Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that comes with a lot of mixed feelings.
On one hand, it’s about love and celebrating the people who matter most to us. On the other hand, it’s hard to ignore how commercialized it has become. Stores turn pink and red overnight, heart-shaped everything fills the aisles. Hobby Lobby explodes with valentines before Christmas is even over! And suddenly it feels like love has a price tag.
And a pretty big one.
According to recent reports, Americans spend over $25 billion on Valentine’s Day each year. The average person spends around $185–$200 on gifts, dinners, cards, and experiences. Flowers alone account for billions. Add in chocolates, jewelry, fancy dinners, and suddenly “I love you” starts to look expensive. That is crazy!
Which brings me to my house.
My husband is firmly in the camp that Valentine’s Day is a “fake holiday.” He believes love should be shown every day, not because the calendar says so. And honestly? I agree with him… mostly.
But here’s the truth.
Even when you know it’s commercial.
Even when you don’t need a big gift.
Even when you roll your eyes at the pink overload…
If February 14th comes and goes with nothing — no card, no flowers, no acknowledgment, it can still sting just a little.
Not because of the money.
Because of the meaning.
Sometimes it’s not about the gift. It’s about feeling remembered.
The Good News: Impact Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
The best part? Making someone feel loved does not require a big budget.
In fact, some of the most meaningful gestures cost very little or maybe nothing at all.
In true “sursees” fashion… here are a few simple ideas that make a big impact:
1. A handwritten note or card
Not a store-bought generic line — but a few sentences from the heart.
Tell them what you appreciate. What you love. What you notice.
That’s priceless.
2. Breakfast in bed or a favorite coffee
A $5 latte delivered with a smile can feel more thoughtful than a $100 bouquet. And bonus points if you know their favorite drink!
3. A memory instead of a gift
Print a favorite photo. Recreate your first date at home. Watch your wedding video. Take a walk together and talk.
Connection beats things.
4. One small surprise
A single rose. Their favorite candy. A sweet text in the middle of the day.
It’s the “I was thinking about you” that matters.
5. Speak their love language
Acts of service, quality time, words of affirmation — sometimes the best Valentine’s gift is simply showing up in the way they feel most loved. If you don’t know – how sweet would it be to find out what your partners love language is? Pick up a copy of this book for each of you and find out:
The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Gary Chapman — often just called The 5 Love Languages. It’s a bestselling relationship book that explains how people give and receive love in different ways and suggests that understanding your partner’s “love language” can help you connect more deeply.
So… Is Valentine’s Day Fake?
Maybe.
It’s definitely marketed.
It’s definitely overdone.
And yes! Companies make a fortune off of it.
But the heart of it? That part is real.
Because at the end of the day, we all want the same thing:
To feel seen.
To feel chosen.
To feel loved.
And if a silly little holiday gives us one more reason to pause, express it, and remind someone they matter — I’m not mad about that.
Even if my husband still thinks it’s a fake holiday.
I’ll still smile if flowers show up and I always love a hot cup of coffee….
And I’ll definitely keep the card.
Because sometimes the smallest gestures say the biggest things.
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