55 Best Love Quotes from Movies

romantic couples in movies

Few mediums depict romance in a more touching and heart-rending way than movies. A finely crafted cinematic feature about love can make our hearts skip a beat and inspire those vibes that make us want to get up close and personal to that special someone.

So this year, why not skip the crowds this Feb. 14 and enjoy a cozy night in with a feel-good film? Whether you binge rom-coms or are a sucker for a teak-jerker, curling up on the couch for a movie that tugs at the heartstrings and something sweet to eat can make for a cuddle-worthy good time. And after all, isn’t that what this day is all about?

In honor of Valentine’s Day, here are 55 of the most romantic love quotes from movies. Grab a box of tissues and read on.

55 most romantic love quotes from movies

1. “What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey, that’s a pretty good idea. I’ll give you the moon.” – George Bailey, It’s a Wonderful Life

2. “I never wanted to have anything in my life that I couldn’t stand losing. But it’s too late for that. It’s not because you’re beautiful and smart and perfect. I don’t feel alone anymore.” – Henry DeTamble, The Time Traveler’s Wife

3. “I love you.” “I know.” – Princess Leia and Han Solo, The Empire Strikes Back

4. “And most of all, I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you.” – Frances “Baby” Houseman, Dirty Dancing

5. “At best, it’s a happy delusion — these two people who truly love each other and have no idea how truly miserable they’re about to make each other. But, but, when two people know that, and they decide with eyes wide open to face each other and get married anyway, then I don’t think it’s conservative or delusional. I think it’s radical and courageous and very romantic.”– Tina Modotti, Frida

6. “Are you very much in love with her?” “As much as a man can be.” “Do you think there’s a limit?” “If there is, I haven’t found it.” – Ellen Olenska and Newland Archer, The Age of Innocence

“No matter what happens now or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now because I love you.

Phil connors

Groundhog Day

7. “Oh, I wouldn’t mind, Hazel Grace. It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you.” – Augustus Waters, The Fault in Our Stars

8. “Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.” – John Keating, Dead Poets Society

9. “There I was, standing there in the church, and for the first time in my whole life I realized I totally and utterly loved one person. And it wasn’t the person next to me in the veil. It’s the person standing opposite me now…in the rain.” – Charles, Four Weddings and a Funeral

10. “If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.” – David, Love Actually

11. “I love him! I love him for the man he wants to be. And I love him for the man he almost is.” – Dorothy Boyd, Jerry Maguire

12. “You must do me this honor, you must promise me that you’ll survive. That you won’t give up, no matter what happens, no matter how hopeless. Promise me now, Rose, and never let go of that promise.” – Jack Dawson, Titanic

13. “People think that we’re crazy. It will never work. You’re going to fail. … Those are the beginning of every great success story.” – Diane Court, Say Anything

love quotes from movies with couple embracing in the rain

14. “You erased me from your memories because you thought you were holding me back from having a full and happy life. But you made a mistake. Being with you is the only way I could have a full and happy life. You’re the girl of my dreams…and, apparently, I’m the man of yours.” – Henry Roth, 50 First Dates

15. “No measure of time with you will be long enough. But, we’ll start with forever.” – Edward Cullen, Twilight

16. “It’s an extraordinary thing to meet someone who you can bare your soul to, and who’ll accept you for what you are.” – Edward Cullen, Twilight

17. “When I’m with you, I feel so safe. Like I’m home.” – Andrew Largeman, Garden State

18. “I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night.” – Harry Burns, When Harry Met Sally

19. “People do fall in love. People do belong to each other, because that’s the only chance that anyone’s got for true happiness.” – Paul Varjak, Breakfast at Tiffany’s

“Some people are worth melting for.

olaf

Frozen

20. “I say, fall head over heels. Find someone you can love like crazy and who will love you the same way back. How do you find him? Well, you forget your head, and you listen to your heart.”
– William Parrish, Meet Joe Black

21. “No matter what happens now or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now because I love you.” – Phil Connors, Groundhog Day

22. “I know I can’t make the bad go away. You’re right, I can’t. But when the bad comes again…I’m gonna be next to you.” – Johnny, Frankie and Johnny

23. “When I was walking down the aisle, I was walking toward somebody who didn’t have any idea who I really was. And it was only half the other person’s fault, because I had done everything to convince him that I was exactly what he wanted. So it was good that I didn’t go through with it because it would have been a lie. But you — you knew the real me.” – Maggie Carpenter, Runaway Bride

24. “There are people out there worth letting your guard down for. Were you happier with or without him? That’s all that really matters. It doesn’t make you weak to love someone.” – Tina, Bros

25. “The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that’s what you’ve given me. That’s what I’d hoped to give to you forever.” – Noah Calhoun, The Notebook

26. “So what happens after he climbs up and rescues her?” “She rescues him right back.” – Edward Lewis and Vivian Ward, Pretty Woman

27. “I can’t figure out the mathematics of this, I just know I love you.” – Graham Simpkins, The Holiday



28. “It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together, and I knew it. I knew it the first time I touched her. It was like coming home, only to no home I’d ever known. I was just taking her hand to help her out of a car and I knew it. It was like magic.”
– Sam Baldwin, Sleepless in Seattle

29. “Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.” – Alex Hitchens, Hitch

30. “When he looks at me, the way he looks at me, he does not know what I lack or how I am incomplete. He sees me for what I am, as I am. He’s happy to see me. Every time. Every day.”
– Elisa Esposito, The Shape of Water

31. “He knew that when he kissed this girl, and forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath, his mind would never romp again like the mind of God.” – Nick Carraway, The Great Gatsby

32. “That day, she was amazed to discover that when he was saying ‘As you wish,’ what he meant was ‘I love you.’ And then even more amazing was the day she realized she truly loved him back.” – Grandpa, Princess Bride

33. “I hate the way I don’t hate you. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.” – Kat Stratford, 10 Things I Hate About You

“Death cannot stop true love. It can only delay it a little while.

westley

The Princess Bride

34. “You’re not perfect, sport, and let me save you the suspense: This girl you’ve met, she’s not perfect either. But the question is whether or not you’re perfect for each other.” – Sean Maguire, Good Will Hunting

35. “I live in Notting Hill. You live in Beverly Hills. Everyone in the world knows who you are, my mother has trouble remembering my name.” “I’m also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” – William Thacker and Anna Scott, Notting Hill

