Dining in the Great Hall of Hogwarts
25
Romantic Taxi Rides
Addison Lee is Offering Valentine's Day Car Rides with Its 'CupidCab Service'
24
Color-Changing Tequila Bottles
Tequila Rose's Active Package Reveals Ideal Drinking Temperature
23
Coffee Date Events
Match.com and Starbucks Couple Up for a Romantic Matchmaking Event
22
Speed Dating Trains
Virgin Trains Created a Romantic Train Ride for Singles on Valentine's Day
21
Lip-Locking Burrito Promotions
The Qdoba for a Kiss Promotion Rewards Couples with Free Entrees
20
Flower Delivery Drones
This Flower Marketing Stunt Involves a Romantic UAV
19
Cozy Cuddling Cafes
McVitie's Pop-Up Romantic Cafe Accepts Hugs as Payment
18
Livestreamed Valentine's Marathons
The Cupid's Undie Run Will Be Streamed with the Hang w/ App
17
Floral Confession Booths
Moonpig's Shed-Inspired Installation Promotes Its Flower Delivery Service
16
Romantic Chocolate Experiments
This Valentines Chocolate Ad Demonstrates the Science Behind Love
15
Uncoupled Ice Cream Treats
The New Singles Blizzard Helps Single People Celebrate Valentine's Day
14
Thermochromatic Flower Shops
Bompas & Parr and Perrier-Jouët Created a Valentine's Day Flower Shop
13
Celebratory Lingerie Ads
The 'Celebrate You' Campaign Encourages Consumers to Love Themselves
12
Equality Publicity Stunts
The 'Diversity & Inclusion - Love Has No Labels' Ad Showcases Skeletons
11
Parisian Proposal Videos
The Proposal by Cartier Features Three Romantic Storylines
10
Valentine's Day Lagers
This Romantic Beer Pack Includes Heart-Covered Bottles
9
Ugly Couple Ballads
XO Mint Gives Hope to Ugly Couples this Valentine's Day
8
LGBT Card Commercials
Put Your Heart to Paper by Hallmark Features a Lesbian Couple
7
Romantic Heart-Shaped Donuts
The 2016 Valentine's Day Donut Line Up Has Arrived at Krispy Kreme
6
Plush Dinosaur Bouquets
This Mini Dino Bouquet is the Ideal Alternative Gift for Valentine's Day
5
Valentine's Day Drink Promotions
This Chain is Offering Free Drinks on Valentine's Day
4
Romantic Senior Selfies
Milka's Selfie Campaign Introduces the Photography Phenomenon to Elders
3
Delicious Heart-Shaped Biscuits
This Chain is Celebrating Valentine's Day with Heart-Shaped Treats
2
Interactive Donut Greetings
Krispy Kreme E-Cards are a Sweet and Sentimental Gift
1
Cinematic Condom Commericals
The #50GamesToPlay Advert by Durex Promoted Playfulness
Related Ideas
Idyllic Pet Pop-Ups
Uber Eats and PetSmart Created "The Best Pet House Ever"
Valentines-Thmes Game Sets
LEGO Singapore Celebrates Valentine's Day with Date Night in a Box
Teddy Bear Outerwear
Build-A-Bear Cuddly Couture Shares Cozy, Warm Styles
Romantic Branded Cafe Products
Starbucks Japan Valentine’s Day Collection Has Over 12 New Items
Romantic Low-Cut Sneakers
Nike Readies its New 'Valentine's Day' Silhouette for the 2024 Season
Cheese-Themed Luxury Spas
The Wedgewater Spa Highlights the Best Cheeses of Wisconsin
Vasectomy-Inspired Boxers
Twisted Tea Introduces the First-Ever Twisted Tea VasectomUndies.
