Valentine’s Day has always been one of my favorite times of the year. It’s a chance to slow down, reflect, and show the people in my life how much they truly mean to me. But let’s face it—saying “I appreciate you” or “I love you” can sometimes feel overused or cliché, especially on a day like Valentine’s Day. That’s why I’ve made it a fun personal challenge to get creative with how I express my feelings. So, I wanted to share 10 meaningful ways I’ve found to say “I appreciate you” on Valentine’s Day that go beyond the typical chocolates and roses. Hopefully, these ideas inspire you to make someone’s day extra special too!
1. Write a Handwritten Letter
In the age of texts and emails, there’s something so heartfelt about a handwritten letter. I once sat down and wrote my partner a letter about all the little things I admire about them. It’s not just about big gestures; it’s things like how they always make me laugh or the way they remember my favorite snacks. Their reaction? Priceless.
2. Create a Memory Jar
Last year, I made a memory jar for a friend. I filled it with little notes about fun memories we’ve shared, things I admire about them, and even silly jokes. It was such a simple but meaningful way to show appreciation, and they still have the jar on their desk today.
3. Cook Their Favorite Meal
There’s something special about cooking for someone you care about. A couple of years ago, I surprised my partner by learning how to make their favorite dish from scratch. Even though it wasn’t perfect (cue the slightly undercooked pasta), they loved the effort and thought behind it.
4. Plan a Surprise Experience
One Valentine’s Day, I planned a surprise picnic in the park. I packed their favorite snacks, a cozy blanket, and even some candles (because why not be extra?). The look of surprise and joy on their face was everything. It doesn’t have to be extravagant—just something that shows you were thinking of them.
5. Give Them a Thoughtful Gift
I’m not talking about expensive jewelry or the latest gadget. One year, I gave my best friend a custom illustration of a photo of us. It was personal, unique, and showed how much I value our friendship. Gifts that have meaning always leave a lasting impression.
6. Create a Playlist
Remember the old-school mixtapes? Well, I brought them back—digitally, of course. I created a Spotify playlist filled with songs that reminded me of someone special. Each song had a little story behind it, and they loved listening to it and hearing why I picked each track.
7. Spend Quality Time Together
Sometimes, the best way to show appreciation is simply to be present. One Valentine’s Day, I turned off my phone and spent the entire evening with a loved one, just talking and laughing. It was a reminder of how valuable uninterrupted time can be.
8. Support Their Passion
One of the most meaningful ways I’ve shown appreciation is by supporting what someone loves. For my partner, it was surprising them with tickets to a workshop they’d been talking about for months. For a friend, it was buying a book they’d been dying to read. It’s about showing that you care about what makes them happy.
9. Write Them a Poem (Or Try)
Okay, so I’m definitely not a poet, but one year, I decided to write a simple poem for my partner. It wasn’t anything fancy or professional, but it was personal and heartfelt. They couldn’t stop smiling while reading it—and that made my awkward rhymes totally worth it.
10. Say It Out Loud
Finally, sometimes the simplest gestures are the most meaningful. On Valentine’s Day, I make it a point to look the people I care about in the eye and tell them exactly how much they mean to me. A genuine “I appreciate you” paired with specific reasons why can be incredibly powerful.