36. “… If you trusted love this far, don’t panic now. Trust it all the way.” – Sharon Rivers, If Beale Street Could Talk

37. “You are not unlovable. There is always something to love. Even in a stupid, stupid universe where we have hot dogs for fingers, we get very good with our feet.” – Evelyn Wang, Everything Everywhere All At Once

38. “I’m always just about to fall off of the edge of the tallest building. I stopped falling the second I saw you.” – Tony Wyzek, West Side Story

39. “And when her lips found mine, I knew I could live to be a hundred and visit every country in the world, but nothing would compare to that one moment when I kissed the girl of my dreams for the first time and knew that my love would make it last forever.” – John Tyree, Dear John

40. “Our love is like the wind: I can’t see it, but I sure can feel it.” – Landon Carter, A Walk to Remember

41. “I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest.” – Beatrice, Much Ado About Nothing

42. “Some people are worth melting for.” – Olaf, Frozen

love quotes from movies with couple embracing

43. “Loss has been a part of my journey. But it has also shown me what is precious. So has a love for which I can only be grateful.” – Theresa Osborne, Message in a Bottle

44. “I just wanted to take another look at you.” – Jackson Maine, A Star is Born

45. “If there’s any kind of magic in this world, it must be in the attempt of understanding someone, sharing something. I know it’s almost impossible to succeed, but who cares, really? The answer must be in the attempt.” – Céline, Before Sunrise

46. “I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.” – Arwen Undómiel, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

47. “I turn on my computer. I wait impatiently as it connects. I go online, and my breath catches in my chest until I hear three little words: You’ve got mail. I hear nothing. Not even a sound on the streets of New York, just the beating of my own heart. I have mail. From you.” – Kathleen Kelly, You’ve Got Mail

You complete me.

jerry maguire

Jerry Maguire

48. “Love. You can learn all the math in the ‘verse, but you take a boat in the air that you don’t love, she’ll shake you off just as sure as the turn of the worlds. Love keeps her in the air when she ought to fall down, tells you she’s hurting before she keels, makes her a home.”– Malcolm Reynolds, Serenity

49. “My dearest friend, If you don’t mind, I’d like to join you by your side. Where we could gaze into the stars, and sit together, now and forever. For it is plain as anyone could see, we’re simply meant to be.” – Jack Skellington, The Nightmare Before Christmas

50. “Death cannot stop true love. It can only delay it a little while.” – Westley, The Princess Bride

51. “In my opinion, the best thing you can do is find someone who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what have you.” – Mac MacGuff, Juno

52. “You complete me.” – Jerry Maguire, Jerry Maguire

53. “It’s like in that moment the whole universe existed just to bring us together.” – Jonathan Trager, Serendipity

54. “Choose me. Marry me. Let me make you happy.” – Julianne Potter, My Best Friend’s Wedding

55. “I would rather be a ghost drifting by your side as a condemned soul than enter heaven without you. Because of your love, I will never be a lonely spirit.” – Master Li, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

50 Best Love Songs of All-Time

Shakespeare wrote, “If music be the food of love, play on.” A song — a truly great song — can deepen our emotions and speak to us in a way that is hard to put into words. And songs about love — the most profound feeling we humans can have — can touch us in places we didn’t know existed, reaching the very corners of our soul.

“You have to be drawn into the performance in such a way that [you feel like] you’re part of the story. It’s got to have that sincerity and emotional investment about something that’s intangible, like love.

Eric Teel

Program director, WFAE

eric teel headshot

The best love songs express sentiments of romance, passion, and heartbreak, and do so effortlessly. When we hear one, we may be overcome with the urge to sing along and, if we’re really feeling the groove, move our bodies in seductive ways, hoping Marvin Gaye’s or Otis Redding’s ability to turn a phrase will set the mood. But what actually makes a good love song?

It’s more than just clever words, according to Eric Teel, program director at WFAE in Charlotte, North Carolina. “There needs to be truth in the messaging [and] authenticity in the lyrics,” he says. The song also must encourage an emotional investment on the part of the listener. According to Teel, a great love song is more than sunshine and rainbows — it must convey what love really feels like. “It needs to be a true sharing of what love actually is. Love manifests in so many ways that simplifying it to ‘Baby, I will love you always’ or ‘You’re the one’ is insufficient.”

A great love song is not a greeting card gushing hackneyed phrases and platitudes; it’s a subtle declaration of deep emotion that all of us feel to our very core. Whether it’s romantic or platonic love, we all experience it, and a great love song expresses those feelings when we’re unable to.

Ingredients of a great love song

The three key components of an exceptional love song, Teel says, are lyrics, melody, and performance. A well-crafted love song lyrically depicts an accurate representation of what love is. “Love is imperfect, yet it’s perfect at the same time,” Teel explains. “It comes with faults, a demand for attention, and with a demand for maintenance. It’s not just freely given; you have to work at it.” Finding that poignant message in what is essentially a 3½-minute poem is a challenging task, but songwriters have succeeded at it for decades.

The song also needs to have a beautiful melody, one that will stay with the listener and evoke feelings. “It needs a buildup of tension and release in the chord progression. Those are those moments of awe that the song provides because they build and they build until there’s finally that release,” Teel says.

best love songs record with hearts

The final, and perhaps most challenging, piece is the performance. A song may boast poetic lyrics and an ear-catching melody, but without a passionate, heartfelt rendition, it won’t rise above the ordinary. “You have to be drawn into the performance in such a way that [you feel like] you’re part of the story,” Teel says. “It’s got to have that sincerity and emotional investment about something that’s intangible, like love.”

Our 50 favorite love songs

With those ingredients in mind, we have collected 50 of our favorite love songs for Valentine’s Day. Pop these on when the festivities are getting started and see where the night takes you.

