Valentine's Day Archives

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

Since I married you, my heart has never been happier. Every day with you feels like our honeymoon. Happy Valentine’s, my love!
You’re my happily-ever-after, my forever love, and the hero of my heart.
Thank you for filling my life with laughs, love, and adventure. I love you!
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.
You’re everything I hoped for in a husband, and nothing makes me happier than knowing we’re building a beautiful life together.
You are my best friend, my partner, and my soulmate. I love you.
I’m so lucky to be in love with my best friend. Happy Valentine’s!
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

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.
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.
You make me happy, and you complete me. Happy Valentine’s to my beautiful wife.
You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’m still falling for you every single day.
I am as taken by you today as I was on the day we met. Loving you has always been easy, my eternal valentine.
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!
I would choose you again and again. Happy Valentine’s to the woman of my dreams.
My love, you’re the reason I am who I am today. Thank you for everything you do for our family. Happy Valentine’s!
You are my love, my life, my heart, and my forever valentine.

Valentine’s card messages for your boyfriend or girlfriend

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

Valentine’s card messages for your parents

You are the reason for my happiness and success. Thank you for guiding me to becoming the best version of myself. I love you!
You make this love thing look easy. Happy Valentine’s, Mom and Dad!
Happy Valentine’s to my wonderful parents. Your love is an inspiration to me. Wishing you a day of [favorite activity] together!
With you as my parents, I know what it means to love unconditionally. Happy Valentine’s!
Two wishes in one — that’s what you are to me. Have a wonderful Valentine’s!
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.
If I have never said thank you for bringing me into the world, I’d like to do that now. Happy Valentine’s!
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

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

Valentine’s card messages for your friends

Here’s to a Valentine’s filled with good wine, delicious food, and my best friend in the whole wide world.
Thank you for standing by my side through it all, my forever friend. I love you!
I couldn’t ask for someone who loves and supports me more than you do. Happy Valentine’s!
You warm my heart in so many ways. I hope your day is cozy and filled with love!
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!
Friends are the flowers in the garden of life. Happy Valentine’s!
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.
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!

Valentines day card messages with long stem roses — Ultimate Elegance Long Stem Red Roses

Valentines day card messages with message in a bottle — Message In A Bottle ‘You & Me’

Valentines day card messages with drizzled strawberries — Gourmet Drizzled Strawberries

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

“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 strawberries, chocolate-dipped cheesecake bites, heart-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.

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.

long distance valentine Sweetheart Romance Bouquet — Sweetheart Romance™ Bouquet

long distance valentine Donut Bouquet — Donut Bouquet

long distance valentine with personalized photo blanket — Romantic Love Photo Collage Personalized Photo Blanket

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.

“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.

valentines day party Valentines Day Gift Basket — Valentine’s Day Gift Basket

Happy Valentine's Day Crispy Rice Bites — Valentine’s Crispy Rice Bites

Invite everyone over for a festive evening of dinner, games, 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.

valentines day party Wild About You Valentine Sweets Box — Wild About You Valentine Sweets Box

valentines day party Love Lifts Us Up Popcorn Tin — Love Lifts Us Up Popcorn Tin

valentines day party Cheesecake Trio with Love Romance Dipped Strawberries — Cheesecake Trio with Love & Romance™ Dipped Strawberries

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.

valentines day party Wildflower Dreams Bouquet — Wildflower Dreams Bouquet

Valentines day party with appetizers — Entertaining Appetizer Assortment

valentines day party Valentines Day Dessert Charcuterie Board — Valentine’s Day Dessert Board

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!

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 lilies, daisies, carnations, delphinium, and more.

Valentines Day flowers for everyone with daydream bouquet — Daydream Bouquet

Valentines Day flowers for everyone with tulip and iris bouquet — Bunches of Love Tulip & Iris Bouquet

Valentines Day flowers for everyone with assorted roses — Two Dozen Assorted Roses

Valentine’s flowers and gift combos

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

valentines day flowers for everyone yellow roses — Yellow Roses with Wicker Vase & Candle

valentines day flowers for everyone Assorted Roses Peruvian Lilies Cheryls Cookies Wine — Assorted Roses & Peruvian Lilies, Cheryl’s Cookies, and Wine

Valentines Day flowers for everyone with lavender garden bouquet — Lavender Garden Bouquet with Chocolate

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.

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 candy, chocolate 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.

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 truffles, chocolate with nuts and caramel, rich 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.

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.

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 flowers, chocolates, 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.