Instant Noodle Advent Calendars
Koka's Unique Christmas Countdown Shares 12 Comforting Meals
Customized Valentine's Cards
Angel's Envy is Sharing Personalized Cards for Valentine's Day
Romantic Drinking Accessories
Hendrick’s & Wiederhoeft Crafted a Line of Unusual "Gintimates"
Spicy-Sweet Breakup Pizzas
Pizza Hut's Goodbye Pies Help to Take the Sting Out of Splitting Up
Undefined Relationship Candies
Sweethearts Created Situationships Conversation Hearts for Gen Z
Heated QSR Anniversary Campaigns
Burger King Brazil Celebrates Milestone with a New Campaign
Fake Ketchup Campaigns
This Heinz Campaign Exposes "Ketchup Fraud"
Spice Advent Calendars
Just Spices Curated 24 Spice Blends to Discover in December
Valentine's-Themed Marshmallow Bags
JET-PUFFED Releases the Seasonal Strawberry Marshmallow Hearts
Naughty Holiday Campaigns
Diesel's XXXMas is Inspired by Erotic 90s Aesthetics
Adorable Valentine's Day Donuts
The Dunkin' Valentine's Day Offerings Include Donuts and More
Branded Departure Boards
"Bumble Airlines" Promotes a Premium Dating App Feature
Specialty Meal LTO
Meal Kit Brand HelloFresh Debuts the Date Night and the Big Game Bites
Romantic Dating App Experiences
The Bumble 'Success Stories' Campaign Includes a Las Vegas Contest
Period Sex Campaigns
U by Kotex Launches “Let’s Have Period Sex” Chocolates for Valentine's Day
Connected Gamer Campaigns
Heineken's Just Another Night Out Shatters Anti-Social Stereotypes
Suggestive Spread Campaigns
The Marmite First Timers Campaign Targets Gen Z
Luxury-Inspired Chocolate Campaigns
The Toblerone 'Never Square' Campaign Takes a Cheeky Approach
Romantic Luxury Vehicle Ads
Mercedes-Benz' G-Class STRONGER THAN DIAMONDS Edition Celebrates Love
Romantic Perfumery Candle Collections
This Diptyque Valentine's Day Set is Limited-Edition
Springtime Holiday Cereal Branding
Lucky Charms Limited-Edition Packaging is Here for Spring
Romantic On-Demand Gift Deliveries
Minted and DoorDash Have Partnered for On-Demand Delivery
Modern Gifting Services
Fresh Sends Reinvents Flower Delivery & Gift-Giving for a New Generation
Valentine's Beef Jerky Hearts
Manly Man Co.'s Meathearts are Laser-Etched with Playful Messages
Smart Shopping Cart Ads
Instacart Unveiled Ads for Its AI-Powered Caper Carts
Sensualized Dinner Dates
The K-Y Desire Darkroom Inspires Romance & Rediscovery
Supersized Delivery Sweepstakes
DoorDash's Big Game Ad Shares Stuff from All the Ads with a Winner
Unfair Advent Calendars
Tony’s Chocolonely Countdown Calendar Challenges the Chocolate Industry
Tea Advent Calendars
VAHDAM India Boasts a Few Holiday Offerings, Ahead of December
Three-People Wine Bottle Prototypes
19 Crimes's Throuple Bottle of Wine is for Valentine's Day
Low-Cost Private Brand Treats
These Favorite Day Easter Products are Exclusively at Target
Exclusive Date Night Recipes
HelloFresh & Tinder Launched Date Night Delights Recipes for Couples
Vegan-Friendly Champagne Accessories
The Stella McCartney x Veuve Clicquot Collection is Playful
Scented Fast Food Billboards
McDonald's Set Up a French Fry-Scented Billboard
Halloween-Inspired Tea Lines
VAHDAM India Releases Halloween-Themed Products for Spooky Season
Food Truck Billboards
McDonald's Transformed Billboards into Digital Food Truck Displays
Burger-Shaped Bath Gifts
The Love Burger by Lush Layers Bubbly, Sudsy Surprises
Non-Traditional Valentine's Wines
19 Crimes' Valentine's Wine Bottle Celebrates All Relationships
Empowering Self Care Holidays
eos is Transforming Pre-Valentine's Day Rituals with Vagentine's Day
Breakfast-Themed Breakup Campaigns
This Krusteaz Campaign Has Pancakes Breaking Up with Syrup
Humanitarian-Inspired Luxe Fashion Campaigns
Prada Presents In Conversation with a Flower for FW23
Gifting-Focused Travel Chocolate Products
Ferrero Travel Market Has Shown Off New Treats
Branded Holiday Gifting Suites
Scotch Brand Created a Festive Suite for Wrapping & Packing Gifts
Colorful Heart-Shaped Sprinkles
Trader Joe’s Valentine Sprinkle is Perfect for Decorating
Romantic Pink Foam Beverages
Each of Dutch Bros' New Dutch Luv Beverages Feature a Pink Soft Top
