Valentine’s Day Marketing Campaigns That Win Hearts
Every February, brands pull out all the stops to woo customers and some do it with flair, fun, and a whole lot of weirdness. These standout Valentine’s Day marketing campaigns prove that creativity, emotion, and surprise can turn heads and spark conversations.
Here are a few of our favorite unconventional campaigns and what marketers can learn from them.
1. The Bronx Zoo’s Name-a-Cockroach Campaign
Want to get over your ex? Name a cockroach after them.
The Bronx Zoo lets you do just that, with a personalized certificate for $15. This low-cost, high-buzz effort generates thousands of earned media impressions each year.
What we love: It’s quirky, emotionally charged, and viral-friendly, without a huge media spend.
2. The DiGiorno Proposal Kit
DiGiorno launched a limited-edition Valentine’s kit featuring a heart-shaped pizza and a faux engagement ring box, giving couples the chance to “pop the big question” with pepperoni.
What we love: This was perfectly on-brand for DiGiorno. It played into humor, home rituals, and over-the-top romance in a way only frozen pizza can. Even if no one proposed, everyone talked about it. It turned a product into a moment.
3. Red Robin’s Onion Ring Engagement Boxes
Red Robin introduced a velvet ring box filled with a single onion ring, designed for pun-loving romantics ready to pop the question with a side of sarcasm.
What we love: It’s absurd in the best way. Red Robin took something simple and made it social gold. Limited availability added urgency, and the brand stayed true to its cheeky voice. Plus, if you’re not ready for forever, you’re at least ready for lunch.
Why This Works
The most effective Valentine’s Day marketing campaigns don’t just show up on a calendar; they tap into emotion, match the brand’s tone, and give audiences something to talk about. The best of the best lean into humor, irony, or surprise while still tying back to their products.
Ready to Spark Something?
Seasonal campaigns should do more than “check the box.” Whether it’s quirky or heartfelt, digital or experiential, your Valentine’s Day campaign (or any holiday campaign) should create real connection.
Let’s make your next one memorable.
Talk to us about seasonal campaigns.
