This Valentine’s Day, you can buy a meaningful gift to show your appreciation for the people in your life. This gift guide can be for friends who are nurses, friends who aren’t nurses, your significant other, or a family member. Everyone loves to feel noticed and special. And the fact that Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year is even more exciting! You may want to give your loved one an out of the box gift, although these tried and true favorites are sure to put a smile of their face. 

These are my top recommendations for gifts:

1. Flowers/Roses

The hallmark of Valentine’s Day is receiving flowers. It may be cliche but I absolutely love it. And even chocolates if you want. You can personally pick up the flowers, which is probably easier, or you can have them sent to your significant other’s place of work. I would rather receive the flowers in person, but everyone spends the holiday differently. Buying flowers or a rose for your single friend would be a thoughtful way to make them feel special. 

2. Nails/Massage Certificate

Many women and even men love the idea of pampering themselves. Especially since it’s something many working professionals rarely have time to do. Yes, you can quickly run to a nail appointment, but to have the full experience with the neck massage and a facial is true relaxation. When you feel rundown, taking care of yourself in that way genuinely revitalizes you. 

3. New Shoes

A nurse is always on their feet and goes through shoes quicker than anyone. With a profession like nursing, you need to have shoes that support your foot and ankle and will prevent you from slipping. Standing all day can leave many people with aching and sore feet if they aren’t wearing shoes with proper support. So, even though a new pair of running/nursing shoes isn’t glamorous, it shows you care about the other person’s health and wellness. 

4. Warm Jacket

When working odd hour shifts, you are either leaving early in the morning or in the middle of the night. This means you are probably cold when driving to and from work. And scrubs do not keep you very warm on their own. Hospitals are known for being a bit chilly as well. So, having a warm jacket will make you feel cozier when leaving the house to work and leaving work to go home. Even if you are in a warmer climate, your varied schedule makes it a necessity to have a cozy jacket. 

5. Buy A Streaming Service

Leaving your house to go to the movies is not nearly as comfortable in the winter as sitting on your couch with blankets. With so many streaming services like Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc., this is the perfect gift for someone in your life who loves movies and TV shows. Also, you can watch shows on the go with streaming apps. So, you can be watching The Office while getting your nails done!

6. Surprise Your Loved One With A Dinner Reservation

If you and your friend are both single, go out to dinner together to avoid feeling lonely from the romance focused holiday. Have a Galentine’s’ day! If you do have a significant other, then going out to dinner is a very romantic date for Valentine’s Day. Some restaurants even give you a free rose with dinner for going there that night. I definitely suggest having a reservation that night. 

7. Surprise Your Loved One With A Homemade Dinner

Many people enjoy staying in on Valentine’s Day and having an at-home date night. Dealing with the busy crowds of the restaurant is not for everyone. Also, if you are on a budget, you can make a lovely meal at home for probably half the cost. You can still make it romantic with candles and other decorations. Maybe even watch a romantic movie with your partner.