Happy Thursday, everyone! I can’t believe that Valentine’s Day is this weekend. It kind of snuck up on me. If you find yourself falling behind on planning for it, then I have some ideas on what to do for your loved ones this year.
One thing to keep in mind when trying to figure out what to do for your loved one for Valentine’s Day is his or her love language, and base your gift off of that. For example, my husband’s love language is acts of service. It means more to him if I do something around the house or help him in some way rather than getting a gift for him.
If your loved one’s love language is gift giving, then try to think of something that you can give to them that shows you were thinking about them. The gift does not always have to be expensive! I don’t know how many times my husband has come home bearing gifts of coffee and donuts for me, and let me tell you it made my day! If you are a crafty person, then you can give a homemade gift! Or, find a photo of the two of you together and have it developed and framed. If you’re looking to purchase a gift and don’t know where to start, you can always try to find smaller businesses to support. (You can check out His Glory Company and if you see something you like, you can use code Michelle20 and get a discount! Another good company that supports a lot of Catholic artisans is Pillar & Pearl! If you find something you like there, you can use code Michelle10 and get a discount as well. Both places are great and have something for everyone).
I personally love giving gifts, and one thing I am doing this year is surprising some family members with gifts that they were not expecting! Nothing expensive but something to show them I was thinking about them. I also plan out homemade valentine’s for the kids to craft for their grandparents, babysitters and friends. (Now before you think I have it all together, I should tell you that I still need to get these in the mail…they’ll be arriving late, but hopefully they will bring joy!).
If your significant other’s love language is acts of service, then you can make him or her a meal or a dessert. If you are not the baking/cooking type, then you can do that chore around the house he or she does but does not like to do. Maybe draw a nice bath for them and let them relax while you take care of the kids, or better yet, let them sleep in or get a nap in! While they are sleeping you can get up and make them coffee and breakfast. You can make a donation to a favorite charity in their name. Another idea is to offer up a prayer or Rosary for their intentions and write them a note to let them know.
For someone who appreciates words of affirmation, you can write a love letter and tell them why you love them, what qualities you admire about them or share a favorite memory of them. You can also go out of your way to give compliments and positive comments to them on Valentine’s Day, and make sure that you say “I love you” throughout the day. Or, leave little love notes around the house where they will find them throughout the day.
If physical touch is the love language for your significant others, you can give him or her a massage, hold hands if you go out on a date, and give hugs throughout the day! Or, plan to watch a movie and sit side by side and get snuggle time in.
Last but definitely not least is quality time, which is also my love language. Ideas for this person: even if you cannot physically be with them on Valentine’s Day, schedule a time where you can talk on the phone, or video chat without interruptions. If you are able to be together for Valentine’s Day, then do something fun together! Go out dancing, or stay in for a game night or movie night. Play 20 questions, and have a great conversation with each other. *Make sure to keep your phones off for the night* (except to take a picture together).
With my husband’s military and work schedule, we are not always able to celebrate Valentine’s Day together. Unfortunately, this is another one of those years for us, but we have scheduled a date for when we are both free and I am looking forward to it!
I hope I have helped you come up with some ideas! Share your plans for Valentine’s Day this year in the comments!
