With Valentine’s Day approaching, many people are thinking about how to show appreciation for the people they care about. While gift preferences may vary from person to person, some gifts consistently rank higher than others when it comes to making the day feel special. If you’re still searching for the perfect last minute gift, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a few ideas that make sure the day is memorable.

Chocolates & Candy: 5/10

This is a Valentine’s Day gift that shows up year to year. As a person who doesn’t like candy, this isn’t my favorite gift. The chocolate in the boxes is gross, the candy hearts are chalky and it all just gets left untouched. However, for people who love candy, this is an excellent option. It’s a simple yet classic way to show your affection for someone. For many people, receiving chocolate or candy is exciting because it feels festive. There is a large variety which allows people to pick out the perfect sweet for the person they’re giving the gift to. While candy may not be everyone’s favorite, it remains popular because it’s affordable and recognized as a Valentine’s Day tradition.

Jewelry: 6/10

Just like the written cards, this gift can be very personal. It can be a wearable reminder of a specific memory or person. Unlike other Valentine’s Day gifts, it doesn’t fade. I wear the same pieces of jewelry every day. Once it’s gifted to me by someone special, I don’t take it off. The problem with jewelry is that people have very different tastes in style, and jewelry can be very expensive. You don’t want to get an expensive gift you don’t like any more than you want to spend money on a gift someone won’t enjoy. Even so, when chosen thoughtfully, jewelry can be a timeless and sentimental Valentine’s Day gift.

Written Card: 8/10

This gift feels very personal and sentimental. Unlike candy or flowers that might fade or get eaten, cards can be kept for years and reread whenever you want, which makes them special and sentimental. I enjoy receiving cards because it’s nice to see what people write about you, the words often matter more than the gift itself. Some people might not like receiving cards because they can feel awkward or unnecessary, especially if the message is short or generic. Others may prefer gifts they can use or experiences they can share rather than something that just sits in a drawer. Even so, cards are very heartfelt and often mean more than anything money can buy. Overall, cards are a classic Valentine’s Day tradition that adds a personal touch to the holiday.

Flowers: 9/10

Flowers are a good Valentine’s Day gift because they fit the holiday perfectly and represent love, romance and appreciation. Valentine’s Day is all about showing someone you care, and giving flowers is a simple yet meaningful way to do so without causing a big scene. Personally, I don’t like big gifts, but I still enjoy small, cute ones. Some people may not like receiving flowers on Valentine’s Day because they don’t last long and die if not taken care of correctly. People also view flowers as a reliability and don’t want the responsibility of changing out the water and trying to keep them alive. Even though some people prefer bigger and more expensive gifts, flowers feel more genuine, they show thoughtfulness without being over the top. Overall, I enjoy the beauty of flowers on Valentine’s Day.

An evening out: 9.5/10

An evening out is a great way to spend Valentine’s Day because it creates memories and gives couples or friends a chance to spend quality time together. Going out to dinner, seeing a movie or doing a fun activity can make the day feel more special than usual and allows people to have one on one time. People may not like a night out, especially on a holiday because it is known to be busier than usual. There are crowded venues, long waits and busy staff. People might also not like a night out because of the price. There is pressure to go to a high end restaurant, which costs more money. Even with the expense and crowded places, an evening out still creates memories which last forever. In the end, for many people, an evening out is a meaningful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and make the occasion feel memorable.

All of these gifts are great last minute options that still feel thoughtful and meaningful. No matter which one you choose, they’re all sure to make someone feel special and appreciated. I definitely recommend considering these ideas if you’re short on time, they’re the perfect way to save Valentine’s Day without feeling rushed.