Madeline Kuhns is a journalism senior and Mustang News opinion columnist. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group.
It’s that time of year again! Time to equate our love into a plastic box of chocolates and a last-minute card bought from Walgreens. Or not! We’re adults now, so it’s not the time for lazy gift giving and last-minute presents.
How hard could it possibly be? For those of us who aren’t born with natural gift-giving superpowers, nailing the perfect Valentine’s Day gift is a daring feat.
You may also be questioning: Am I spending too much? Too little? Am I spilling my guts for someone I’ve been seeing for two months?
Before you drive yourself crazy over searching far and wide for the perfect gift, take a few steps back. Valentine’s Day is about connection and showing appreciation to that special person who makes your life better. But not everyone loves a box of chocolates or fancy jewelry. How do you shop for somebody who just wants to spend time with you?
This Valentine’s Day, I propose getting to know your partner’s love language before you decide how to show your love. Love language is the way that we as partners prefer to give and receive love. Do they love fresh flowers, quality time together or are they more of a words person?
No matter how you and your partner give and receive love, you both deserve to feel appreciated and valued. This guide will help you make sure you can give the best gift this Valentine’s Day — and maybe even one-up their ex from last year.
Words of Affirmation
If you have a partner who is a big fan of saying “I love you” over the phone, takes compliments well and is a big texter, words of affirmation may be one of their top love languages.
A good gift: A hand-written card
I am a big lover of card-writing. Writing your love avoids the pressure to have a perfectly practiced speech to say to your partner. Describe your favorite things about them or share a favorite moment you had with them. Just remember to keep it simple and truthful.
Even better: An original poem
This is your chance to tap into your creativity and rhyming schemes. Love poems are a personal favorite of mine. What better way to tell your partner you love them than by comparing them to the warmth of the morning sun or the way their eyes twinkle like the stars above?
Best: A jar full of “reasons I love you”
Thoughtful gifts are specific gifts. Writing the specific reasons you love your partner shows thoughtful time put into planning a gift, and is unique to the person. A word of affirmation-er will go crazy for a jar full of compliments.
Physical Touch
If your partner is someone who loves to always be holding hands, is a big hugger and prioritizes physical intimacy, physical touch is probably one of their top love languages.
A good gift: Plan an at-home movie night with cuddling, snacks and their favorite film.
This is your time to just be close to your partner and have some alone time.
Better: Take them dancing.
A night out on the town, or even better, a dance class, is the perfect chance to be hand-in-hand with your partner. In my opinion, one of the most appropriate ways to show PDA is through getting groovy with someone.
Best: A personal spa day for your partner.
Plan an at-home spa day for your partner. Get them bath bombs, lotions and body oils to pamper them with a massage.
Receiving Gifts
If your partner loves it when you bring them a coffee unannounced, likes “the finer things in life” and is a big shopper, their love language may be receiving gifts.
A good gift: their favorite baked goods
Take the time to make or buy your partner’s favorite sweet treat and wrap it up in a nice little package.
Even better: Jewelry with their initials or name
Personalized jewelry is a classic V-day gift to impress your partner. Make sure you know what metal your partner prefers to wear. If you want to go a step further, get your partner’s birthstone or get a message engraved.
Best: Find their secret wishlist, and study hard.
If they have a Pinterest account, see what they’ve been saving, or try to think of something they’ve been talking about for a while. Nothing beats a “How did you know I’ve been wanting this?!”
Quality Time
This person likes to have their calendar marked off with your name and appreciates one-on-one activities. This love language is all about being around each other and sharing experiences together.
A good gift: Take them on a hike with a picnic, or stroll through a park/museum with coffee.
People who love quality time don’t need the most expensive or elaborate plan; they appreciate one-on-one time. A long hike gives you the chance to get lost together for a few hours, and a museum could be a chance for a couple of hours of quiet reflection.
Even better: Take a skills class like cooking, painting or crafts together.
Learn something fun together that takes teamwork, and is an experience you can remember. After you take the class, you can try the activity at home together and could even become a new hobby for you two.
Best: plan a weekend excursion somewhere for the two of you.
A long drive somewhere equals even more quality time spent together on top of fun time at the destination.
Acts of Service
This person loves when other people take care of tasks for them and receive help in the places they would normally cover themself.
A good gift: Offer to be their chauffeur for the week.
Drive your partner to all the places they need to be, with bonus points for stocking the console with snacks and water.
Even better: A home-cooked meal (or many meals).
The best way to the heart is always through the stomach. Especially for a partner who has had a busy day and just wants a comforting meal, not having to cook for themselves relieves a big burden.
Best: Personal assistant for the day.
Need laundry done? On it. Been meaning to pick up a book from the library? Already checked out. Whatever they need, you’ve got it covered.