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Singles Day: What It Is and How to Celebrate It

Singles Day: What It Is and How to Celebrate It

Are you ready to celebrate Singles’ Day? If not then I’m going to guess that you’re either A) In a relationship, or B) Not from China, where the annual holiday originated from and is highly celebrated to this day. In fact, Singles’ Day is so popular in China that last year it broke retail records for Alibaba, bringing in $38 billion total sales in a 24-hour period in 2019.

Earlier today the news reported that within the first minute of Singles Day over 1 billion was spent on online shopping in China.

But what is Singles’ Day? Why is it an occasion for celebration? And, more importantly, how can single individuals from other countries harness some of the holiday’s personal affirmation? Read on to find out!

What Is Singles’ Day?

Perhaps predictably, Singles’ Day is a Chinese holiday in which single people find various ways to celebrate their solo status. The holiday is thought to have originated in the early 90’s and is potentially linked to students at Nanjing University, who started the holiday to celebrate their own single status before carrying the tradition on in later life. Retailer Alibaba then later seized on the holiday and made it a huge shopping success for any singles who wished to treat themselves.

Interestingly it’s been suggested that being single in China is actually a relatively new concept, making the holiday itself an influential factor in how the Chinese view their own relationship status. The idea of being ‘single’ has also been linked to an increase in the consumption of Western media, which has made the notion easier to recognize in China.

Thinking about this for a moment, how awesome is that? Suddenly individuals in China were confronted with the notion that an unmarried status in the West was considered as something to being highlighted and penalized. However, instead of letting it get them down they chose to celebrate their individual status, create a day to commemorate a perfectly valid relationship status, and made it into a huge financial success. China pretty much rocks sometimes!

So, if we in the West gave China the spark of inspiration for Singles’ Day, perhaps we can learn a thing or two by looking at the holiday ourselves? Singles’ Day certainly shouldn’t have to be an isolated affair, after all!

But Isn’t Being Single A Bad Thing?

Says who?

Okay, so Western society doesn’t put much value into the single life—and the background behind Singles’ Day makes perfectly clear—but there is nothing inherently wrong with being single.

Mae West once famously said “I’m single because I was born that way” and there is certainly a lot of liberation in choosing a single lifestyle.

Being single, for example, can bring a degree of freedom, independence, and personal autonomy that those in a relationship do not benefit from to the same extent. Some studies have even found that divorced individuals were happier than they had ever been 5 years after pursuing a solo lifestyle.

In fact, happiness and relationships don’t always go hand-in-hand, as one study of over 1,000 couples found that marriage had no measurable long-term impact on a couples’ overall happiness and that friendship could provide a similar degree of happiness to many.

Being single also gives individuals the time and skills needed to be alone without being lonely. Contentment in existing without a dependence on others is a very important life skill which many people take for granted, but many who are ‘single and loving it’ know very well.

And, of course, there is nothing to stop single individuals from spending time forging other relationships—such as strong and highly beneficial friendships. Being able to construct a supportive social group without worrying about potential conflict with a significant other can, itself, be a huge relief. Not to mention issues of time management.

Overall society is rather harsh on the single lifestyle when it can actually come with some immense benefits. So if you want to let you single flag fly here are a few fun things you could do for Single’ Day.

1. Treat Yo’ Self!

There’s a reason why Singles’ Day is such a huge financial success, and that’s because many single individuals use it as an opportunity to show self-appreciation by purchasing something nice that they’ve wanted for a while.

For those who are in the anti-Valentine’s spirit, this could be a rose, a box of chocolates, and some wine—treated as a defiant act. Who wants to share those items with someone else anyway?

For others, this could be a piece of gadgetry, an outfit they’ve wanted for ages, or perhaps something as simple and comforting as a nice warm beverage in your favorite café. After all, it’s all about what you want.

2. Prioritise Self-Care

Speaking about what you want, Singles’ Day is a great time to really focus in on some self-care practices.

Pamper yourself with a nice warm bath, go on a yoga retreat, or book a massage. Do something daring to embrace life by bungee jumping or rock climbing. Whatever you think will help you affirm your self-worth and nurture your sense of independence.

3. Go Out With Single Friends

Or any friends, really, just as long as it remains a celebration of the single lifestyle (after all, this is all about you).

As mentioned earlier in this article, friends can be just as viable a source of happiness in life as a significant other (sometimes even more so depending on the situation). Taking some time to come together and celebrate those bonds is a really great way to remind yourself that you don’t need to pair up with any given person to find self-validation.

If it’s a strictly-single affair then you can also share a sense of solidarity, as you trade single anecdotes and discuss your personal experiences with being single. Just remember—this is time to focus on all of the benefits of being single, something which we so rarely allow.

