Beech Tree News Network

Our church has set February as a time to show love for one another. Each week this month, families who chose to participate act as a “secret pal” for another family. I’ve enjoyed choosing a couple of surprises for my assigned family, but wish I could ask them for better gift ideas. With Valentine’s Day only a week away, I’ve also been thinking of gifts for my children and grandchildren. And choosing gifts can be difficult.

Better Homes & Gardens (February 2017, p. 123) reported that the average amount spent on Valentine’s Day gifts is $147 and suggested that since experiences make people happier than material things, resources might be put toward a fun date. I asked friends and family about their preferences for Valentine’s Day gifts, saying: “If you could choose your own Valentine’s Day gift, what would you choose (within the bounds of your Valentine’s budget)?” Their responses are listed below: 

•I guess some candy since you can’t eat flowers!

•If I had a significant other, all I would want is a card – either made or bought by him with a personal note, and some alone time. Watch a movie, have dinner and conversation. That would be awesome!

•A white teddy bear bigger than me! (My 8-year-old granddaughter)

•A puppy! (My 10-year-old granddaughter)

•A surprise trip to the Smokies!

•A nice steak dinner.

•Ammo!

•Money for clothes or a gift certificate for a massage.

•I would like the new mom Willow Tree figurine.

•I wouldn’t really choose anything.

•Cash!

•I am hoping for a nice dinner out and tickets to the rodeo!

•Paid off credit card.

•A weekend get away with the handsome man of my choice!

•I would love to spend the day with family, kids and their families. Just to sit and visit, maybe play board games.

•A nice dinner and time with the hubby! Or, spending time with a loved one.

•A night in with my wife.

•Something thoughtful (even if it’s just a card) and a night with my husband for dinner I don’t have to cook or clean up.

•A happy day with my favorite Valentine.

•I would like to be treated like it’s Valentine’s Day every day. Just love me. Answer when I call – any time and any place.

•Probably a steak dinner. Cut flowers would be nice. Of course, cards are always special. Sometimes I get my husband an ice-cream cake.

In Acts 20: 35 (NIV), Paul said, “… the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Khalil Gibran explained that “Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need” (https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/giving.html). When a gift meets a need or brings joy to another, it reflects the resourcefulness and generosity of the giver. So, selecting a gift may be a challenge.