This year leading up to February 14 why don’t you trade in your traditional Valentine’s Day itinerary and make this holiday memorable for someone else in need.
With all the consumer hype and advertising surrounding Valentine’s Day telling you what to buy for your significant other, it seems like the same old rodeo yet again. According to The National Retail Federation, it was estimated that Americans spent over $23.9 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts in 2022. Or, if by chance you happen to be single, the logical thing would be for you to either buy flowers and candy for yourself or have an incredible experience, like a hotel weekend or spa day, and get your mind off the fact that you aren’t in a relationship. That’s a whole other blog post, lol! For many, however, it seems like the endless cycle has finally come to an exhausting halt.
This year what if you were intentional and took a moment to seek and serve someone else? By all means please go ahead and give gifts to your loved ones. Take them and yourself out for a special dinner. However, it’s the magic of sacrificing the most precious thing you have, which is a bit of your time to help someone else in need, that captures the true spirit of Valentine’s Day.
To put some love into action, try out these 7 ideas for the ultimate spin on your traditional Valentine’s Day gift-giving plans.
1. Serve at a local food bank
Why not spend the day or Valentine’s weekend volunteering at one of your local food banks. Feeding America’s online search will connect you with a local food bank near you.
2. Send out Valentine’s Day cards
Believe me, it’s not cheesy at all! In fact over a billion cards are sent on Valentine’s day each year. Nothing says I’m thinking about you more than a cute handwritten message on a card that comes in the mail. You can start by sending pretty ecards to St. Judes Children’s Hospital. Why not begin this Valentine’s Day and make it a new tradition with all the upcoming holidays this year?
3. Be a reading buddy or homework tutor
So many children would love the chance to sit with a great person like you to help them with their reading skills. Volunteer Match can help connect you in person or virtually with a student near you.
4. Marriage event volunteer
Lots of places like churches and other organizations are having marriage seminars around the same time as Valentine’s Day. Reach out and see if you can help in any way from assisting at check-in or just being a greeter at the door. Couples will genuinely be grateful for your help. Not only are you serving the people that have the relationship status that you may want to be in one day, but you will get to hear great advice, too.
5. Saving our planet is the thing to do
Show some love to our home by organizing a rubbish pickup team at a local school, park, or your own neighborhood. Not only will you be helping to keep the area beautiful for people but also for over a million animals who unfortunately digest tons of plastic that we humans leave behind according to The National Geographic Society.
6.Give a bit of sunshine to seniors
Take some time over the next few days to write cards for senior citizens at your local assisted living home near you or help decorate the lobby of a senior living facility. Check out Wish of a Lifetime to get started and make someone smile.
7. Show some fur baby love
Reach out to your local animal shelter and take the time to walk a dog or play with some of the smaller animals. Shelters are also always in need of food and other supplies that you could donate. Give them a call, they will be glad you did!
Looking for more fun ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with others?
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