As the weather warms up and midterm season peters out, Valentine’s Day creeps around the corner. This year, the holiday falls on a weekend, giving people more time to relax, spend time with their loved ones and plan out gifts.
If you’re feeling a bit lost, this guide will teach you some Valentine’s Day gifting basics to get you started.
Straight from the heart
When genuine thought and time go into a gift, the recipient can truly feel seen and appreciated. DIY options, such as creating a scrapbook filled with shared memories and experiences, can feel heartfelt in a way that store-bought items often do not. Handwritten letters that relay inside jokes and meaningful milestones show care and intention. Fun origami, like pipe cleaner flowers and pop-up cards, are also unique and make great gifts. Ultimately, the value of a personalized gift lies in the time, effort and emotional investment shared between the giver and the recipient.
Proof you were paying attention
If you’ve ever forgotten something important about your partner, now is the time to redeem yourself. Much like personalized gifts, surprising someone with an item from their wishlist can be just as meaningful. It might be a pair of shoes in a specific color they admired in passing, a fragrance casually mentioned during a phone call or even a long-forgotten item sitting in an Amazon cart. Remembering small details shows attentiveness and can make gifting feel especially thoughtful.
Memories over money
Not every gift needs to come wrapped. Beyond tangible keepsakes, sharing new experiences and creating long-lasting memories can be a meaningful way to celebrate the holiday. With longer days and warmer temperatures, a stroll along Lake Michigan, whether it’s on campus or in Chicago, offers a simple yet intimate way to enjoy each other’s presence. If the cold is not your cup of tea, consider some of Chicago’s many indoor options such as an Italian cooking class at The Chopping Block, a cozy night at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge or an after-hours visit to the Art Institute of Chicago.
Classics for a reason
No Valentine’s Day feels quite complete without iconic staples like chocolate and flowers. Though often dismissed as overplayed, these classics help set the tone for the day and can still feel special when done right. Choosing flowers with symbolic meanings or that reflect your partner’s qualities can be far more impactful than a random bouquet. Similarly, knowing your partner’s taste helps you pick the perfect chocolate that truly sweetens the day.
Short on time?
In the midst of midterm season, there are still last-minute ways to make Valentine’s Day feel special. A cozy dorm movie night can turn a simple evening into a sweet memory. So can a snack basket from Target paired with activities like a game night. At the end of the day, thoughtfulness matters much more than price tags, and effort never goes unnoticed.
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