1. “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney - Maybe I’m Amazed

2. “Something” by The Beatles

The Beatles - Something

3. “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes

Bright Eyes - First Day of My Life [Official Music Video]

4. “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton - I Will Always Love You (Audio)

5. “Sea of Love” by Cat Power

Sea of Love

6. “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates

Daryl Hall & John Oates - You Make My Dreams (Official HD Video)

7. “Friday I’m in Love” by The Cure

The Cure - Friday I'm In Love

8. “At Last” by Etta James

At Last

9. “Your Song” by Elton John

Elton John - Your Song (Top Of The Pops 1971)

10. “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time (Official HD Video)

11. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley - Can't Help Falling In Love (Official Audio)

12. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud (Official Music Video)

13. “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes

14. “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys - If I Ain't Got You (Official HD Video)

15. “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele

Make You Feel My Love

16. “Woman” by Mumford & Sons

Mumford & Sons - Mumford & Sons and National Geographic Present: Woman

17. “Work Song” by Hozier

Hozier - Work Song (Official Video)

18. “Falling Slowly” by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová

Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova - Falling Slowly (Official Video)

19. “Emmylou” by First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit - Emmylou (Official Video)

20. “A Love Song” by Loggins & Messina

A Love Song - Loggins & Messina

21. “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson

Ingrid Michaelson - The Way I Am

22. “How Deep Is Your Love” by the Bee Gees

Bee Gees - How Deep Is Your Love (Official Video)

23. “Crazy” by Patsy Cline

Crazy

24. “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain

Shania Twain - You’re Still The One (Official Music Video)

25. “January Wedding” by The Avett Brothers

January Wedding

Music-themed gift ideas for Valentine’s Day


26. “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton - Tennessee Whiskey (Official Audio)

27. “Accidentally in Love” by Counting Crows

Accidentally In Love (From "Shrek 2" Soundtrack)

28. “Beyond” by Leon Bridges

Leon Bridges - Beyond (Official Video)

29. “With or Without You” by U2

U2 - With Or Without You (Official Music Video)

30. “One and Only” by Adele

One And Only

31. “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” by Talking Heads

Talking Heads - This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) (Official Video)

32. “All of Me” by John Legend

John Legend - All of Me (Official Video)

33. “Songbird” by Fleetwood Mac

Songbird (2004 Remaster)

34. “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green

Al Green - Let's Stay Together (Official Audio)

35. “You’re the One” by Tracy Chapman

You're the One

36. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli

Can't Take My Eyes off You

37. “Bring It on Home to Me” by Sam Cooke

Bring It On Home to Me

38. “Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love)” by Ella Fitzgerald

Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love) (Lyric Video)

39. “I Get a Kick Out of You” by Frank Sinatra

I Get A Kick Out Of You (Remastered)

40. “Turn Me On” by Norah Jones

Turn Me On

41. “La Vie en rose” by Édith Piaf

Edith Piaf - La vie en rose (Audio officiel)

42. “You Go to My Head” by Billie Holiday

You Go to My Head (Take 1)

43. “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole - L-O-V-E (Lyric Video)

44. “Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers

Just the Two of Us (Edit)

45. “(I’ve Had) the Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes

Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes - (I've Had) The Time Of My Life (Official HD Video)

46. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz - I'm Yours (Official Video) [4K Remaster]

47. “That’s Where I Am” by Maggie Rogers

Maggie Rogers - That’s Where I Am (Official Video)

48. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

49. “These Arms of Mine” by Otis Redding

These Arms of Mine

50. “Just the Same” by Barnaby Bright

Just the Same

Want to Make Valentine’s Day More Fun? Give Gifts to All

Valentine’s Day wasn’t always limited to celebrating romantic love. In fact, experts say St. Valentine himself had an expansive definition of love and how it can be shared.

Increasingly, people recognize that Feb. 14 isn’t just about celebrating your significant other. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate moms, dads, grandparents, kids, stepkids, friends, and even your fourth-grade teacher who still emails you about her favorite class-time memories.

But this shift raises a question: As traditional Valentine’s Day morphs into a Valentine’s Day for all, what do we give to one another to express our feelings? We spoke to experts for advice.

Start with a card

The simplest form of expression is a greeting card that conveys, in your own writing, your feelings for the recipient.

“Giving a card is a must because what we write in the card is particularly important,” says writer/artist Deanna Washington, author of “The Language of Gifts.” “It’s a way to express what we specifically appreciate about the people in our lives.”

For example, she says, you could give everyone in your office Valentine’s Day cards to call out exactly what you like about them. Messages could include:

  • “Hey, I dig how cheerful you are on Mondays. Mondays make me want to be a grouch, but your attitude really makes things better.”
  • “I just want you to know that I notice YOU are the one who makes coffee when the pot is empty. Thank you!”
  • “I appreciate that you always have ideas even when no one else does.”

Don’t forget the gift

Gifts, like cards, should be personalized. She prefers to give people Valentine’s Day flowers or other gifts that represent the recipient or symbolize the relationship.

“Gifts should be more symbolic on this day, to represent just what that person means to you,” she says. “’My friend, I’m giving you this daisy because the open face of this flower is its true glory, and your open honesty is what I can always count on from you.’ Or to a beloved aunt: ‘I’m giving you chocolates because you bring such richness into my life.'”

Gifts shouldn’t be too extravagant, says Mark Williams, Ph.D., professor of cognitive neuroscience at Macquarie University in Sydney. Instead, they should make everyone feel like they can get involved without too much strain on the pocketbook. And, most important, they should show you’ve really thought about the person and given them something special to them.

“Personalized socks or boxers with a picture of their face or their dog is a possibility,” says Julie Kenney, founder and president of The Gifting Experts, a company that creates gift bags for celebrity and charity events. “Or even personalized jewelry or cookies. You can also give them the gift of an experience that you know they’ll love.”

Consider giving the gift of time

Along those lines, says Ellen Langer, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Harvard, you don’t technically have to get a gift at all. “Instead of buying things to show your affection, why not just do special things for people you care about?” she says.

Williams agrees that the greatest gift we can give someone is our time — especially just spending time with them. “I think creating a meal, like at Thanksgiving or Christmas, where we all sit and eat together, would be an especially important new tradition.”

