When holidays like Valentines come around, it's hard to know what to get someone special to you. Do you just get a card? Candy? Flowers? An actual gift? 

Anything that tells another person you are thinking of him/her will make a difference. And I'm not just talking about a significant love interest . .  . Valentines Day is meant to be a time to tell all of those important in your life how you feel about them. Girls tend to be more sentimental than boys on this holiday, so it can mean the world when you reach out to a special friend, or a family member and make a connection.

Taking the time out of our busy lives to stop and be intentional about telling someone they are special to us can have a lasting impact on another. 

For the most meaningful way to reach out to someone, I highly recommend a handwritten note, whether that be on a commercial card or a  piece of notebook paper. There is something so special about taking the time to write out a sentiment of love or friendship. You never know what your words will mean to another. I am one of those who keep encouraging cards, letters and even post-it notes from others so that I can go back and reread them over and over again.

Beyond that, gifts are always appreciated and add an exclamation point to the sentiment of love. But to make them especially purposeful it helps to put some thought into the gift. Is this a person who loves wearing jewelry? Are they a pet person? Do they love spending time together? Do they love words or symbols of affirmation and motivation? What are their hobbies or passions? Do they like experiences rather than things? It helps to know what their love language is.

Then choose a gift that speaks to that person, that reminds you of something about them. You don't have to spend a lot of money to select a truly meaningful gift, you just have to give it some thought.  Then take the time to wrap it, even it its in newspaper and ribbon it shows that you have paid attention to the experience of the recipient unwrapping something with anticipation. And finally, put a handwritten note with the gift. That is the most personal element of any gift.

We can help you in selecting a truly meaningful gift for that special someone, and make the unboxing a fun experience. But the first step starts with you. Show those people in your life how much they mean to you.

February 8, 2020

Tracey McLarney