Adorable Holiday Campaigns
Burberry's Holiday Campaign Spotlights Dogs and Ducklings
Food Delivery Jewelry Ranges
The Deliveroo Love Bites Charm Necklace Range is Here for Valentine's
Stylish Romance-Themed Capsules
Reformation Introduces The Love Collection for Valentine's Day
Fast-Casual Valentine's Deals
QDOBA's Valentine's Day Offering Rewards Members to a Free Entrée
Festive Delivery Service Events
The DoorDash Deck the Doorstep Event Offers 12 Days of Deals
Singles Valentines Day Discounts
strEATS is Offering 20% Off to Customers who Come in Alone
Couple-Themed QSR Merchandise
The McDonald’s Cardi B & Offset Meal Merch Collection is Romantic
Supersized Snack Cake Boxes
Hostess Has a New 3-Foot-Long Twinkies Gift Box for Valentine's Day
Wasteful Shopping Billboards
Not On The High Street's Billboards Highlight a "Don't Gift Guide"
Valentine's Burger Kits
The White Castle Love Kit Offers a Romantic At-Home Dining Experience
Celebratory Hot Chocolate Promotions
This Cadbury 200th Anniversary Promotion is Launching Now
Romantic Mobile Game Events
The Pokémon Go Carnival of Love Event Celebrates Valentine's Day
Social Media-Inspired Candles
Ryan Porter | Candier Boasts a Playful Candle for Galentines Day
Anti-Breakup Festive Campaigns
Smirnoff and Lance Bass Debut 'Red, White & Merry' Love Campaign
Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Sticks
Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Stix is Available for Valentine's Day
Dramatized Caramel Candy Ads
Reese's Big Game Ad Shows Exaggerated, Relatable Reactions to Change
Ketchup Obsession Campaigns
'It Has to Be Heinz' Spotlights Fans' Intense Love of Heinz Products
Legacy Chocolate Brand Packaging
The Cadbury 200th Anniversary is Being Marked with Retro Branding
Co-Branded Conversation Cards
Baileys Chocolate Liqueur & The Skin Deep Created Connection Cards
Valentine’s Day Jewelry Collections
COS Valentine’s Day Collection is Elegant and Posh
Candid Celebration Campaigns
Edible's "There's an edible for That" Celebrates Even Awkward Moments
Playful Cheese Slice Campaigns
Kraft Singles Unveils its New Cheese Tax Pack Marketing
Interactive AR Experiences
The Sendit App Engaged Gen Alpha on Valentine's Day
Microwavable Chocolate Dipping Kits
Trader Joe's Chocolatey Dipping Kit is Valentine's Day-Ready
Valentine's Macaron Boxes
Ladurée Canada Launches a Seasonal Valentine’s Macaron Gift Box
Vintage-Style Candy Branding
Cadbury Yours for 200 Years Packaging Marks the Brand's Anniversary
Celebrity Couple QSR Meals
The McDonald's Cardi B & Offset Meal Arrives on Valentine's Day
Beloved Holiday QSR Beverages
Starbucks Canada Ushers in the Holiday Season with Festive Offerings
Playful Valentine's Day Gifts
The Clever Candy 2024 Valentine’s Day Collection Has Been Unveiled
Romantic Snack Cake Ranges
Little Debbie Valentine's Day Products Come in a Range of Options
Themed Heart-Shaped Chips
Japanese Snack Brand Calbee Unviels its Valentine's Day Chips
Recycled Ad Campaigns
Mars is Reusing Fan-Favorite Ads to Bring Attention to Climate Change
Opulent Body Collections
Rituals Unveils a Valentine’s Day Gift Collection with Eight New Scents
Designer-Made Art Installations
Valentino Shares the ‘Unboxing’ Installations with Global Stylists
Seasonal Valentine's Product Lines
Partake Launches Three New Valentine's Products at Target
Spring Holiday Candy Gifts
These M&M's Spring Gifts Come in New and Returning Options
Valentine’s Day Beauty Boxes
Glossybox Presents the 2023 Valentine's Day Beauty Box
Valentine’s Day Dinner Series
Shake Shack’s Debuts the 'Love Shack' Menu for Valentine's Day
Inclusive Valentine's Day Candies
The HARIBO Valentine’s Day Products are Here for 2024
Reality-Bending Car Ads
CarGurus Ad Features Melting Lego and Gourmet Chef Toddlers
Collaborative Romantic Mealkits
Goodfood Partnered with Bumble on the Third Date Meal Kit
Modernized Rose Delivery Services
Rose Rush Wants to Bring Back the Glamour of Sending Roses
Springtime Snack Cake Promotions
The Mr Kipling and Cadbury Cake Easter campaign is Familial
Special V-Day Promotions