Valentine’s Day gifts for all shopping guide

Here are other ideas for Valentine’s Day gifts for everyone on your list.

ideas for valentines day gifts with straight from the heart bouquet

For mom

Wait, is it Mother’s Day already? Give mom that flower delivery moment when she receives her favorite floral arrangement. Mother’s Day may come just once a year, but you can create another opportunity to say you love her with flowers, such as this Straight from the Heart arrangement, on this day of love.

ideas for valentines day gifts Whiskey Decanter

For dad

You’ve caused the man enough stress in his life; now get him something that will help him decompress and relax. This nifty-looking decanter comes in four distinct styles, and will house his favorite whiskey, scotch, brandy, or another liquor of his choice. If you’re lucky, he may even pour you a glass from it (but don’t count on it).

ideas for valentines day gifts Lotsa Love Big Bear

For young kids

Your little ones are going to be seriously excited when they receive a plush bear that can include a heart-shaped box of chocolates. Great for naps, reading, and imaginative play.

ideas for valentines day gifts with mini cupcakes

For older kids

Your tweens, teens, and college-aged kids may have graduated from chicken fingers, but it will be hard for them to ever resist something sweet. Gift them a dozen Little Whisk Chocolate Lover’s Mini Cupcakes that come in 12 totally unique flavors, including chocolate peppermint, toasted coconut, and s’mores.

ideas for valentines day gifts Hoya Heart Succulents

For friends

Two peas in a pod, or is it two Hoya Hearts Succulents in a container embossed with a heart? Plants are having a moment, as they’re easy to care for and beautiful — a gift that is an apt metaphor for your friendship.

ideas for valentines day gifts with ballotin and drizzled strawberries

For someone special

Give double the sweetness with both Godiva chocolates and chocolate-covered strawberries in a heart-shaped box. Your loved one will be overjoyed by the thoughtful gesture. Buy two and share!

Valentine's Day banner ad

50 Valentine’s Card Messages for Your Special Someone

valentines day card messages with flowers in an envelope

Heart-shaped boxes filled with creamy chocolates, bouquets of Valentine’s Day flowers, two glasses of wine at the dinner table…Valentine’s is almost here! That means the spotlight will be on romance, affection, and all the warm, fuzzy feelings love brings. Valentine’s is also the perfect time to express how much the people in your life mean to you, and what better way to do that than in a Valentine’s card? Whether it’s for a significant other, parent, child, or friend, a handwritten card is a sincere way to show your appreciation to everyone you care about.

Jaime Bronstein, licensed relationship therapist and author of “MAN*ifesting,” says when it comes to writing a Valentine’s card message, be as specific and authentic as possible. “Focus on all the reasons you love them,” she says. “Share with them what you believe are their most wonderful qualities.”

A Valentine’s message, Bronstein says, should let the recipient know, in a sincere way, how you feel about having them in your life. “When we can access our feelings, we feel inspired to express them, and they flow easily from our hearts onto the card,” she says.

Ready to write your heart out? Check out our 50 Valentine’s card messages below to get started.

Valentine’s card messages for your husband

  1. Since I married you, my heart has never been happier. Every day with you feels like our honeymoon. Happy Valentine’s, my love!
  2. You’re my happily-ever-after, my forever love, and the hero of my heart.
  3. Thank you for filling my life with laughs, love, and adventure. I love you!
  4. You’ve been strong for me, and it’s one of the things I love about you. You are my rock, and I’m thankful for you every day.
  5. You’re everything I hoped for in a husband, and nothing makes me happier than knowing we’re building a beautiful life together.
  6. You are my best friend, my partner, and my soulmate. I love you.
  7. I’m so lucky to be in love with my best friend. Happy Valentine’s!
  8. I don’t need chocolate. I don’t need a fancy dinner. I don’t need any gifts. I only need you. Always and forever.

Valentine’s card messages for your wife

valentines day card messages with woman reading valentines card
  1. Happy Valentine’s to my love! I am proud of you and everything you do. You are the love of my life, and I am forever grateful for all we share.
  2. When we met, I knew I wanted to spend every single Valentine’s with you. You are my everything, and I can’t imagine my life without you.
  3. You make me happy, and you complete me. Happy Valentine’s to my beautiful wife.
  4. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’m still falling for you every single day.
  5. I am as taken by you today as I was on the day we met. Loving you has always been easy, my eternal valentine.
  6. If I could, I would wrap up all my love for you and put it in a gift box — but they don’t make boxes large enough. Happy Valentine’s!
  7. I would choose you again and again. Happy Valentine’s to the woman of my dreams.
  8. My love, you’re the reason I am who I am today. Thank you for everything you do for our family. Happy Valentine’s!
  9. You are my love, my life, my heart, and my forever valentine.

Valentine’s card messages for your boyfriend or girlfriend

  1. You make my heart smile. I can’t wait to see what our future holds.
  2. On Valentine’s and all year-round, being next to you is my favorite place to be.
  3. I may not be your first date, first kiss, or first love, but I want to be your last everything.
  4. You’re sweet, smart, and tons of fun! I’m so glad you’re mine. Happy Valentine’s!
  5. My dream came true when you entered my life. Now every day is a dream come true. Happy Valentine’s, my love.
  6. There’s no one I’d rather share my heart with this Valentine’s than you.
  7. You inspire me to be the best version of myself. Thank you for being you.
  8. I’m so happy we both swiped right. Happy Valentine’s to my perfect match!
  9. My feelings for you grow deeper every day. Thank you for being thoughtful, sweet, and cuddly.

Valentine’s card messages for your parents

  1. You are the reason for my happiness and success. Thank you for guiding me to becoming the best version of myself. I love you!
  2. You make this love thing look easy. Happy Valentine’s, Mom and Dad!
  3. Happy Valentine’s to my wonderful parents. Your love is an inspiration to me. Wishing you a day of [favorite activity] together!
  4. With you as my parents, I know what it means to love unconditionally. Happy Valentine’s!
  5. Two wishes in one — that’s what you are to me. Have a wonderful Valentine’s!
  6. May life always bring you two the best in all things because you’ve been two of the best things in my life. I love you.
  7. If I have never said thank you for bringing me into the world, I’d like to do that now. Happy Valentine’s!
  8. I hope you have a Valentine’s that’s as wonderful as you are!
valentines day card messages with breakfast in bed

Valentine’s card messages for kids

  1. Sending great big hugs and kisses to the most lovable little valentine I know!
  2. I love you more than a million [favorite snack]!
  3. Have a lovely day filled with lots of laughs and tasty treats!
  4. So many of my smiles begin with you. Thanks for bringing so much joy to my life.
  5. Right from the start, you stole my heart. Happy love day, my little valentine!
  6. You know what I love about you? Everything! Happy Valentine’s!
  7. Sweet treats on Valentine’s help us remember to be sweet to each other. Happy Valentine’s to the sweetest kid I know!
  8. Happy Valentine’s! Remember not to eat too much candy — you’re sweet enough already.

