February is here and the pressure is on to once again find the perfect gift for that special someone. Pinterest searches for “the best Valentine’s Day gift in 2022” are certainly up, but that doesn’t mean stress levels have to be as well. The holiday has become increasingly commercialized and expensive over the years, with Americans spending over $27 billion (yes, that’s a “b”) last year alone for the day. With numbers like that, it’s no surprise that many people have turned toward searching for alternatives to the traditional gifts to make their holiday a bit more personal.

Last year alone, 43 million Americans received an unwanted gift for Valentine’s Day. One of the ways that many Americans are choosing to combat the increasingly impersonal nature of the holiday is by swapping the traditional boxed chocolates for a more loving experience. Up to 41% of Americans plan to opt for a special dinner or celebration at home. A great hands-on activity that falls into this category would be making a wide range of foods, from spaghetti to personal pan pizzas, to create lasting memories and, obviously, some delicious cuisines. Taking it up a notch by also preparing a fun dessert would be the icing on the cake, also offering an alternative to expensive store-bought confections.

Juniors Liz Ross, Elaina Carney and Sierra Craig are planning on celebrating “Galentine’s Day” this year.

“I’m really excited to stay at home and just spend time with my friends. I don’t know exactly what we’ll do, but I’m just happy to have such great friends to spend it with,” says Ross.

Not everyone celebrating Valentine’s Day prefers their romantic experiences to be at home, with up to 83% of Americans claiming that they will take their loved ones to a special event in public. With so many interesting spots in the Pittsburgh area, it’s simple for a couple to combine their interests and have a night on the town. With Penguin’s games for the sports fan, numerous museums for the history and science buffs and countless book stores and animal shelters for those looking for a relaxing day, the possibilities are endless for memorable adventures to impress a significant other.

Even with plenty of options, sometimes finding that perfect place to eat out can be difficult. Locally owned businesses are all the rage and the Washington area is no exception. Dessert places such as Sarris and 5 Kidz Kandy are great to visit for a sweet treat. Another adorable idea is a Valentine’s Day breakfast or coffee. Spring House (buffet style breakfast on Saturday mornings), Crazy Horse Coffee, Chicco Baccello and The Table have an assortment of coffees and pastries. Local lunch and dinner options such as Shorty’s and Southern Yanks Smokehouse have great options for that special someone who enjoys grilled, barbecue food. Kiln to Table in Waynesburg has locally made crafts along with soups, sandwiches and yummy cut-out sugar cookies. 

Sophomore Ben Papson and Freshman Abby Bodart plan to take advantage of some of the simple places in the area this Valentine’s Day.

“My ideal Valentine’s Day would be going to 5 Guys for dinner and watching James Bond with Abby,” says Papson.

Junior Ashleigh Tuite and her boyfriend, Senior Preston Burgard, made the trip to Pittsburgh for Valentine’s Day last year. One of the unique things that they did was purchase a lock to write their initials on and clip to the Clemente Bridge. They then threw the key in the river, a symbol of their love and appreciation for each other. They then wrapped up the day watching movies together at home.

When asked about whether she would prefer a material gift or an experience to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Tuite’s answer was very clear.

“Experiences mean more because money can’t buy happiness. Quality time spent with someone is more valuable than any gift,” she said. “Chocolate and flowers will only last a week but memories last a lifetime.”

While the area offers many unique excursions, sometimes a simple gift can be the most meaningful of all. People tend to underestimate the power of a love note. Fifty-four percent of people said that writing a love letter shows that a person has taken the time to think about a loved one. For the more modern relationship, many are opting for creating a playlist with songs that describe a significant other on free platforms such as Spotify. Flowers are one of the most common gifts, with 224 million roses purchased every year. Stargazing has long been one of the most popular dates, but by visiting the link https://starregister.org/, people can buy a loved one their very own star!

With Americans spending an average of $142 each on a Valentine’s Day gift, it is no wonder that the holiday has become a stressful venture for many to impress the people they love. Opting for gifts more personal to individual relationships is a foolproof way to ensure that the time and effort that goes into finding the perfect present will be appreciated and enjoyed.