The special day for lovers, admirers, and partners is around the corner, and that means it’s time to plan the best day and gifts for your loved ones!
This year, Valentine’s Day happens to be on a Saturday, which gives the perfect amount of time to prepare a nice present for a significant other or relative. However with busy schedules, sports, and other commitments, not everyone has time to prepare something huge. Luckily, a gift does not have to be extravagant or expensive. It can be simple like a letter, chocolate, or handmade gift, or even better: an experience!
Some of the most meaningful gifts come from the heart and are memorable. Handwritten letters, scrapbook journals filled with pictures and cards are a loving way to show appreciation, and it will stick with a loved one for a long time- both in their heart, and physically with them always! Gifts made and picked with genuine effort are much better than quickly buying a last minute cliche item. IB sophomore Ananda Cortes mentions how she feels “thoughtful gifts are better as it has more meaning to them” and it shows that the partner “knows [them] that well to give [them] something that is genuine.” Maya Shah, another IB sophomore, says that “thoughtful doesn’t mean it has to be expensive, it can be both.” Generally speaking, however, it all depends on what resources the person giving a gift has. Don’t worry if you are running out of time and want something inexpensive! Photo collages, or a jar/ old shoebox filled with notes and photos are a perfect way to express your feelings and also do it right on time!
Valentine’s Day is not only a day just for significant others and romantic relationships, it’s also for celebrating friends and families. To show them how much you feel connected to them, matching items such as bracelets, keychains, or self care items are perfect for reminding others that February 14th is not just a day for couples. Cortes also reminisces that she has received “handmade cards with pictures of [her] and [her] friends, and [she] thinks that those are really cute DIY gifts to make.” Valentine’s Day is also a day for the people who provide love through teaching, like teachers! Gifts for them can include items that you notice they like or even a small handwritten card with a touching message inside.
For the pro chefs and bakers, making food is such a fun way to sweeten up the gifts you prepare for loved ones. Some treats and pastries that are easy and do not require much ingredients are chocolate covered strawberries, Rice Krispy treats, cookies, etc. Although edible goodies don’t last forever physically, they are still such a fun way to showcase your talent for cooking as well as adding love to the recipe for others!
Since Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend this year, experiences also make wonderful gifts. Planning a cozy movie night at home, setting up a cute picnic in the park, visiting a new restaurant/cafe, or simply going for a walk can be just as nice as receiving a gift. Sharing a memory does not have to be extravagant, although some students at school like to plan big surprises for their loved ones. Either way is a fun and meaningful way to show appreciation. At the end of the day, it is not about how much money is spent, it’s about giving love to others. Whether it’s something big, handmade, cooked, or an experience, the best gifts are the ones that come from true thought and sincerity.