Valentine’s card messages for your friends

  1. Here’s to a Valentine’s filled with good wine, delicious food, and my best friend in the whole wide world.
  2. Thank you for standing by my side through it all, my forever friend. I love you!
  3. I couldn’t ask for someone who loves and supports me more than you do. Happy Valentine’s!
  4. You warm my heart in so many ways. I hope your day is cozy and filled with love!
  5. The hearts in my eyes are for the friends who have loved me through the years. Happy Valentine’s to the sweetest! Thanks for being my best friend!
  6. Friends are the flowers in the garden of life. Happy Valentine’s!
  7. When you have a friend who is always there by your side, you are incredibly lucky. Wishing a very happy Galentine’s Day to someone who is my strength.
  8. I cannot thank you enough for being a part of my life and making it an amazing one. Happy Galentine’s Day, my beautiful friend!

Send a gift with your Valentine’s card

Don’t forget to send a gift with your card to make your loved one’s Valentine’s super special! Go for the WOW with our truly original Valentine’s flowers, treats, and other Valentine’s surprises. There’s something to make every special someone smile!

7 Ideas for Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Your Long-Distance Sweetie

The thought of Valentine’s Day may fill you with dread if you’re in a long-distance relationship. No one wants to watch those around you get showered with love when you live far away from your partner.

You don’t, however, have to let the distance get between you.

“Long-distance relationships can work — really! — especially when both partners are on the same page about communication and use technology as a tool to have quality time together,” says Lisa Concepcion, a certified love coach and the founder of LoveQuest Coaching.

“In the era of texting and video calls, there’s something so authentic and lasting about a handwritten card or letter.

Lisa Concepcion

Certified love coach and founder of LoveQuest Coaching

lisa concepcion headshot

“Ideally, people who are interested in remaining in long-term relationships are on the same page about living separately,” she continues. “But, ultimately, the goal of relationships is to be in one where you’re together more than apart.”

If you are in two different places permanently or for long stretches at a time, then you need to find regular ways to reconfirm your commitment to each other — and Valentine’s Day offers a unique opportunity to do just that.

“Long-distance relationships require effort and creativity,” Concepcion elaborates. “So, be a team and talk about how you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day while apart. Make sure you plan ahead — that’s an important way to keep the relationship going.”

Need some inspiration? Here are seven ways to nurture that spark from afar this Valentine’s Day.

1. Plan a virtual dinner date

Don’t let distance prevent you from dining together as a couple. “If you can’t be together for Valentine’s Day, you can still plan a ‘digital dinner date,'” Concepcion says. “In fact, many of my clients who are in long-distance relationships connect for coffee breaks via video, go walking together while on the phone, and have dinner together through video chat.”

long distance valentine with man talking on phone

You can increase the sense of intimacy by enjoying the same meal. Make a shared favorite recipe, perhaps, or opt for a luxury experience with a delivered dinner like lobster pot pie or a hearty lasagna.

Make dinner more memorable for the holiday by exchanging gifts beforehand. You can ship a Valentine’s Day bouquet directly to their door and have them wait until you’re both on a video call to look at the blooms so you both can enjoy them in real time.

2. Have a long-distance spa day

It’s possible to pamper each other even when you’re hundreds of miles apart through an at-home spa day. This Valentine’s, indulge in a long video call as you relax together with facial masks, while taking bubble baths with the same scented body wash, or even after both enjoying a “couples” massage at spas near your homes.

Enhance the cozy and connected feeling for both of you with matching spa accessories, such as personalized fleece robes and plenty of candles.

3. Celebrate for multiple days

When you’re not meeting in person anyway, there’s no reason to limit the long-distance Valentine’s Day celebration to just one day. Concepcion has seen some couples get extra creative with daily gifts.

“I had a client hide 14 love notes around his long-distance girlfriend’s condo. He lives in New York, and she lives in Miami. On Feb. 1, the day he left for a month-long work project in Spain, he told her he had special love notes hidden and to photograph them each day when she finds one. Then, on Valentine’s Day, he surprised her with gifts of flowers, delivery from her favorite restaurant, and a card that included his travel itinerary to Miami, where they would spend a week together after his work project ended.”

There’s no need to go overboard in the present department, though. Think cute and quirky, like a mini heart puzzle, romantic photo Rubik’s cube, or keepsake magnets.

long distance valentine with woman getting flowers at work

And don’t underestimate the value of gifting an old-fashioned letter. Says Concepcion, “In the era of texting and video calls, there’s something so authentic and lasting about a handwritten card or letter.”

4. Send a surprise gift to their work

If possible, send your long-distance Valentine a gift where they will receive it publicly. That way, they’ll have a moment to feel proud of your relationship even if you don’t get to spend time together physically. A workplace gift is a perfect opportunity for something indulgent they can choose to share (or not!) with lucky coworkers.

Consider chocolate-covered strawberrieschocolate-dipped cheesecake bitesheart-shaped cookie “flowers,” or truffles. If the apple of your eye doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth, then a basket of fruit will be a welcome surprise.

5. Share fun or romantic photo gifts

Ensure your face is never far from your lover’s mind with a cute or romantic photo gift.

Get creative with how you use the photos. Maybe a canvas print of your favorite photo together for their living room, or go the steamier route and select a boudoir shot to display in the bedroom. A cozy throw blanket that depicts a smiling selfie of the two of you on a date will always be appreciated, or even a set of matching mugs with goofy candids of each of you.

6. Meet halfway (literally)

Your relationship may be long distance, but you can make Valentine’s Day the exception. “Make plans to see each other,” Concepcion says. “Make this part of the fun! Maybe you can both meet in a city between where you live or a city with the cheapest air tickets and accommodations. You’re already being adventurous — go anywhere!” The final destination is less important than getting to spend quality time in person.

7. Enjoy an online event together

Take advantage of Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to learn a new skill together — even if it needs to be virtual. There are classes for everything from creating a succulent garden with a “plantfluencer” to making gnocchi from scratch. You’ll get all the necessary supplies shipped to (both) homes beforehand, ensuring the session is a stress-free and stimulating experience for the two of you.

Valentine’s Day Party Ideas to Celebrate with Everyone

Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be just about romantic love. It should be about celebrating the love you have for everyone in your life, whether it’s a child, co-worker, parent, or sibling. Valentine’s for all is an opportunity to connect with friends and family, express your feelings, and celebrate all the people who are important to you.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day for all takes inspiration from Galentine’s Day, Palentine’s Day, and other riffs on Valentine’s Day — and nobody is left out.

