Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and while most people associate Valentine’s Day with cupids, romantic relationships, and chocolate, I actually think of a tradition with my mom that started when I was in high school. Every year on Valentine’s Day, my mom packed me a special present with a Valentine’s Day card telling me how much she loves me. I’m not sure what started the tradition – maybe it was because I went to an all girls’ school and I didn’t have a boyfriend until senior year or maybe it was because my mom wanted me to know that I didn’t need a guy to make me feel special on this Hallmark holiday. Whatever the reason, she always took the time to give me a gift and a handwritten card. I remember in high school I loved one of my classmate’s scarves, a beautiful cashmere checkered scarf from Bloomingdales. I guess I raved about it quite a bit at home too, because come February 14th that year, my mom had bought that same scarf for me in a different shade! Even when I moved to New York for a year in medical school, my mom still mailed me a care package on Valentine’s Day with a stuffed animal, a framed picture of my parents, my brother, and me, and some glitter art and candy for me and roommates.
I also started getting my mom small presents and tokens of my appreciation on Valentine’s Day, especially because my dad forgets a lot of the time. My dad can be a hopeless romantic sometimes, but when it comes to things like flowers on Valentine’s Day or birthdays, it’s a little too much to remember. My mom on the other hand loves holidays; when she was young, she would celebrate her birthdays for a whole month! Nowadays, I try to give her flowers, a shawl, a purse, or a cute tea set or whatever I find that will strike her fancy (never chocolate though…”You want to make me fat?!” Nope, not going there again). Over the years it has become kind of a special tradition for us, something I really cherish especially since I’m so far away from home for residency.
I’ve compiled a few items that I think would be a great gift for yourself or a girlfriend this coming Valentine’s Day, including a few outfit ideas if you’re going out to dinner with that special someone.
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2016
No matter where you are or who you’re celebrating with, I hope that you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day <3
Sarah @ Savoring Spoon says
This is such a cute Valentine’s tradition you and your mom share! For sure something I would want to start in the future if I ever have kids. My dad is pretty hopeless on Valentine’s day too … speaking of which I should probably call him to remind him tonight.
Joyce says
Thanks Sarah! I think I want to carry this on with my daughter in the future too Moms are the best!
Jean says
What a great idea to show your love to your mom on Valentine’s Day. My dad is very traditional Chinese so my mom does not get to celebrate Valentine’s Day. By the way, your mom looks so young!
Joyce says
Thanks Jean! I just ordered flowers for my mom today through the Bouqs and they had a special that was 3 bouquets (Mother’s day plus one extra surprise one) which was really nice. I agree — my mom looks super young! Hope I age like her