Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and it appears that not even COVID-19 can cancel this special day of hearts, which is good. Happy occasions such as this present a good opportunity for folks to lighten up and relax. After all, the pandemic has caused us unprecedented challenges, we all need a break—whether or not we’re in a relationship.

Of course, there’s a catch. This year’s Valentine’s Day celebration may be a lot different from past celebrations, what with all the protocols that need to be followed, the limitations imposed on movement, and the closure of many businesses that used to cater to occasions such as this.

So how can you show your love for your partner (and/or yourself) this Valentine’s Day in the time of a pandemic?

Say it with something you made yourself. The pandemic has forced many people to stay and work at home. During this period, many people have pursued new hobbies and learned new crafts. If you’re among those who have gone this route, go ahead and surprise you loved one with something especially made by you. It could be an artwork, a live plant (no more cut flowers, please), a digital presentation, a sumptuous meal, or some craft. Self-made gifts are extra special—your loved one will be so ecstatic receiving something you made yourself. If they’re plastic-free, you’ll even receive extra points from Mother Nature.

Have it delivered to your special someone’s doorstep—the sustainable way. So not everybody may have found extra time during the pandemic, since some of us still need to report for work. And admittedly, some of us just don’t have the skills or the talent.

We’re guessing you’re considering a delivery option. After all, the pandemic has given rise to numerous online businesses. But before clicking the check-out button, please consider making your order less wasteful. Request the online seller to use less (or no) packaging as much as possible. Ask them to not use bubble wraps or anything plastic, and instead use old boxes or paper or leaf fillers to secure the item. Even better, choose stuff that is not easy to break or scratch. Please make sure to explain the reason for the request, as sellers tend to think they are giving you favor by wrapping up your item. Tell them it’s for the environment and that you don’t want those extra layers of packaging.

As a buyer, you can do something to make deliveries earth-friendly. Some reports say that sellers tend to unnecessarily over package their products because some buyers judge them by ‘how well’ the item is packed—and often that means “the product is bubble wrapped.”

Show your love via service. For couples living together, cooking your partner’s favorite food, or doing some errands for them can show how much you love them much better than a bouquet of flowers ever could. You can also give each other a massage. Showing you care can be as simple as choosing to spend time with each other, doing whatever you both like doing together. Sometimes, the most special gift we can give our partner is our time, so for Valentine’s Day, why not hit the pause button at work and simply laze around with your special someone?

Make that change. How about finally working hard to stop that thing about you that your partner has been asking (or nagging) you to change? If you smoke, or drink hard, or gamble, or do any other thing that is not good for the relationship and for your personal wellbeing, why not use the occasion to finally commit to stopping it? Quitting bad habits is not just a gift you give your partner, but more importantly, to yourself.


So there you go, our four tips for a healthier, simpler, eco-friendlier—and even more meaningful—Valentine’s Day celebration.

Got tips? Do hit the comment section and share them away! We’ll be happy to hear your thoughts!