“In today’s push to be all inclusive, Valentine’s Day for all is an opportunity to include the whole family,” notes Jackie Lacy, past president of the American Institute of Floral Designers and director of education and industry relations at Floriology, powered by BloomNet.

Valentines Day party with place setting

“Use it as a teaching moment for your children about caring for others and that it is OK to love someone without being romantically in love with them,” he says. “The more love, respect, and kindness we can show each other, the happier we can all be.”

It’s time to celebrate love in a whole new way, with a festive gathering for those special people in your life. Here are three fun and creative ways to host a Valentine’s Day party for all.

A take on the classic Valentine’s Day party

We’ll start with a true-blue traditional celebration, with plenty of good food, hearts, and flowers. Think of everything you love about Valentine’s Day: red and pink decorations, sparkling hearts, loving messages, and tempting sweets. These are all on the table for showing love in all its varieties.

Invite everyone over for a festive evening of dinnergames, and music. Twister is a game that brings everyone closer together. Another game idea: Ask everyone to write down something they love about someone else at the party in a pretty card. Then, when the party is over, offer each person the card(s) with a sparkling heart attached.

Everyone loves charades, so fill a box with slips of paper naming movies, books, and TV shows that depict friendship, family love, and even pet love. If you like, keep score and give out fun prizes for categories like “Best dramatization,” “Least likely to keep mouth shut,” and “Most outrageous guesses.”

For the feast, consider asking everyone to bring the dish they love best and spread them on a long table set with a pretty spring tablecloth. You may also wish to make the main course yourself; consider mac and cheese or seafood pasta as options.

A cozy movie night

February is the perfect month for movies. Why not screen one with your favorite people in the world? Make it a double feature, with the kids’ animated favorite shown during the appetizer course and the second film (preferably one that’s appropriate for all ages) showing after dessert.

Host this Valentine’s Day party for extended family or make it a gathering of favorite neighbors. Ask everyone to come in their coziest PJs and bring a pillow or favorite stuffed animal.

This is an inside event, preferably with a large flat-screen TV handy. Create a drive-in movie feel with blankets, sleeping bags, and plenty of sitting cushions.

For the food, consider easy treats that people can eat with their hands. Small quesadilla triangles with guacamole, spring rolls, and savory meatballs make a good entrée trio. Then, add strawberry and pineapple fruit chunks and a raw vegetable platter with dips. A fun add-on would be fresh popcorn served in red-and-white striped bags. Serve iced heart-shaped cakes for dessert.

The ultimate “All you need is love” Valentine’s Day party

How about a trip back in time to the Summer of Love, with the era’s incredible music and a kaleidoscope of colors? The grownups can groove to classic songs from the ’60s while the kids try their hand at painting their very own rock band poster or coloring pages with hippie designs. Since this was the era of the flower children, go crazy with flower crowns and flower lights.

1. The guest list

Start with your family and close friends, and make sure everyone knows that kids are welcome! Have fun with the invitations: Make your own, personalizing them with pertinent information and colorful imagery that evokes the message of love: flowers, peace signs, and rainbows.

2. The venue

If the weather is mild, your backyard can be turned into a Woodstock festival setting complete with picnic tables and colorful tablecloths. Colder climates may require an indoor setting, so be prepared and turn your living room or family room into a beatnik paradise. Use props such as strings of beads to make curtains and lava lamps placed on tables.

3. The decorations

Fill the walls with posters of rock and folk artists like Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, the Mamas & the Papas, and The Doors. Use tie-dyed or other colored tablecloths and create groovy centerpieces with classic flowers — daisies and carnations are great choices.

4. The activities

Offer a karaoke setup and list of suggested songs that all celebrate love. Create a “stage” festooned with colored streamers and a large painted background with the words “All You Need Is Love.” The audience can watch comfortably from beanbag chairs or cozy throw pillows. When you’re not playing karaoke, make sure the playlist continues with all the great tunes from the era. Set up a small dance floor or designated area in the house, if you have the room.

5. The menu

Serve fun, retro items that recall relaxed music festivals or maybe the classic backyard family barbecue. Start with fun finger foods. For the main course, shape hamburger meat into hearts, make a heart-healthy salad with tons of vegetables, sunflower seeds, and, you guessed it, hearts of palm, along with a dessert board that has something for everyone — just like our broadening of the holiday. For those who prefer to avoid cooking on holidays, there are always food delivery options for your premade favorites.

Other flower ideas for a Valentine’s Day party

Take inspiration from Valentine’s Day, with a new twist. “Plants, and hand-tied bouquets of mixed flowers in the traditional red, white, and pink colors of the holiday are great,” but don’t be hesitant to branch out into other, more vibrant shades, Lacy notes.

  • Buy a big bouquet of Gerbera daisies, separate them, cut 8-by-8 squares of craft paper, and wrap each one around a flower with some green leaves to hand out throughout the day.
  • Tie a flower to a small box of chocolates for a special treat that says Happy Valentine’s Day!
  • Snap a picture of your flowers and share them with all your social media friends.

Celebrating a day where everyone in our circle feels the love? We’re all in!

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Not Just Roses! Find the Best Valentine’s Day Flowers for Everyone on Your List

Feb. 14 presents a genuine way to make a loving connection. Traditionally, red flowers color the day, symbolizing happiness and romance with hot, stimulating hues. But Valentine’s Day is not just about celebrating your significant other: It is an opportunity to connect with all the important people in your life. And the flowers aren’t limited to red roses. (But those are nice, too!)

“Valentine’s Day encompasses more than celebrating romantic relationships,” says Renato Cruz Sogueco, vice president of digital strategy and education at BloomNet. These days, mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, grandparents, neighbors, administrative assistants, lab partners, and co-workers all could use a little Valentine appreciation.

Valentine’s flowers for parents

Valentines Day flowers for everyone with mother and daughter at valentines day

Tulips, with their variety of colors and forms, are the perfect bouquet for parents. Tulips are like chocolate chip cookies — universally loved for their cheerfulness and broad appeal.

Tip: With tulips, and any other flowers in a bouquet, snip an inch from the base of the stem and refresh the water in the vase every few days. As the flowers get shorter, you might need a different vase.

Valentine’s flowers for children

Thought to signify a perfect and deep love, tulips honor the love and devotion parents have for their children — and they also let adult children know their mom and dad are thinking of them. Select a mixed bouquet of tulips in spring colors to brighten a February day.

