Confession: I’m not obsessed with Valentine’s Day. Frankly, it’s not really on my radar at all.
I guess I’ve just never been a candy-and-flowers kind of girl. Early in our relationship, I shared with my then boyfriend (now husband) that I’m mildly allergic to chocolate and inevitably kill all living foliage. This remains true to this day! Therefore, Valentine’s Day for me has always been about spending time together, doing something we love – or maybe trying something new – and remembering that our hearts belong to one another, with or without a fancy greeting card.
Hence, I make it my mission to counteract the commercial-ness of Valentine’s Day with thoughtful gifts and gestures. Some cost money, some don’t cost a thing – (I’m sensing a JLo song in here) – but here are my suggestions for making Valentine’s Day priceless.
1. Time, not things. It’s been a growing trend among my sons’ classmates to attach candy, school supplies and/or removable tattoos with their store-bought Valentines. It’s a fun little treat and I don’t begrudge the goodies for a second. However, this year I encouraged the boys to create “coupons” to attach to their Valentines. These coupons offer their time and expertise, customized to their classmates and how they normally interact with them.
For example, Reid is somewhat of a Beyblade champion, so he has offered a coupon for Beyblade lessons during recess to those friends he thinks would enjoy learning from the “master”. Ryder, who has a vast knowledge of Pokémon, has offered to share trading techniques and intel to those who are interested. The coupons are an out-of-the-box way to show love and kindness on Valentine’s Day, and I hope to make it a tradition!
2. Priceless Experiences. Make Valentine’s Day one for the books with a Priceless Cities experience. Priceless Cities is a program available exclusively to Mastercard cardholders and provides access to unforgettable experiences in the cities where you live and travel.
Whether you enjoy a glass of prosecco and a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour at the hottest restaurant near you, or attend a knife skills workshop and enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine (can you tell I have a passion for food?), make meaningful time with your loved ones your ultimate priority.
(Honey, are you reading this? Did you know that you can access reserved tickets to see the Toronto Maple Leafs this February at Scotiabank Arena? *HINT*)
3. It’s okay to be ordinary. One of my favourite things to do with my husband is eat takeout pizza while binging Netflix. And you know what? This would also sum up my perfect Valentine’s Day! Don’t feel pressured to do something extraordinary. Connecting with your loved one while doing what you enjoy most is a fail-safe recipe for the perfect evening. (Throw in a pint of cookie dough ice cream and he’ll have my heart forever.)
What does your perfect Valentine’s Day look like? Leave a comment and let me know so we can revel in the lovefest! Happy Valentine’s Day, all!
This post is sponsored by Mastercard. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
Thankyou! Ordinary can be beautiful. I’m a fan of pizza and movies, too. :)
When I was growing up Valentine’s Day was only for teenagers and adults, most exciting were the cards which were usually sent anonymously, it was a fun time.
This is an awesome idea! I’m sure your boys will enjoy this initiative of sharing their time and expertise with their classmates. Love your picture too and Happy Valentine’s Day!
That pizza looks delicious!
Such a wonderful idea. Giving time is a wonderful gift.
I absolutely love the kid’s Valentine coupon idea. Definitely makes those friendship interactions extra special.
Impressive looking Valentine’s creations.
Obviously Valentine’s Day isn’t on my track either – only since re-reading this have I realised that it’s actually today! So Happy Valentine’s Day to those who do participate.
For Valentine’s Day my favorite thing is going to a dinner theatre to see a good show. But many years I like to keep it simple & enjoy some chinese food take-out & a good movie.
I’ve just realised that I completely missed Valentine’s Day, in fact I thought it was yesterday for hours! Just shows how little it means to me eh?
Agree, agree, agree! Experiences are my favourite gifts but spending quality time is the most important.
Ordinary is beauty to us! We don’t get caught up in the marketing aspect of the Holiday and need to buy “stuff” – although we will buy chocolate/treats at discount in days after! We just like spending time together as a family.
I agree! For us, Valentine’s day is a reminder to enjoy the company of the people you love. Of course finding something fun and unique to do is a big bonus though!