Valentine's Day: 8 Ways To Show Your College Student They Are Loved

When our kids were young, it was easy to show our love by asking to hold hands when we crossed a street, hugging them before they left for school or kissing them before they went to bed. As our kids grew older, we continued to show our affection, but perhaps in a different way...a shoulder hug, high-five, or an air kiss. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's important to let all our kids know (no matter what their age) how much they are loved, but how do you do it when your teenager is working and going to school full-time or your young adult is living 100 miles away at college?

This year, take that extra step and make your teenagers and young adults feel like they are the most important people in your life. Whether they still live at home or far away, here are 8 ways to show your love.

 1). Text them a photo when they were young celebrating Valentine's Day

Photographs can connect our teenagers and young adults to their past reminding them of pleasant feelings, favorite people, and important places in their life. They help our kids know who they are. It may take a little bit of time to locate that special photo, but it will be worth it. 

2). Plan a FaceTime Activity

Gather the family; aunts and uncles; friends and neighbors; and provide each member at the Valentine event an opportunity to speak to your teenager or young adult who lives far away. The phone is passed from person to person with each member sharing something they admire or like about your son or daughter. They could also just offer them encouragement or positive feedback for a job well done at school. 

3). Write them a letter

We don't write letters anymore. According to the United States Postal Service, we’re sending 4.3 billion fewer letters and cards than we did in 2001 (a 61% drop). However, a Gallup poll indicates that 94% of Americans love getting a letter or card in the mail. The positive response to receiving letters and cards is consistent by age. The survey further indicates that "Ninety-five percent of 18- to 29-year-olds say they feel positively about receiving a personal letter, including 30% who feel very positively, higher than any other age group." It's a great opportunity to tell them all the things you love and admire about them.

4). Purchase a digital movie gift card and send it to them via email

You can buy a digital gift card on Fandango.com and choose to have it delivered by email instantly, or schedule it to be delivered on a specific date like Valentine's Day. Here's a list of movies coming out February 14th, 2020. A movie gets your son or daughter off campus for a short while allowing him to escape the pressures of school. Besides, who doesn't like a good movie!

 5). Send them a care package

Want to get your college student a Valentine's Day gift you know they will love, but short on time? Don't worry, hugabox has done the work for you! Each thoughtfully curated care package was designed with items most-requested by parents and college students. Presented in a fun way, it's sure to be a hit. As an added bonus, when you purchase a hugabox college care package, you will be helping with their mission to help fund childhood cancer research - a very underfunded section of cancer research - with 90% of all proceeds going to these organizations. 

6). Arrange to Have Them and a Friend Eat Off Campus for Valentine's Day

Do some research and check to see if their favorite spot is having any Valentine specials. If you go to the OpenTable App, you can search your city and see how restaurants where your college student lives are celebrating Valentine's Day. For instance, The Hard Rock Cafe in Seattle, (from February 10th - February 17th),  will be featuring special items like Lobster Cobb Salad, Surf & Turf, Raspberry Martini, and Chocolate Cake. Something festive is always good.

7). Find Out What's Going On Around Campus and Surprise Them

Chances are, there's some great city events going on. Events can range from dances to Valentine’s themed crafts or cooking demonstrations. Go to Eventbrite.com and see what's happening in your community or your college student's community. For instance, in Santa Clara, California, the Jiaren Cafe is hosting a Latte Art Class for beginners. The class starts at $30. Add to the fun by signing your card, "I love you a Latte".

 8). If they already have plans for Valentine's Day, send them brightly colored Valentine decorations to spice up their dorm room or apartment. The decorations will remind them of your love and enhance the day by putting everyone in a lively mood ready for some fun and excitement. They will appreciate your time and effort in making their Valentine's Day fun and, in turn, making them feel like a million bucks!

Valentine's Day is a great reminder to reach out to those we love, in particular our teenagers and young adults, what we admire and love about them. They will remember these moments and treasure them forever. Wishing everyone a happy and safe Valentine's Day ❤