Young children also enjoy plush toys and chocolate, says Valerie Ghitelman, vice president of product development, design, and sourcing at 1-800-Flowers.com. An animated plush lion with chocolate covered Oreos will be a well-received gift for this age group.

Another option that signals the holiday, and teaches kids about gardening, is a rose plant. Children love caring for plants, Ghitelman says.

Valentine’s flowers for friends

Mixed bouquets have gained popularity, Sogueco says, as a heartfelt, non-romantic message for BFFs, co-workers, and others. Acknowledge the Galentine’s and bromance friends in your life with beautiful arrangements featuring liliesdaisiescarnationsdelphinium, and more.

Valentine’s flowers and gift combos

Stuck on whether they’ll appreciate flowersgifts, or candy? Give a combination of presents, Ghitelman says, which is appropriate for Galantine’s and Palentine’s gift giving. Gerbera daisiesorchidslavender roses, and yellow roses — the symbol of friendship — are all great choices. For your bromance pal, select birds of paradise, daisies, or sunflowers.

Potted flowers for lasting love

For something different and just as lovely as a bouquet, consider a potted hydrangea or azalea for friends. These long-lasting dwarf shrubs have been grown under conditions that force them to bloom at certain times, such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and other special holidays.

Move potted plants outdoors to the patio or balcony for summer enjoyment. In southern climates, hydrangea or azalea can even be planted outdoors. Most are not hardy enough to make it through the winter in northern locations.

Don’t delay

One last piece of advice: Shop early! Many consumers tend to wait until the last minute to send Valentine’s Day flowers, which increases the odds of their gift arriving late. Inventory shortages, shipping delays, and other factors (“We also have to keep an eye on the weather, since snowstorms and ice storms can influence shipping capabilities,” Ghitelman says) play a role in when your order will show up. Placing your order well before the holiday will give your blooms the best chance of getting to their intended recipient with time to spare.

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Take Valentine’s Day to the Next Level: 14 Days of Gifts

Valentine’s Day. Who doesn’t look forward to the prospect of a heartfelt love letter scribbled on a pink-and-red paper heart? Add to that pastel-colored candychocolate truffles, and flowers, and Feb. 14 may well be the most festive day of the year.

But why stop at a day? What the world needs now is love, sweet love, and plenty of it. So, if you’re like us, you’ll agree that it’s time to rewrite the rules of this festive occasion. If Christmas can have 12 days, it stands to reason that Valentine’s Day can — and should — have 14 days of romance dedicated to its commemoration.

Before we completely reinvent this holiday, though, let’s talk about why it’s necessary.

valentines day gifts with couple embracing

Love in the modern age

Our world is a loud, noisy place, and one that’s filled with many distractions. The pace of modern life can cause couples to feel untethered in their relationships and experience a sense of complacency. Relationship expert and TikTok influencer Eros Miranda stresses the importance of making connections to help us deal with these feelings. “How can we use this holiday to come closer together?” Miranda poses. He suggests learning more about our partner’s needs.

“Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to learn our love language,” Miranda says. “Maybe they want a partner who is closer to them more often. Maybe they want a partner that, whenever they are feeling anxious, can give them a little extra help.

“This is a growth opportunity,” Miranda continues. “Learn about each other’s love language, see how they want to love, and look at the holiday as an opportunity to see how you want to be loved.”

And what better way to reignite that love than with a new tradition involving 14 days of Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

14 days of romance

You can approach this novel idea in many ways; what’s most important is you make it personal to your particular circumstances. Here are some ideas.

  • Give a Valentine’s Day gift to your significant other every day from Feb. 1 to Feb. 14. Is that not true love or what?
  • Spread the love around and give one gift each to 14 special people in your life. Recipients could be a love interest or anyone who means a lot to you, including a parent, child, grandparent, best friend, and work colleague.
  • Flying solo this year? That’s OK! Few loves are as important as the love of self — so go ahead and treat yourself to 14 Valentine’s Day gift ideas that revolve around self-care.

Most of all, embrace the idea that gift giving is as important to your emotional wellbeing and happiness as it is to the recipients of your kindness and generosity.

Here are 14 Valentine’s Day gift ideas to get you started on your new two-week-long tradition of romance.

Two Dozen Red Roses

1. Timeless and traditional

For the classic romantic, you can never go wrong with roses. Red roses are always welcome, but you’ll win bonus points if the bouquet of Valentine’s Day flowers is in your intended’s favorite color.

valentines day gift ideas Tearoom Scones Sampler

2. Breakfast in bed

Treat your special person like British royalty with a breakfast of yummy scones they can enjoy from the comfort of their bed. Don’t forget the bloody marys!

valentines day gift ideas Norman Love Black Single Origin Dark Chocolates

3. Chocolat s’il vous plait

If your sweetheart loves chocolate, you’ll find no shortage of options during the month of February. Champagne truffleschocolate with nuts and caramelrich dark chocolate, a signature chocolate collection in a heart-shaped box…don’t you just love the tastes of Valentine’s Day?

valentine's day gift ideas with Chocolate-covered strawberries for Valentine's Day

4. Decadent strawberries

“Pretty Woman” paved the way for romantics around the world to woo their love interests with a chic strawberries-and-champagne combo. But if champagne (or sparkling wine) doesn’t fit the mark, we can also suggest the tried-and-true pairing of strawberries and chocolate.

valentines day gift ideas Valentines Day Truffle Cake Pops

5. Baked with love

Homemade baked goods are an especially nice way to express affection. From donut bouquets and truffle cake pops to cookies, your significant other will appreciate the thought and effort you put into the gift.

valentine's day gift ideas with tea gift basket

6. Make their morning

If your sweetheart loves tea, it simply doesn’t get better than the gift of gourmet blends. Add a personalized mug, and they’ll enjoy their cuppa even more.

charcuterie board

7. Charcuterie for your cutie

Gift a beautiful charcuterie board overflowing with fine meats, cheeses, nuts, and fruits. Don’t forget to include the wine.

valentines day gift ideas Wrapped Around the Heart Earring

8. Handmade from the heart

Who doesn’t love a handmade treasure? From a paper Valentine to a piece of jewelry, handcrafted cards and one-of-a-kind treasures are sure to capture the heart of your beloved.