Valentine's day tips for guys with Stunning Red Rose Calla Lily Bouquet — Stunning Red Rose & Calla Lily Bouquet

Valentine's day tips for guys with chocolate-covered strawberries — Love and Romance™ Dipped Strawberries

Valentine's day tips for guys with True Love Gift Basket — True Love Gift Basket

“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!

Hate Valentine’s Day? Here’s Why You Should Change Your Heart

Ready to make their heart flutter? Whether you’re looking for romantic gift ideas or tips on how to sweep them off their feet, “Your Trusted Cupid” brings you top-notch advice from relationship experts. Hate Valentine’s Day? Step outside the heart-shaped box and enjoy creative ideas to use the holiday as a way to connect with your loved one.

Every year on Feb. 14, we shower our beloveds with Valentine’s Day flowers, chocolate, gifts, and cards to demonstrate our affection for each other. On paper, it’s a day dedicated in its entirety to love. In reality, Valentine’s Day has had mixed reviews — routinely dismissed by some who feel it’s too commercialized and cliché.

The original meaning of Valentine’s Day isn’t easy to decipher, unlike Easter, Christmas, or other holidays. That said, the birth of Valentine’s Day is rooted in love. And love and romance are enough of a cause to celebrate and connect.

“Valentine’s Day is a way of being intentional about cultivating the time to express how you feel to one another, reigniting and remembering the love that you have for each other,” says Jaime Bronstein, a licensed relationship therapist, coach, and host of the radio program Love Talk Live. “A day of romance is an incredible way for couples to reconnect.”

hate valentine's day with couple embracing

hate valentine's day with roses and food

Remember, it’s about romance

If you find yourself becoming a hate Valentine’s Day naysayer, take a moment to reconsider the inherent purpose of this occasion and how you can make it special in new and creative ways that buck convention.

A day devoted to romance will add excitement to your relationship. Whether it’s buying a gift or planning a new activity, looking forward to the holiday celebration is certainly more fun than opting out.

“Having a designated day on the calendar that is all about intentional connection and celebrating your unique relationship is always a win,” says Stacey Sherrell, a marriage therapist and cofounder of Decoding Couples with therapist Rachel Facio. “Whether that means a night out on the town or activity off the beaten path, it’s about you two. We are huge fans of Valentine’s Day!”

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with purpose

Exploring ways to be romantic and commemorate your love in your holiday planning builds anticipation for the arrival of Feb. 14. You might even use your time designing your day together as an opportunity to commit to a few long-term relationship goals that you and your partner decide on.

“Connecting on Valentine’s Day can truly catapult your relationship and set the standard for the year ahead. I recommend setting intentions on that day for how each person would like to show up for one another for the year ahead (and beyond),” says Bronstein.

Naysayers can now look to Valentine’s Day as more than a night out when they use it as an opportunity to enjoy their partner and have some fun. Here are some additional ideas designed to make this Valentine’s Day your most romantic and purposeful ever.

Break out of your everyday routine

Take a dance lesson, an art workshop, a cooking or flower-arranging class. Whatever you decide, make a point to treat the day as a way to celebrate, which means a departure from your everyday routine. Also, choose a light-hearted event that you can both enjoy as a couple. Who knows? It may become a new favorite activity for both of you to do together.

Create a holiday souvenir together

Make a piece of furniture, take on a DIY home project, or engage in any other activity where cooperation and joint vision are necessary. This bonding experience is unique, fun, and is not dependent on our devices. You can start the activity on Valentine’s Day and give it a deadline for the end of the month.

Add more meaning to the project by making it relevant to your relationship. For example, create a photo album or scrapbook chronicling your romantic history.

Red Rose Calla Lily Bouquet — Red Rose & Calla Lily Bouquet

hate valentines day Red Wine with Chocolate Truffles — Lucca & Sons Cellars Red Wine with Chocolate Truffles

hate valentines day Satin Heart Box with Heart Truffles — Satin Heart Box w/Heart Truffles

Have a romantic dinner for two

Life’s too short to let the fancy china and crystal goblets collect dust! Elevate the setting by adding romantic flowers and candles. Enjoy a quiet dinner with a wonderful bottle of wine, chocolate, and music. If you rather not spend the evening cooking, decide on a menu together and have a delicious meal delivered.

Renew your vows

What could be better on Valentine’s Day than renewing your vows? Make it a formal event with friends and family or create a more intimate moment just between the two of you. A destination event at a cozy candlelit restaurant or mountain resort are other exciting options.

