Frequent any grocery, department or convenience store from the end of December until mid February and the rosey color schemes partnered with the overabundance of boxed chocolate is enough to send anyone into sweet scented, pink-hued insanity. The general population is bombarded by assorted chocolates, mountains of stuffed animals and an avalanche of greeting cards. A common thread between each of these items being one common goal – showing someone you love, just how much you love them, specifically, and my personal favorite, via the size of stuffed animals.

How can you effectively show someone how much they mean to you on this special day? How many roses must you send? What size teddy bear accurately captures your infatuation? Approximately how many pieces of jewelry show that you truly care? Forget about the meaning behind Valentine’s Day, the origins of the holiday are a bit of a mystery. So instead fill that void with an assorted chocolate-covered fruit basket.

Remember this day is the only day of the year you can express your love, so go all out. Lucky modern capitalism and commercialization has paved the way for lovers and friends alike to make sure their messages are heard. Here are some quick tips and ways to make sure your point really gets across, no stone unturned or word unsaid.

1. Flowers are the way to anyone’s heart, but keep in mind that quantity always trumps quality so make sure to jam pack your bouquet with as many flowers as you can get your hands on. If they’re sneezing, you’re doing it right.
2. Chocolates are a great way to tell someone you love them. Obviously everyone loves chocolate, so just grab a box while you do your shopping, don’t pay any mind to the flavors, they’re all the same. It’s the thought that counts.
3. Conversation hearts. They’re a little chalky at first, and taste suspiciously of cherry flavored medicine, but other than that they are great if you really don’t feel like talking. The assorted messages will convey absolutely everything you need to say.
4. Stuffed animals. The bigger the better – make it your goal to get an animal that is bigger than the receiver and will take up as much room as possible. That way they won’t be able to move freely around their house, and every time they trip over it they’ll think of you.
5. General shiney things always seem to do the trick. Watches, jewelry, or even new silverware. As long as it shines, you’ll be covered.
6. Greeting cards are also a good way to go. Try to pinpoint a card that says something relatable, or one that you feel accurately captures your essence. If you are stuck or run into trouble finding the right one, get a card that sings or pops up unexpectedly. The receiver won’t even notice if the card addresses a grandmother instead of a significant other. If you can’t think of anything to write in the card, don’t worry, it’s already done for you, made possible by very willing cardmakers. Just slap your name on it, and bam. You’re finished.

While these tips are crucial to keep in mind while deciding how to make your undying compassion known, the history of Valentine’s Day is also important to pay some mind to on the 14th of February. When you pass along your box of chocolates or bouquet of allergy-inducing flowers you can slip a fun tid bit about the day, such as the fact the St.Valentine is also the patron saint of beekeepers.

The origins of Valentine’s day are indefinite, clouded by false claims and tarnished by word of mouth accompanied by the passing of time. A national holiday stemming from the mysterious actions of a martyred St. Valentine sometime around A.D. 270, the exact derivation of the widely celebrated holiday is an actively debated topic when discussing where current traditions come from. There were approximately 12 different St.Valentine’s as well as a Pope Valentine, and romance and love was not associated with the long list of Saints until 1375, when medieval English poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote a piece that spoke of celebrating courtly love during St.Valentine’s feast day.  

Valentine’s day is a fantastic opportunity to make sure the most sacred people in your life feel your love. It’s a day to say things you wouldn’t normally say, encouraged by the holiday and the exuberance that encompasses those most moved by the cheerfulness that comes up every year mid February. Love is love, it’s a crucial part of the human experience, and it deserves to be basked in and celebrated, even if it is by way of a massive pink teddy bear.