valentine's day gift ideas with Movie Nite popcorn tin

9. Misty-eyed movie night

Gift your mate a night of binge-watching their favorite romcoms — just make sure to bring the tissues and popcorn.

valentines day gift ideas Filet Mignon Dinner for Two

10. Romantic dinner in

Nothing fosters connection quite like a delicious meal enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. Break out the china and fancy flutes, then dim the lights and enjoy a filet mignon dinner for two. What makes it even better is you didn’t have to turn on the stove. Hooray for meal delivery!

valentine's day gift ideas with Valentine's Day gift heart necklace

11. Baubles, bangles, and beads

Give your honey a bit of shine and sparkle that they will cherish for years to come. It need not be extravagant — it only must come from the heart.

valentines day gift ideas True Love Gift Basket

12. Fun for foodies

Is gifting food ever a bad idea? We think not. Send your favorite foodie something unique and special that you know they’ll enjoy — be it meats and cheeses or caviar.

valentines day gift ideas Conversation Heart Personalized Heart Throw Pillow

13. Extend the love

A hug and 14 handwritten IOU coupons that they can exchange for special treats during February, including a dinner out, foot rub, heart-shaped pillow, or weekend getaway.

valentine's day gift ideas with personalized teddy bear

14. Warm and fuzzy

Finally, don’t forget the littlest valentines in your life! Teddy bears and other plush cuties are the perfect way to send your sweet ones off to sleep with a smile.

Valentine's day ad for her

Get Your Cupid On: Valentine Tips for Guys from Guys

Valentine’s Day has come a long way since its Roman Empire roots. What likely started back then with a few martyred saints evolved over the centuries into this big-deal holiday with flowerschocolates, and greeting cards covered in pink and red hearts.

Yikes. You get one day to get it right.

How do you prepare to show your special someone on Valentine’s Day exactly how much they mean to you? To answer that question, Petal Talk invited four guys with experience wooing their partners to share their successful Valentine’s Day tips for guys.

Lifestyle blogger Kenny Daniels admits that the occasion can be easy for some guys but “a load of pressure” for most. He suggests treating the run-up to the occasion like a game.

“What you bring to the table determines the outcome moving forward,” he says. “It’s like taking the last shot in a basketball game to advance to the championship round.”

Celebrating for any situation 

valentine's day tips for guys with Jeff Yamazaki with flowers
Jeff Yamazaki, finance and men’s style writer

Like a game, Valentine’s Day success requires a strategic approach. The first step, according to our experts, is assessing the situation.

Maybe you and your partner just recently met and are worried about how to express yourselves on your first Valentine’s Day together. Don’t overthink it: The old standby of dinner at a favorite restaurant is the perfect way to celebrate in this case, says Jon Bailey, who writes about family lifestyle, traveling, and LGBTQ issues.

But maybe you and your partner have been together for a long time and seemingly run out of ways to express your love. “At this point in your relationship, you know each other very well and can anticipate what the other person might expect of you,” Bailey says. “That’s why changing it up will bring them true surprise!”

If you have any ability in the kitchen, consider whipping them up a meal, he says. “Believe me, it does not have to be fancy. If you are not normally the one who cooks at your house, your significant other will greatly appreciate your effort.”

Another situation to consider: Do you and your partner speak the same love language or share the same feelings about Valentine’s Day? You might be setting yourself up for failure if you think Valentine’s Day is overrated but your partner is counting down the days. “Without some gesture, someone might end up feeling empty and unloved,” Bailey says.

Guys in long-distance relationships have an additional challenge, says Jeff Yamazaki, who writes on financial topics and men’s style. His girlfriend lived in Japan during the first three years of their relationship. “Valentine’s Day is stressful, and when you add distance to that, it adds a whole other level of panic!” he says.

“The first thing I learned is that you don’t need to buy an expensive gift,” Yamazaki says. “It sounds cliché, but getting her something memorable and thoughtful, such as a custom-made card with a well-thought-out letter and flowers, is way better than expensive chocolates.”

Make sure your Valentine’s Day gift has meaning 

All four agreed that thoughtfulness is key, regardless of the situation. If you were raised to hold in your emotions, it might be hard to express how you really feel about your partner with the perfect present or words. The great thing about flowers is that they can do the speaking for you.   

“Sure, they may be a bit cliché, but they’re also a timeless Valentine’s gift,” says Zach Burrus, who writes about lifestyle, societal issues, and pet parenting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

That’s great advice if you’re shopping for someone who revels in receiving a dozen long-stem roses. But what if they have less extravagant taste when it comes to fresh blooms? Then, you need to call audible. “Consider your loved one’s favorite flowers when choosing the arrangement,” says Burrus, who suggests pairing them with a complementary vase.

If your love interest isn’t all that into cut flowers, you can always go the potted-plant route. No green thumb? No worries. “Opt for a plant that requires little effort,” Burrus says. “Since many plants have cool meanings, consider what the plant represents in your search.” When you select the one that promises to make someone’s day, it speaks of how you value the person and want to please them.

Tips on choosing the perfect gift this Valentine’s Day 

Flowers and plants know just what to say when you can’t find the words, but they’re not the only way to express your feelings on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine's day tips for guys with Woman with a gift on laptop screen

“The question is,” Daniels says, “What do you get? Do you buy jewelry, a designer bag? Some might even book a vacation, but do you really have to jump that high? My advice to you: Don’t reach for the stars if you can’t make the trip often.”

Burrus likes the idea of gifting artwork or photos that capture a loved one’s favorite people, pets, and places. “A framed photo of a favorite memory is always a winner, too,” he says. So is impressing your Valentine “by cooking their favorite meal, which you can then eat while watching their favorite movie.”

According to Bailey, if you and your partner can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day in person, there are ways you can still enjoy the day together. For example, you can both have dinner delivered from the same restaurant and video chat as you enjoy your meal.

“Send them all the things to set their Valentine’s table, and do the same on your end — flowers, white tablecloth, the whole nine yards,” he says. “Pop a bottle of bubbly and toast your partner screen to screen. It’s not as good as being together, but it’s an effort that your partner will appreciate.”

Why there are no limits on love this Valentine’s Day

These days, Valentine’s Day isn’t only about romance. “I’ve come to view it as a season to celebrate the ones I love, including my husband, mom, and others in my life,” Burrus says. Drop off or send cards you make yourself, grocery shop for them, or walk their dog. And, yes, send them flowers!

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