Valentine’s Day did not start with pink aisles and heart shaped candy. Long before it became a reason to buy chocolate and flowers, the holiday had roots in ancient Roman tradition and later Christian history connected to Saint Valentine. Over centuries, handwritten notes turned into cards, simple gestures which turned into traditions and the holiday slowly became what we recognize today. While Valentine’s Day has changed a lot, its purpose has stayed the same: to find ways to show love and appreciation. The only difference now is that people are getting more creative about how they do it
For college students especially, Valentine’s Day can start to feel predictable. Chocolate, flowers and cologne line store shelves every February. While those gifts are classic for a reason, they do not always feel personal. That is why many students are shifting their focus toward creativity and intentionality. Instead of asking what they are supposed to give, people are asking what would actually mean something.
Classic gifts can still feel thoughtful with the right personal touch. Chocolate becomes more special when it is paired with a handwritten note or added to a small gift basket filled with favorite snacks. Flowers feel more meaningful when they come with a letter, a framed photo,or a keepsake that reflects shared memories. Perfume or cologne can also feel intentional when it is chosen carefully rather than picked up at the last minute. The gift itself matters less than the thought behind it.
This year, handmade gifts have also had their moment. Around campus, students have been creating homemade garlands, cards, hoodies and keepsakes for their valentines. These gifts stand out because they take time and effort. Making something by hand shows care in a way that store bought items often cannot. Arts and crafts give students the chance to express creativity while making something truly one of a kind. Valentine’s Day gifts are not just for romantic relationships; they are a great way to show friends you care too.
“I got some homemade chocolate with dried strawberries from a friend.” Said Ryan Gostonczil, a junior at NW “It was nothing fancy, but it was really good.”
Another way students are refreshing Valentine’s Day is by focusing on experiences rather than objects. Surprise date nights have become a popular alternative to traditional gifts. Planning an evening together, whether it is cooking a meal, watching a favorite movie or doing a shared activity, creates memories that last longer than candy or flowers. LEGO sets have also become a surprisingly popular gift, offering both something to unwrap and something to do together.
For those familiar with NW’s “ring before spring” saying, Valentine’s Day may feel quietly significant this time of year as it becomes less of a holiday and more of a gentle nudge from Cupid. While no one is counting calendars out loud, the day still carries a certain weight that adds to its importance on campus.
Gift baskets remain a favorite choice because they are easy to personalize. Simply putting together baskets filled with clothing, blankets, flowers, jewelry or snacks can be a great gift for a friend or significant other. Small bags and jewelry are also popular options, especially when paired with a note explaining why they were chosen. These gifts strike a balance between fun and sentiment, making them easy to tailor to anyone.
On campus, the I-Club is offering students an easy and affordable way to participate in Valentine’s Day through their annual Valentine’s Day Shop. This year, the I-Club is selling eternal roses for ten dollars, caricatures for five dollars, snack bundles for three dollars and raffle tickets for either one dollar or three dollars to be entered for a chance to win whole bouquets of eternal roses.
Orders are due by February tenth. Students can place orders by scanning barcodes posted around campus. The I-Club also offers free delivery on campus, which makes gifting convenient during a busy semester. Gifts can also be sent anonymously, adding a fun and unexpected twist to the holiday.
“The I-Club does a great job of promoting and distributing the Valentine’s Day gifts.” Senior Isabel Anderson said. “I love how so many people on campus engage and give gifts to each other. It makes for some fun conversations when you don’t know who sent the gift.”
After centuries of celebrating Valentine’s Day, one thing remains the same. The holiday is not about how much money is spent, but about effort and intentionality. Whether it is a handmade card, a snack bundle from I-Club or a thoughtfully planned night together, the most meaningful gifts are the ones that show genuine care. This Valentine’s Day, creativity and thoughtfulness continue to matter more than anything else.
