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V Day is in 1 Week

by Betsy Chapman

In this Issue: A few thoughts before Valentine’s Day

Next Friday is Valentine’s Day, which can be a really tricky time in college. Students might be in a relationship, or they might be in some sort of ambiguous place where they don’t want to push too hard to define the relationship and potentially scare their partner off. Your Deac might be happily – or unhappily – single.

Do not be surprised if you sense ambivalence, drama, grumpiness, and/or excitement about V-day, depending on where your Deac is coming from in their personal life. My best advice is to roll with whatever vibe they are giving off to you, and don’t ask too many questions (or maybe that is just my kid!)

But getting some extra love from mom, dad, or a family member on Valentine’s Day is always a morale-booster. So here is a list of things you might consider to help your Deac feel special on Valentine’s Day. Some are free, some cost money (or time). Only you will know what might feel right for your Deac.

Personalized Gifts & Care Packages

  • Send a themed Valentine’s Day care package with their favorite snacks and goodies; include handwritten love notes or affirmations in the care package
  • Consider pampering/self-care items like a cozy blanket or face masks
  • Pack a box with red and pink-themed gifts (stuffies, PJs, etc.)
  • Ship a “hometown favorites” snack box; include their favorite coffee or tea blends from hometown coffee shops

Food Delivery & Treats

  • Send them a surprise food delivery (maybe Instacart them with some food/drink staples for their room)
  • Order a sweet dessert delivery (Insomnia Cookies is in W-S, but there are many places)
  • Work with Deacon Dining to create a custom cake for them to pick up (order online: go to the Order menu, then Celebration Gifts).
  • Send a gift card for their favorite local coffee shop
  • Venmo them some $ so they can get a meal delivered from a local restaurant

Digital Surprises

  • Create a custom Spotify playlist filled with their favorite songs, or songs that remind them of home/your family
  • Send a digital Valentine’s Day card or e-card
  • Arrange a virtual game night with family (we do Yahtzee with my family every weekend over Zoom – it’s surprisingly fun!)
  • Host a live video call with family members
  • Send daily text affirmations leading up to Valentine’s Day
  • Share nostalgic family photos of special moments in your family with a loving message

Subscription Gifts

  • Sign them up for a monthly snack box
  • Gift a subscription to a streaming service
  • Sign them up for a meditation or wellness app

Acts of Thoughtfulness

  • Write and mail a heartfelt letter telling them how much you love them (or do via email or text)
  • Mail multiple Valentine’s cards to open throughout the month
  • Create a “52 Reasons I Love You” deck of cards, with one reason written on each card
  • Write an encouraging note/text for each day of the week
  • Send surprise Venmo money with a sweet emoji caption
  • Send them some homemade coupons they can use this summer for things like “I will do your laundry for a week” or “Get out of taking out the garbage/recycling this week” etc.
  • Send them a framed photo/collage of their beloved family pet(s)

Experience Gifts

  • Buy concert or event tickets they’ve been eyeing
  • Offer to cover a special day trip to something in the area
  • Arrange for a massage or spa day
  • Sponsor a coffee date for them and a friend

Books, Letters & Keepsakes

  • Send a poetry book with a Valentine’s theme
  • Mail a scrapbook of childhood memories
  • Write a story or poem about their achievements
  • Gift a gratitude journal filled with your notes
  • Make a fun, quirky Valentine’s meme just for them

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