It’s no secret that Valentine’s Day has gotten commercialised to the point that it seems mandatory to buy flowers, chocolates, and Hallmark cards. But the true essence of this holiday has always been to show appreciation to the special people in your life. There’s pressure to give something unique, especially since Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Gift-giving is an art, and here are tips to master it.
Ditching the Clichés
One size doesn’t fit all, especially when it comes to gifts. Take a moment to understand your partner’s unique tastes and preferences. Get to know their hobbies, the genre of music they listen to, or the style of clothes they wear. The more you know about them, the better you can tailor fit your gift.
Adding charms to a piece of jewelry is one way to make it special. Maybe you can find a pendant that symbolizes a meaningful place for both of you as a couple. A commissioned portrait of your partner in their favorite art style can also be a unique gift. Ultimately, personalization is about the small but meaningful touches poured into a gift.
DIY with Love
Homemade gifts authentically capture the essence of the famous saying “made with love.” After all, it takes time and effort to make something out of nothing. A lot of people shy away from DIY projects because they feel that they don’t have the skill for it.
But there are a lot of simple creations that anyone can master with a bit of patience and creativity. Something easy to do is a set of love coupons. These can be redeemed for special favors, activities, or romantic gestures. You could even make some they can exchange for sweet treats like a special coffee recipe. Use colourful paper and fill them with fun illustrations.
If you’re handy in the kitchen, mix baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils to make heart-shaped bath bombs. Package them in a charming box for a relaxing and aromatic bath experience. A monogrammed cotton or linen handkerchief can also be the perfect canvas to embroider your initials or a short message.
Experiences Over Things
Experiences often hold more value than physical possessions. This is especially true among younger couples who prefer to spend their hard-earned money on travel and leisure. Whether it’s a cozy weekend getaway, an interactive cooking class, or a simple museum date, there’s value in creating shared memories.
Concerts often tick off all the boxes for an unforgettable experience. Couples get to travel to the cities that play host to the artist, and they can jam to their hit songs all night long. Recently, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has swept America by storm. Swifties, mostly women, have somehow convinced their non-Swiftie lovers to accompany them for a three-hour spectacle. If that’s not love, we don’t know what is.
Time has also become a precious commodity. Most people lead busy lives, often prioritizing their work over their relationships. Even couples who live under the same roof don’t even have time for themselves because of the many demands of their career. It’s important, however, to slow things down and simply enjoy the company of your partner. The simplicity of spending time with your loved one often surpasses the value of any physical gift.
Family-Centric Celebrations
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of all forms of love, not just the romantic kind. Take this occasion to appreciate the love within your family and people with shared values such as ethics and religion. People often forget that having a complete and happy family or community is a privilege in itself. Surprise your parents and siblings with a range of Christian apparel to remind them that they are loved.
For the kids, Valentine’s Day at home can start off special by surprising your parents with breakfast in bed. Don’t forget to pair it with their favorite drink. By dinner time, have extended family over for a simple potluck. Ask them to dress up to make the night truly special.
Love is so complex that there is no one way to express it. You can buy all the gifts in the world and somehow feel that it still isn’t enough to quantify your feelings. What matters most is that it comes from the heart. Gifts are only material manifestations of love, but they shouldn’t replace genuine care, concern, and loyalty to the people you value the most.
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