4. Take Some Sexy Selfies (Just For You)

When looking at the Singles’ Day sales Alibaba found that 73% of purchases in the first hour were made using a mobile phone. That’s a lot of e-commerce! It’s also the perfect reason to combine mobile retain with a bit of self-photography.

Don’t just use your mobile to treat yourself! Use it to indulge yourself, by hosting your own personal selfie-shoot.

Be fun, playful, and fiercely sexy just for yourself. Acknowledge that not every photo will be perfection but own the ones that are and tell yourself just how damned hot you look.

Like being single, modern society is also very critical of selfie-culture but that’s because both arguably promote a radical degree of self-empowerment and love. Embrace this by defying the expectations and societal pressures of others and simply enjoy being (and seeing) you.

5. Pursue A No-Strings Attached Encounter

Just because you’re single doesn’t mean that life isn’t still full of exciting sexual encounters.

Why not make your Singles’ Day, a time for some extreme sexual enthusiasm? Find a new masturbation technique (or five) and take the time to explore your body—learning new tricks while revisiting old favorites.

If you have a ‘friend with benefits’, pursue an open sexual activity, or wish to enjoy the company of an escort then treat yourself to a fun session with your chosen partner/s of choice. Sometimes no strings attached sex can be the best kind.

Alternatively combine #1, #2, and #5 by treating yourself to a new sex toy or one of the many Kiiroo packages. Purchasing something specifically made to enhance your ability to love and indulge in yourself is the ultimate act of empowerment.

A holiday for yourself, needs a present for yourself.

15 TECH GIFT IDEAS TO CELEBRATE SINGLES DAY

Valentine’s day was so last year. Okay, Valentine’s Day is still happening this year, but did you know there’s a day to celebrate being single?

Singles day is just around the corner and happens every year on November 11th.

It’s the one day of the year where single people worldwide celebrate their freedom and independence by showering themselves with gifts and a little bit of extra love.

Who wouldn’t want to celebrate that? Here are the 15 tech gift ideas you should give yourself this Singles Day.

  1. KIIROO’S TITAN VR EXPERIENCE

One way to celebrate Singles day is with Kiiroo's interactive stroker, the Titan VR Experience pack. You get to control the stroking speed and pressure while connecting to over 4,000 X-rated movies.

You'll be able to feel movements made by some of your favorite adult stars. Mhm sounds kinky. It's the perfect gift if you want an out-of-this-world experience.

  1. SMART OIL DIFFUSER

As a single person, you’re independent and rely on yourself. This is amazing, but sometimes it can be a little stressful. This Smart Oil Diffuser can help you reduce any stress or anxiety you have in your life by releasing diffused oils between 6-12 hours.

The Smart app lets you set a schedule and even connects with Alexa and Google home. Who needs stress? It’s time to connect with your inner peace.

  1. HIDRATE SPARK 2.0 SMART WATER BOTTLE

As a single person, you have the time to focus on yourself and work on becoming the best version of yourself. If you’re working out or trying to be healthier, you need to stay hydrated.

The Hidrate Spark 2.0 Smart Water Bottle uses sensor technology to track your water intakes and show your hydration progress via their app.

  1. KARECEL RECHARGEABLE HAND WARMER

During the fall and winter, you want to feel as cozy as possible. The Karecel Rechargeable Hand Warmer works as a 2-in-1.

Yes, it’ll make sure your hands are nice and toasty, but it’s also an emergency back-up battery. While your hands are keeping warm, you can charge your phone at the same time.

  1. FITNESS MIRROR

A mirror? Why would you want a mirror? Well, this isn’t just a mirror. The Fitness Mirror is a yoga studio, a cardio class - it’s your own personal trainer.

The mirror streams live and on-demand workout classes right into your home. If you have a smartwatch or Bluetooth heart rate monitor, you’ll be able to track your progress and choose your music.

  1. OHMIBOD FUSE POWERED BY KIIROO

When it comes to self-love, what says, “I love me” more than masturbation? Kiiroo’s OhMiBod Fuse is an interactive female vibrator that lets you take masturbation to a whole new level.

The rabbit vibrator reacts to your body’s natural movements with a dual-motor and lets you connect to VR, webcam, and games.

In other words, you have the absolute power in how your pleasure will look and feel like.

  1. MINI HANDHELD PERCUSSIVE MASSAGE DEVICE

After working out at the gym or going for a run, it’s normal for the muscles in our body to ache. There’s not much you can do other than stretching or icing the area when it comes to home treatment.

If you’re someone who suffers from sore muscles, you need the Mini Handheld Percussive Massage Device. This quiet device lets you treat any muscle in your body with spot treatment. It's a truly versatile device for those suffering from muscle pain.

  1. PHILIPS SMARTSLEEP

It’s not easy waking up in the morning, especially in the fall and winter. But the Philips Smartsleep helps you to wake up the right way. It gives you a gradual sunrise, slowly easing you out of deep sleep.