Shisiedo Launches a Special Five-Piece Gift Set with $85+ Purchases
Macaron-Inspired Pop-Ups
Häagen-Dazs' Flavours of Love Spotlights Two New Decadent Flavors
Flame-Grilled Billboards
This Fiery Billboard Promotes the Flame Grilled Whopper-Flavored Doritos
Vibrant Retro Transport Campaigns
VCCP Creates Public Transport Safety Campaigns for the TFL
Free Gym Weddings
Blink Fitness is Helping Couples Tie the Knot on Valentine's Day
Handcrafted Heart-Shaped Bagels
Goldbergs Fine Foods' is Selling a Lovers Dozen Bagels on Feb. 14
Date Night Card Decks
Date Night Deck Offers 50 Creative Ideas for Quality Time Together
Romantic Gifting-Ready Baked Goods
The Insomnia Cookies Valentine's Day Offerings are Celebratory
Personalized Grocery Billboard Campaigns
Tesco Ireland Gets a New Live-Prompt Campaign
Rewritten Christmas Song Ads
Burger King UK's Hijacking Christmas Will Guide You to the Drive Thru
Valentine's Day Restaurant Games
Hooters Game of Love Promotion Offers Freebies and Discounts
Pink Winter Pop-Ups
The Immersive Pink Pier Has Returned for Valentine's Day
Complimentary Spice Grocer Campaigns
Sainsbury's Seasonings Shuttle Service Provides Free Spices
Financial Conversation Hearts
CIBC's Valentine's Day Campaign Addressed a Relationship Stressor
Heart-Break Dumpling Promotions
P.F. Chang's Introduces a Unique Promotion for February
Branded Pregnancy Scans
Marmite is Inviting Parents to Discover the Nature of Their Unborn Child
Valentine's Day Sandwich Menus
Panera is Offering a Special Valentine's Day Promotion for Members
Captivating Valetine's Day Dresses
Petal & Pup's Latest Valentine's Day Collection is Enchanting
Pet-Inspired Proposal Initiatives
Chewy Celebrated Engaged Couples with Their Pets
Playful Dating Experiment Campaigns
Kraft's Swipe Right for Mayo Campaign Social Experiment
Celebratory Seasonal QSR Deals
Wendy's 12 Days of Holiday Deals Gets Customers Ready for Christmas
Handmade Romantic Baked Goods
Paris Baguette's Valentine's Day Treats Include Six Varieties
Limited-Edition Cafe Refreshments
These Lavazza Menu Items are Arriving for Valentine's Day
Expansive Vegan Candy Campaigns
This Swizzels Campaign Encourages Retailers to Stock Up
Individual Nugget QSR Campaigns
The McDonald's Chicken McNuggets of Love Promotion is Celebratory
Cheeky Splitting-the-Bill Campaigns
Stella Artois Launches the Vamos Marcar Campaign
Seasonal Artisan Baked Goods
The Paris Baguette Holiday Menu is Packed with Seasonal Options
Valentine's Day Flight Promotions
PLAY Airlines Ran Valentine's Day Deals This Year
Valentine's Chocolate Smoothies
Nékter Juice Bar Releases a Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Smoothie
Singles Pizza Promotions
Pizza Pizza Changed Its Name to Celebrate Singles on Valentine's
Christmasy Convenience Retailer Promotions
The 7-Eleven Holiday Deals are Here for 2023
Holiday Meal Savings Campaigns
The Dollar General 'Decked Out In Deals' Campaign is Cost-Conscious
Romantic Cake Collections
TOUS les JOURS' New ‘Sweets for My Sweetheart’ Menu is Nearly Here
Romantic Meat-Free Meal Kits
Grubby x Redefine Meat Valentine’s Steak Recipe Kit is Available Now
Mother’s Day Spa Giveaways
DOVE Chocolate Celebrates Moms with a Special Mother's Day Initiative
Milestone-Marking Relationship Maps
Lovecation Moments is the Perfect Valentine's Day Gift
Private Label Holiday Products
Sprouts Brand Holiday Items Have a Better-for-You Formula
Festive Hotel Decor Campaigns
IHG Hotels & Resorts Launches the Seasonal Winter Chalet Campaign
Festive Value-Minded Retail Campaigns
The Spar BIG Deal of Christmas Campaign Launches This Month
Romantic Mexican Cuisine Menus
The Barrio Queen Mi Amor Valentine’s Day Menu is Authentic
Date Rescue Services
The Date Escape by Kraken Rum Rescued Singles on Valentine's Day
Mobile Weenie Wedding Chapels
Oscar Mayer Made a Mobile Wedding Chapel for Springtime Ceremonies
Iconically Located Wedding Pop-Ups
Couples Can Wed in Times Square This Valentine's Day
Holiday Biscuit Gift Products
The McVitie’s Christmas Range Includes Many New Products
Festive Chip Campaigns
KETTLE Chips' Christmas Campaign Features 24 Days of Prizes