Host a game night potluck

While alone time is great, it can also be fun to share your relationship with a larger group. Invite friends over and revel in a celebration of love and friendship with food and games. Ask everyone to bring a small themed gift for a secret Valentine exchange. After everyone leaves, it will give you an opportunity to reconnect with your Valentine in high spirits.

Show Your Valentine’s Day Flowers Some TLC

Whether you’re looking for romantic gift ideas or ways to make yourself feel loved, “Your Trusted Cupid” brings you top-notch advice from relationship experts. In this story, Julie Mulligan offers stylish ideas of how to use your Valentine’s Day flowers after the holiday.

Make your Valentine's Day Flowers last with a woman smiling at a large bouquet of flowers.

Who doesn’t anticipate feeling special and loved on Valentine’s Day? And of course, receiving Valentine’s Day flowers is the best way to know you are adored. Flowers represent love in many ways, with their natural beauty, fresh scent, and elevating the atmosphere. So, once you receive Valentine’s Day flowers, be a flower “caretaker,” not a “heartbreaker” by giving your flowers plenty of TLC.

Our 1-800-Flowers.com team is so passionate about extending the happiness quotient of flowers, we created these tips to help preserve your arrangements.

Make your Valentine’s Day flowers last

1. After a few days, we recommend changing the water and re-cutting the flowers to ensure longevity. Place the bouquet in a separate holder, while you add warm water and flower food to its original vase. Be sure to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet.

2. With a sharp knife or clippers, re-cut the stems by cutting one to two inches off on an angle, but be careful not to crush the stems. We find it best to hold the stems underwater. Return the bouquet to its vase with fresh water.

3. Once your flowers are down to their last stem, get inspired and be creative — especially with roses. Don’t believe us? You’d be surprised how long you can make a rose last, even if it is fully open. Look around the house for DIY décor-worthy items (glass containers allow for endless creative possibilities).

We’ve included some beautiful ideas to display short, fully open roses below. The shorter the stem, the easier it will be for the water to reach the rose and will last longer than you would expect.

Make your Valentine's Day Flowers last with petal-covered votive candles.

Petal-covered votives

Create an attractive, natural candle by using extra rose petals. Simply place rose petals along the perimeter of a votive and secure with a pretty ribbon for a unique candle.

Make your Valentine's Day Flowers last in an apothecary jar with a rose at the bottom.

Rose apothecary jar

At the bottom of an apothecary jar or vase, pad with greenery or leaves. Cut the stem from your rose and place the flower on top.

Lasting roses guaranteed

If the thought of seeing your Valentine’s Day flowers shrivel and wilt is too much to bear, consider Magnificent Roses. These arrangements are packaged in a chic hatbox, come in an assortment of colors and styles, and require minimal care. The main difference? Their beauty will last, just like your romance.

Photo of lavender preserved roses — Magnificent Roses Preserved Lavender Roses

Picture of multi-colored Magnificent Roses — Magnificent Roses Preserved Romantic Medley Trio

Photo of red Magnificent Roses — Magnificent Roses Preserved Red Roses

5 Best Valentine’s Day Gifts to Give Yourself

Valentine’s Day is a time to let your loved ones know you care. But no matter your relationship status, it’s also a great opportunity to take a step back and engage in some self-love.

“Valentine’s Day is about love and devotion, and that must start with ourselves,” explains human development expert Lois Barth, author of the bestselling self-help book Courage to Sparkle. “When we start with ourselves, we take ownership of replenishing our sense of self-esteem and self-confidence.

“Self-care gives us access to our strengths and natural zest for life, and Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to tap into yourself and evaluate what allows you to feel cared for.”

What good self-care looks like depends a lot on your personality and lifestyle.

“If you’re someone who is feeling in a rut, then self-care may look like going out for dinner, or a hike, or some adventure to shake things up,” Barth explains. “If you’re a professional ‘doer,’ meaning you are in constant motion, maybe self-care looks like a long, hot bath, taking time off, or a certain gift you’ve been craving.”

In short, Valentine’s Day gifts don’t need to be physical objects, and they don’t need to come from others. Doing something fun or giving yourself something special is a great way to celebrate the occasion.

Here are five ideas for Valentine’s Day gifts to get yourself.

A satisfied stomach is a way to the heart

“It is so easy to go through our day feeling like everything is the same old, same old,” Barth says. “Specialty foods make things feel novel, and foods that evoke our senses, like fruit, wine, cheese, and chocolate, connect us with our sensuality.”

