Valentine’s Day is a holiday about showing people love or appreciation for others, but if people don’t have money for gifts or want to do something a little more unique than flowers or chocolates, there are plenty of options, including the singing grams Shadow is selling during the week of Valentine’s Day. A small group of people from the student council are doing a fundraiser where students can pay for a singing gram for friends or partners. However, cool handmade ideas for people who appreciate time and effort are hand made paper flowers. This how to make paper flowers when clicked on will show a playlist of videos displaying different creative ways to make paper flowers.
Another way to give a heartfelt message without spending too much money is letters or poems. Good ways to start writing letters or poems for a special person is by thinking about things both people enjoy, things they like, or some of the things they like. If one is interested in making a Love letter or Poem, these websites can give a good idea of things one could do.
A photobook is a good way to display memories and it holds sentimental value. This is a thoughtful gift to give to friends, family, or a partner. Good things to put in a photo book could be, photos of both people, pictures of places that hold memories, and things that could be important to that person. If those aren’t enough ideas a good resource is this link to a photo book ideas website.
Finally the best way to find out what someone truly wants is to ask them, for example here’s what some students and teachers at Shadow Ridge are getting from their partners, friends, or family members.
Mrs. Wilson states, “I think some of the best gifts to give and receive are not gifts of consumption, like chocolate or jewelry, but instead gifts of thought. Thoughtful gifts can mean so much more than just the basic things that are expected for Valentine’s like flowers and chocolates. Taking the time to really listen to your significant other and knowing what things they have mentioned wanting in the past, experiences they would enjoy or even just simply planning a relaxing night out for dinner can be even more meaningful than being gifted physical items. Valentine’s Day is about showing appreciation for those you love, not about spending money or overconsumption.”
Mrs. Wilison makes a good point about how the holiday is sweeter when people don’t buy into the overconsumption that comes with a holiday. Gifts are meant to be from the heart.
Jenna Perze, sophomore, states, “I normally do homemade things because it’s hard to find stuff my boyfriend likes. So I search up things connected to a game or show! I recently made him a blue spider lily. It’s a normal flower but can be connected to Demon Slayer, so if you’re limited on ideas or money, just search into their interests and find something!”
Perze gives a sweet example of something she’s done for her boyfriend, to make his holiday special and give him something truly heartfelt and meaningful. Overall this shows the best gifts are truly meant to be from the heart and don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. So this Valentine’s Day make sure to make loved ones feel truly loved with the perfect gifts.
