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Valentine’s Day Love Box

Valentine's Day Love Box

Valentine’s Day is next week, which means everyone’s on the hunt for the perfect gift that symbolizes their love for the recipient. It can be a bit of a minefield. There is a lot of pressure and expense tied into Valentine’s Day, but it doesn’t need to be that way. I have an easy, heartfelt gift that is worth more than all the gold in Fort Knox, even though it’s very inexpensive.

My husband celebrates his birthday a few days before Valentine’s day. A couple years ago, the girls and I bought a silver-plated box that we engraved with “To Our Daddy Who We Love”. We cut out a bunch of paper hearts in different colors and sizes and began writing. Things like:

row of hearts saying: daddy surfs with me, daddy keeps me safe, we love you, daddy is kind to others, 20 amazing years together

By the time the girls and I were finished, we had several hundred love notes for their father, sharing the things that we love and are most grateful for with him. He was overwhelmed by this outpouring of love, and this simple box has become a treasured gift.

I’ve decided to make this an ongoing tradition for our family every Valentine’s Day. Everyone will have their own box, and throughout the week, we can drop messages of love and gratitude in each other’s box. Notes that we can read over and over when we need a little boost.

This is what Valentine’s Day means to me—a celebration of our love for one another. While I appreciate beautiful flowers, sparkly things and fine wine as much as the next girl, they all pale to heartfelt reminders of the love of my family and my love for them.

You don’t have to spend a small fortune to show your love for someone. Sometimes a cut-out heart expressing your love and gratitude is all you need.

Shannon

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February 8, 2013  •  22 Comments  •  Tips

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  1. Friday, February 8th, 2013
    What an adorable idea to spread messages of love and appreciation within your family. We may have to steal that!
    • Friday, February 8th, 2013
      Thank you, Jefferson! It is such a simple idea but has a huge impact.
  2. Friday, February 8th, 2013
    I love that idea. So cute. And you're right, little heartfelt things mean the most.
    • Friday, February 8th, 2013
      Thanks! Valentine's Day has become so commercial and while I love nice gifts, they don't always last. The sentiment in these little slips of paper do.
  3. Friday, February 8th, 2013
    Awww, what a sweet idea! Maybe when my daughter is older (she's 2), we make use your idea! :)
    • Friday, February 8th, 2013
      Thank you, Mackenzie. It's such an easy idea and fun! I'm sure you'll daughter will love it when she gets older. I started working with my girls when they turned 3, so it starts sooner than you think! :D
  4. Friday, February 8th, 2013
    What a great idea! This could be a great whole family activity too, as long as you can get husbands into it.
    • Friday, February 8th, 2013
      Absolutely! My girls had so much fun doing this. If husbands were given a choice between cutting out hearts and sharing feelings or racing around the Mall - well ... it might be a toss-up, but plenty would enjoy this if they'd give it a shot! HA! :D
    • Monday, February 11th, 2013
      We made these, we're going to send them to our extended family members. They came out awesome too! Thanks again for the great idea, Shannon!
    • Monday, February 11th, 2013
      That's fantastic - thank you for sharing! Your family members are going to be thrilled to receive such heartfelt gifts. Love it!!
  5. Friday, February 8th, 2013
    There is something about love notes from our little girls...I can't explain it...it just does something to our hearts. Thanks for sharing your family tradition.
    • Friday, February 8th, 2013
      I couldn't agree more. The love from our children is so precious and I love that we record those moments with them.
  6. Saturday, February 9th, 2013
    I think that is one of the sweetest ideas I've ever heard of! And what a great way to teach your girls to do that. I bet it will be a tradition that they will carry on one day when they too are married and have children.
    • Monday, February 11th, 2013
      Thank you Sicorra! Tradition and making memories are very important to me. Gifts are great (I love them!) but after awhile we forget about them. Things like this - we don't. I love your Valentine's Gift idea too - chocolate always makes everything better!
  7. Monday, February 11th, 2013
    What a wonderful family tradition to have for Valentine's Day!
    • Monday, February 11th, 2013
      Thank you! Tradition is more important to me than gifts, although I'd never turn down a gift either!:D
  8. Thursday, February 14th, 2013
    Very cute. Since I can't stand Valentine's Day for the most part, this might be a way I could enjoy it more.
    • Thursday, February 14th, 2013
      Absolutely, Kim! This is about honoring the true spirit of Valentine's Day rather than the over-the-top commercial side. :D
  9. Friday, February 15th, 2013
    That's so sweet! it's nice to be able to show your appreciation for your loved once without breaking the bank.
    • Friday, February 15th, 2013
      Thank you Daisy! I appreciate you stopping by and your comment. Everyone enjoys treating loved ones, but the most special gifts do not need to be expensive–just heartfelt.
  10. Friday, February 15th, 2013
    This is so sweet! It's truly can be the thoughts and actions of those that we love that mean the most. Not the dollars they spent.
    • Saturday, February 16th, 2013
      Absolutely! Love isn't expressed by the money spent on a gift but by the thought and intent, which doesn't need to cost much (or anything) to resonate.
Shannon Ryan SHANNON RYAN, CFP®
  • Meet Shannon

    "As a Certified Financial Planner, it is my passion to help individuals and families build a healthy relationship with money. I look forward to helping you raise financially confident kids.” - Shannon Ryan