A New Take on Valentine’s Day

According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, the average amount spent on a Valentine’s Day gift is $142. Whether on flowers, jewelry, candy, or clothing, I wonder how many of these items end up in the trash (dead flowers aren’t very romantic), down the drain (candy only lasts so long), or sentenced to a lifetime in the back of a closet or drawer.

How do you plan on spending Valentine’s Day? Stressing about a gift? Dreading being alone? Eating a ridiculously expensive meal at a so-so restaurant? Maybe it’s time to get creative with how you celebrate love on February 14.

Whether partnered up or not, everyone can participate in spreading some good juju. Grab some friends, your beloved, your parents, your kids, or whoever is dear to you, and go on a love adventure with some of these Valentine’s Day suggestions:

• Leave Post-it love notes around town (see this blog for suggestions). 
• Get some small heart tokens and include them with your payment at stores, restaurants, drive-thru, etc. You can usually find these little tokens at the check-out at gift shops, greeting card stores, etc.
• Take the change out of your car and feed strangers’ meters
• Drop off Valentines from your pets to your veterinarian 
• Tape an envelope with some coins in it to a vending machine. Write on the envelope “Enjoy a snack on me. Happy Valentine’s Day!”
• Hand out brown lunch bags filled with a sandwich, bottle of water, and an apple to the homeless (yes, risk being fined!)

Performing acts of love with people you love will be a gift that you’ll have forever. Sure, I love sparkly things as much as the next girl, but I’ll take a sparkle in my heart over a sparkle on my wrist any day.

So, what do you think? I’d love to hear your ideas for new ways to celebrate the day of love. Share in the comments below!

Happy Valentine’s Day!