3 Gifts Your Catholic Valentine Would Prefer More Than Roses

I’ll admit that I’m not a huge fan of what “Valentine’s Day” has become in recent years. Those of us blessed to be in marriages would probably agree that the need to make a big deal out of the love we should be expressing every day feels forced and challenging.

But a good thing about this time of year is that it reminds us to perhaps take a few extra moments and some added care to remind our loved ones how special they are to us.

But despite what all the television commercials would have us believe, doing so with expensive flowers or an extravagant piece of jewelry is NOT necessary.

With the big day less than 48 hours away, let me propose a few very thoughtful gifts that will be true winners in the heart of your Catholic Valentine:

A Date Night to “Old Fashioned”

Having had a sneak peek at this heart-melting romance, I can guarantee that taking your sweetheart out for a night at the movies will be something you both love. When I blurbed this romcom, I shared:

“OLD FASHIONED rings with the kind of ‘true love’ we all desire for our lives. Love is not easy, without failures, or simple. The characters in this film show us that even in the midst of brokenness, we can commit ourselves to a path of mutual dignity, respect and true cherishing in our relationships that can draw us ever closer to one another, and ultimately to God. An amazing film for anyone who is looking to truly love in a way that never goes out of style!”

Here’s the trailer:

Grab the tickets, book a babysitter, and take your Valentine out for a movie that celebrates true love.

“Set Me As A Seal” Serenade

Remember that classic scene in “Say Anything” with John Cusack and the boombox?

When I considered replaying that scene with a Catholic song, I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful love song than “Set Me As A Seal”, the duet from Matt Maher and Jenny Pixler based upon scriptures Song of Songs. Heart meltingly beautiful, this song is the one I wish had been played at my wedding.

Forget the boombox. Put this one on your iPhone, ask her to dance, and sing along gently in her ear. Cost .99 on iTunes. Results: #priceless.

The Gift of Hope That Keeps Giving All Year

Want to celebrate Valentine’s Day all year long with a gift that keeps on giving? Make a donation to Catholic Relief Services (or your favorite non-profit organization) in the amount of $52 (less than what you’d spend on a dozen roses delivered) in her name. Pen a love letter to her on the back of a printout of that page to thank her for the hope she’s given you. Let her know that you recognize the little ways in which she serves. Share with her that her love has helped you to become a more giving person. Deliver the letter with a kiss, knowing that you’ve helped countless other families with your generosity.

These are just a few of the many potential presents that definitely beat chocolate or flowers. I’d love to hear about your favorite ways to spread a little love on February 14th.