What are you spending on this Valentine's Day - chocolates or charity?

Photo by C.P.Storm

Yes, it’s that time of year again. That date looming in February that makes you overanalyze your love life and, if you’re in a relationship, stress about what you should be doing on Valentine’s Day. Do you have to buy your significant other a gift? And, if so, do you really want to spend money on flowers, candy or some other last minute gift that's red or pink? This year, given the state of our economy, don’t you want your money to mean more?

Last year, Elaine Gast wrote a great article for us entitled, “14 Charitable Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day.” From volunteering to buying gifts that give back, Elaine offers great suggestions on ways to do good and feel good on Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking for meaning and leaning towards charity instead of chocolates this year, check out Elaine’s suggestions. In addition, keep coming back throughout the week for more ideas from our staff on how to truly spread the love this February 14^th.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to do good and feel good this Valentine's Day. What are yours?

1. Give a gift that gives again. Give your significant other a chance to give to the charity they love by buying them a charity good card. 
2. Brighten up a child’s day – help make sure that every child at Children’s National Medical Center receives a special Valentine’s Day card on February 14^th by donating $10 now.
3. Buy a beautiful basket for your spouse and support Rwandan women earning their own stake in a global economy.
4. Say "I love you" while giving clean water to people in need. 
5. If you’re going to buy flowers or another red or pink gift, try finding something on giftback.com, an online site that gives 10% of your order to a charity of your choice.
6. Surprise your significant other with plans for a vacation - but this time make it a volunteer vacation.

Tags: charity gift cards giving good cards valentine's day