How to Show Someone You Care on Valentine’s Day

Nicki Byrnes

February 2, 2023

There’s a lot to love about Valentine’s Day. A dozen roses, a big box of chocolates, an oversized teddy bear, and a handwritten love note all sound great, but when you cut through all the noise, February 14th is just a day to tell someone you’re grateful they’re in your life. Whether in a relationship or single, young or old, near family or far away, we all have someone we should acknowledge our love, friendship, or appreciation for.

So how do you show someone what they mean to you without a big, grand gesture? There are plenty of ways that don’t cost much – a Valentine’s Day card sent in the mail with a quick handwritten note, bringing in a neighbor’s garbage cans, a little box of chocolates left on a friend’s porch, or a quick text saying, “Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️.” Research calls these “random acts of kindness” and they are proven to elicit the release of serotonin, or the happiness hormone, in both the giver and recipient. At a minimum, just smiling has been proven to boost the mood of you and those who see you.

Another way to spread happiness on Valentine’s Day is a homemade gift. Not a crafter? How about baking cute cookies like any of these and putting a few in cute bags? Write “Happy Valentine’s Day” with a permanent marker on the outside, include your name, drop a few cookies in a bag, and seal it up. Leave them on the porch, at the door, or in the mailbox of a few people who mean something to you.

If you are a crafter, Pinterest will give a million suggestions that range from easy to complex. This stapled paper heart wreath left on someone’s door handle would be sure to bring a smile. This list has 70 (!!) creative ideas. And if you’re a crocheter like me, there is no shortage of seriously cute Valentine’s Day patterns on Etsy, Ravelry, and Pinterest.

The crochet project I recommend the most for Valentine’s Day is this hat shown above. It is a quick and simple hat construction that is one of my favorite things to make. Adding pink and red instantly makes it festive and uses up scrap yarn you probably already have on hand. It makes a great gift and is really fun to wear around town in the month of February.

It’s fun, easy, and doesn’t cost much, yet leaves a big impact on the receiver. One skein of Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick yarn will make two hats, and if you have scrap worsted weight yarn, you won’t have to buy any yarn for the pompom and heart. Not a crocheter but love the look? I have a few listed for sale on Etsy here.

You don’t have to be grand or mushy to show the people in your life you care. Small acts of kindness go a long way, and who couldn’t use a little shot of the happiness hormone these days. What are some of your favorite ways you show others you care?