For that reason, skip the drugstore heart-shaped boxes of chocolates — what’s special about those? — and luxuriate in the warmth of heart-shaped hot cocoa bombs. Combine those with some sweet treats, such as the cookies and pretzel clusters that come in the affirming You’re Incredible Party in a Box. It’s all designed to remind you of how wonderful you are.

For oenophiles, splurge on a gourmet red or rosé wine package with cookies and pair it with some truffles or decadent chocolate. Balance out that sweet with some savory…say, charcuterie and cheese. You’ll have everything you need for an evening indulging in gourmet delights, and it can all be delivered to your door. After all: Time saved running errands is time spent pampering yourself!

valentines day gifts for yourself Breakable Chocolate Heart — Breakable Chocolate Heart

Harvest Comforts Fresh Fruit Basket — Harvest Comforts Fresh Fruit Gift Basket

A home spa experience

Pampering yourself often means a day at the spa, but since Valentine’s Day falls in the dead of winter and you may not want to venture out, why not turn your bathroom into the spa of your dreams? Barth, who was a massage therapist for years before becoming a life and business coach, recommends including spa elements with soothing scents.

“When we are stressed out, our fight-or-flight response is in the driver’s seat,” she notes. “Botanical scents like lavender and chamomile can help move us from surviving mode into thriving mode. They calm the nervous system and allow us to slow down and connect with our sensuality and wellbeing.”

You can create a luxurious and cozy evening at home with this Luxurious Lavender Chamomile Spa Gift Basket. Soothe your muscles and calm your mind with everything from bubble bath to skin-repairing body butter and fizzy bath bombs to an aromatherapy candle. Better yet, every item in this basket is all-natural and paraben-free. Lounge after your treatment in the included spa slippers, and top off your gift to yourself with a Comfort Luxury Fleece Robe.

Lavender Deluxe Bath & Body Gift Set — Luxurious Lavender Chamomile Spa Gift Basket

valentines day gifts for yourself Spa Sampler Aromatherapy Gift — Aromatherapy Kit

Happy Day Fizzers Bath Bombs — Happy Day Fizzers Bath Bomb

The gift of green

Self-care gives us access to our strengths and natural zest for life, and Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to tap into yourself and evaluate what allows you to feel cared for.

– Lois Barth, Human development expert and author of Courage to Sparkle

The average American spends 93% of his or her time indoors. The benefits of being outside are well documented, though. In February, “nature bathing” may be less appealing, so why not bring the benefits of nature inside?

“Live plants both oxygenate the room and remind us of our connection to nature,” Barth says. “Being of service to a plant also takes us outside of ourselves and helps break the stress cycle.”

This Sweet Heart Bamboo is perfect for your desk and will remind you that you are loved every day. Transferring a potted plant to a garden of love planter, customized with the names of your loved ones (or you!), is another great way to visually weave together things that nourish your body and soul.

valentines day gifts for yourself Sweet Heart Bamboo — Sweet Heart Bamboo

valentines day gifts for yourself Hoya Heart Succulents — Hoya Hearts Succulents

Movie night with big-screen theater vibes

“Entertainment, such as movies and music, is such an important part of revitalizing our lives,” Barth says. “It evokes our imagination and puts us in a world of wonder.” Instead of heading to the theater, spend a movie night at home re-watching one of your favorites. You turn it into a special event with the Movie Night Gift Box, which includes gummy candies, Skittles, Mike and Ike, and, of course, delicious caramel, cheese, and butter popcorn.

“Adding special treats to the mix is a great way to make a mundane night magical and connect us to our younger selves,” Barth says. “Inviting friends over to share in the fun can also be a powerful de-stressor.”

valentines day gifts for yourself Valentines Day Cookie Pail — Valentine’s Day Cookie Pail

valentines day gifts for yourself Candy Craves Sweet Treats Gift Box — Candy Craves Sweet Treats Gift Box

Sparkle and shine

“Jewelry is a traditional Valentine’s Day gift for a reason,” Barth says. “It reminds us of the importance of shining bright and allowing ourselves to be radiant in the world. If you get into a rut, just putting on a nice piece of jewelry that you bought yourself can make your day feel novel and special.”

This Queen Choker necklace is one way of showing the world that you value yourself. Featuring petal-shaped crystal drops set in sterling silver and alternating round crystal drops, it’s a simple yet refined accessory that goes with everything in your closet.

At the end of the day, remember: “Whether you are single or married to the love of your life, your most important relationship is always going to be with yourself,” Barth says. “The more you can nurture that relationship and rejuvenate that relationship, the better you will feel and the more you will energize the relationships around you.”