More Than Flowers: The Secret to A Special Valentine’s Day

Senior Gracie Lesesne poses with her date, fellow senior Crue Stoddard, on October 10, 2025, before attending Watauga’s annual Homecoming dance. “It’s really enjoyable going with someone you appreciate and is fun to be around,” said Lesesne. Photo Credits: Gracie Lesesne

Lauren Peviani, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn

Valentine's Day, celebrated every year on February 14, is a national holiday in the United States dedicated to meaningful relationships. While gift-giving often makes up the majority of the celebration, students agree the holiday isn’t about the price tag— it’s about feeling known and understood. 

The “right gift” doesn’t always have to be expensive. Most people simply want to feel seen and appreciated by someone who has become an important part of their life. Gracie Lesesne, a senior at WHS, believes the best Valentine gifts can be simple when they are genuine.

“The most meaningful thing a person could ever give me would be a handwritten note. In my opinion, words mean so much when they come straight from the heart,” said Lesesne.

Other students have echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of personal touches and suggesting that gifts paired with care leave the biggest impression. Small additions go a long way to show thoughtfulness and effort, which many believe outweighs thoughtless purchases.

“Valentine’s Day is a day where you get to appreciate and show how you care for someone who has changed your life in amazing ways,” said Lesesne. 

Taking the time to notice what matters to them is essential. Rather than scrambling to do things last minute and scrolling through TikTok searching for inspiration, reflect on what they might have casually mentioned weeks earlier or suggested before. Sophomore Ella Canter agrees that the most genuine gifts are the product of attention to detail.

“I definitely think the effort is most important. In the long run, it's not about how much the gift is, it's about the thought and care put into it,” said Canter.

Valentine’s Day is also not limited to romantic relationships. Many students also celebrate Galentine’s, a version of the holiday focused on female friendships that is just as memorable. Sophomore Bailey Myers appreciates the tradition for creating lighthearted moments and fun memories.

“I really love Galentine’s and getting together with my friends. Whether we are baking cookies, writing cards, or going out for lunch, it feels good to be acknowledged and have friends that care,” said Myers.

It goes without saying, however, that traditional gifts still hold their charm. They’re classics for a reason. Canter is celebrating Valentine’s Day this year and agrees that love can absolutely come in the form of a box of chocolates.

“I'm a sucker for any type of sweet treat. I also love a good bouquet of flowers or even a handwritten note. Anything that shows that you care,” said Canter.

Whether you’re carefully folding a handwritten note into your pocket or hauling a huge bouquet of flowers across campus, on Valentine’s Day, the goal isn’t to impress someone. It’s about showing that they matter.

“It’s not about the gift or the price of the gift, it's about the thought behind it and the purpose of the gift. They are an amazing way to show your loved one that you love them when words just can’t say enough,” said Lesesne.