Ah, Valentine’s Day — the season of pink hearts, chocolate boxes and grand romantic gestures. While it’s a time for many to celebrate love with their significant other, it’s also a great opportunity to spread kindness beyond traditional romance. Love doesn't have to be just about couples — it can also be about community, compassion and connection.
This Valentine’s Day, consider showing love in a different way. Whether it’s volunteering, donating or simply offering a heartfelt compliment, your thoughtfulness has the power to make a difference. Here’s how you can give love to others this Valentine’s Day:
1. Deliver valentines.
For some, Valentine’s Day can be a difficult time, reminding them of loved ones lost. Help spread some love this Valentine’s Day with your family by creating unique valentines to give out to others. Spend some time in arts and crafts and really make them shine with kind, caring words of encouragement. Then, give the valentines out to others — such as your neighbors, those in your community or those living in local shelters. You and your family will have fun making the valentines, and you’ll have an even better time giving them out to brighten other people’s days.
2. Buy gifts that give back.
We get it: Valentine’s Day involves a lot of gifts. There’s gifts for your significant other, of course, but maybe you’re the type of person who also likes to give Valentine’s gifts to your mom, or your kids, just for fun. If you’re a big Valentine’s Day gift giver, then consider choosing a more altruistic route and buying gifts that give back. For instance, choose fair trade gifts, that ensure those who make them earn a living wage; or, consider a charity gift card, which gives a portion of your purchases to a nonprofit organization. Or, donate to your partner’s favorite local charity and help make a difference in his or her name.
3. Go red and give blood.
We all know that red tends to be a favorite color during the Valentine’s Day season. Show how much you care about others by really going red and give blood. According to the American Red Cross, your donation can actually save up to three lives. That’s a whole lot of love to give this Valentine’s Day.
4. Pay it forward.
If you want to spread love that keeps on giving, pay it forward. Do something kind for a stranger that can’t be paid back, and ask them to pay it forward to another stranger in the future. For example, try paying for someone’s coffee in line behind you, or pick up the tab for a couple at the restaurant. Ask them to pay it forward and know that your good deed will not go unnoticed as it ripples throughout the community.
5. Volunteer with a cause.
Finally, one significant way to give love this Valentine’s Day is by volunteering with a cause you care about. After the holiday season cools off, a lot of nonprofit organizations can struggle trying to find more volunteers or raise other donations. You can help make an impact by getting involved with an organization in your community. Celebrate your Valentine’s Day the altruistic way by showing others in need you care.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to just be about romance — it can also include sharing kindness, compassion and generosity with those around you. By giving back, you can make the holiday more meaningful, not just for yourself, but for your entire community. No matter how big or small, every act of love has the power to make a difference.
