Valentine’s Day is known as one of the most romantic days of the year, but it actually started as a much simpler tradition centered around expressing affection through simple gestures. The holiday is named after Saint Valentine, who was known for secretly marrying couples and sending handwritten notes. 

Over time, this evolved into the tradition of exchanging Valentine’s cards, flowers, chocolates and love messages. Today, Valentine’s Day isn’t only about couples. It’s about celebrating love in all forms: crushes, relationships, friendships and even self-love.

“I think [Valentine’s day] is about showing that you care for the ones you love,” Rachel Li, senior, said.

Ways to Ask Someone to Be Your Valentine

If you’re planning to ask someone to be your Valentine, the best ideas are thoughtful, simple and personal. 

“I like how I can talk about something random that I like and they remember it and get it for me,” Li said. 

The Candy Gram

Give them their favorite candy or drink with a note that says, “You’re sweeter than this, will you be my Valentine?”

The Photo Collage

Print a few photos or memories, put them on a poster or in a scrapbook and add a handwritten message.

The Teddy Bear Surprise

Add a handwritten card with an inside joke, memory or nickname to make it feel more personal.

The Handwritten Letter

Even a short letter explaining why you like them is one of the most romantic things you can do and it feels way more genuine than a store bought card.

The Coffee Note

Pick up their favorite coffee (iced, hot, maybe even a matcha) from a local cafe or Starbucks and write the question (note) on the cup sleeve.

Valentine’s Day Date Ideas 

Not every date has to be fancy or expensive. Some of the best ones are low-pressure and focused on quality time. 

“I think casual dates, especially at this age, are the best because we are balancing school work, sports and work making it hard to plan for and have enough money to follow through on,” Leah Rymarz, senior, said. 

• Movie night with matching pajamas
• Watching the sunset on the beach
• Lego date
• Coffee and walking around your favorite stores 
• Baking together (cookies, cupcakes)
• Getting ice cream or smoothies and sitting by the water
• Ice skating or bowling
• Late night drive with music blasting and the windows down
• A picnic filled with their favorite snacks (bonus if they are red colored and heart shaped)

Galentine’s Day

Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating friendships and creating memories with those people who are always there for you. 

“I love Galentine’s Day. Men suck and I’d rather spend time with my friends,” Rymarz said. 

Galentine’s Party Ideas

Movie Marathon Night

Rom-coms, blankets and snacks. Perfect movies to pick are “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”, “Clueless”, “10 Things I Hate About You” or “The Notebook”.

Potluck Dinner 

Each friend brings a dish that they enjoy and want to share with others.

“My friend had a dinner party for Christmas and it was really fun with board games and a cute set up. Everyone participates and nobody is left out,” Li said. 

PowerPoint Night

Each friend presents something random:

• Ranking fictional characters
• “Red flags we ignored”

Sunset Picnic

Everyone brings one snack and takes photos while watching the sunset together. 

Mini Gift Exchange

Set a budget that works best with your group and do:

• Self-care baskets (Sunglasses, candles, claw clips, bracelets, mini perfumes)
• Inside-joke gifts
• “Things that remind me of you”