It includes an alarm you can customize, a sunset simulation, customized streaming, and guided meditation as well. Fall asleep and wake-up like a king or queen you are.

  1. HEATED BACK MASSAGER

Tell us one person who doesn’t enjoy a good back massage? Exactly! No one says no to a back massage. But not all of us can afford to have a masseuse come to our house. But you don’t need a masseuse to get a deep tissue massage.

The Viktor Jurgen Neck Massage Pillow will treat your aching neck muscles with its ergonomic design. Plus, it’s portable, so you can bring this massager wherever you go.

  1. KINDLE PAPERWHITE E-READER

You may love reading but don’t have space in your home for your books. But you don’t need any space with the Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader. It’s the thinnest and lightest Kindle on the market, and you can store thousands of books on it.

Oh, did we mention it’s waterproof as well? So, while you’re having your celebratory bubble bath, you’ll finally be able to relax in the tub with a good book.

  1. PURPLE HARMONY PILLOW

When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, many of us struggle with that. And let’s be honest; we’re living in the 21st century, our pillows shouldn’t be causing us any neck and back pain. The Purple Harmony Pillow uses Purple Grid Hex technology to make sure you never get too warm while sleeping. It’s the last pillow you’ll ever need.

  1. MOLESKINE SMART WRITING SET

If you’re someone who loves to draw or write, the Moleskine Smart Writing Set is the gift for you. You can scribble whatever you want in the Moleskine notebook, and it will automatically transfer your notes onto your phone.

It even lets you record audio to sync with your notes. It’s a great gift to yourself if you’re creative and want to stay somewhat old-school with the creative process.

  1. WATERPROOF BLUETOOTH SPEAKER

Having a warm, bubbly bath on Single’s Day is an amazing way to treat yourself. You can relax in the tub with your favorite playlist on - sounds like a dream, right? But what about your phone?

You don’t want it to get wet. Get yourself a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Connect the speaker to your phone, and put the speaker anywhere you’d like without having to worry about water damage.

  1. EMBER TEMPERATURE CONTROL MUG

Singles day is during mid-fall, and everything cools down as we slowly transition to our warm and toasty clothing. But there’s always one thing that lets us down: our warm fall drinks. They never stay warm for long.

The Ember Temperature Control Smart mug lets you control the temperature of your drink via your smartphone. You decide what temperature you want your beverage at, and the rest is history.

  1. PHONESOAP SMARTPHONE SANITIZER

In these times, staying clean is important. And sorry to tell you, but your cellphone is ten times dirty than a toilet seat. Ew! Since we touch our phones non-stop, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

Clean your phone the easy way with the PhoneSoap Smartphone Sanitizer. It uses UV light to clean your phone without any liquids or sprays. Oh, and it charges your phone at the same time - a win-win for everyone!

If you’re single, this is the day to embrace singlehood and reward yourself with something new. Singles Day is all about self-pleasure and self-love, so treat yourself with one of these gift ideas.

Done shopping? We have asked Poet, Performer and Rap artist L-Deep to write us a sweet "singles day" themed poem that captures his feelings about being single in 2017.

Bar for Bar, it's packed with wordplay!

We hope you'll enjoy!

Let us know on Twitter if you would like to see more poetry on our blogs in the future!

IN EVERY SINGLE WAY

I’m smiling all the time and I’m always seizing the day
I really love my life in every single way
I can date all the girls I want, that’s more than okay

Plus I don’t have to sit on the couch and watch Fifty Shades of Grey
I wake up stress-free with nothing going on in my head
Even though I'm without a queen in my kingsize bed

I can make my own plans and literally take every chance
Go to the store to buy a Rolex, because I got enough time on my hands
I never graduated, nevertheless I'm a man of stature

A student of the game, that's why I'm mastered in being a bachelor

What's so great about having a relationship?
Constantly fighting about which place to pick for your vacation trip

I'm not concerned about trust issues, constant arguments and moments of rage
Or finding out my girl just logged on to my Facebook page
I'm on Instagram all day, pressing hearts and liking my life away
And all I have left on Tinder is the right to swipe all day

Here's a fact: being single in this social media era is perfect and that's that
I mean my girl would get ghost as soon as she'd find out what's happening on my Snapchat

My advice, is to stay single when you can, that's by far the best choice

That's why I can write poems for companies specialized in sex toys
I’m smiling all the time and I’m always seizing the day
I really love my life in every single way

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

L-Deep is a Spoken Word Artist and a Battle Rapper from Amsterdam. He has blessed many different stages throughout the UK and Europe and is renowned for his use of wordplay and improvisation skills.

WRITTEN BY

Emmeline Peaches
Follow Emmeline on Twitter