Changing the Game on Valentine’s Day

Millennials are known as the game-changing generation. We tend to take old traditions and put a new spin on them. When it comes to holidays, our generation enjoys having new and interesting ways to celebrate, and Valentine’s Day is becoming the most unconventional of all.

For millennials, Valentine’s Day is not only a romantic occasion but also a time to celebrate our love for all the people in our lives. This is partly due to the fact that many millennials are choosing to have more unconventional romantic relationships. We value being connected and therefore view Valentine’s Day more socially than romantically.

According to a survey done by Y Pulse, 58 percent of millennials think Valentine’s Day is overrated. However, 56 percent plan some form of celebration.

Furthermore, one in two millennials plan on giving a gift, but not just to a significant other. Twenty-seven percent plan to give a gift to a family member, and 20 percent plan to give to a friend or coworker.

Because millennials no longer view Valentine’s Day as strictly romantic, we’re looking for alternative ways to celebrate. Younger millennials, like me, prefer to do something fun and inexpensive with a group or with our significant other rather than go out on a fancy date. And we prefer simple or handmade gifts rather than anything lavish or expensive.

Millennials look for opportunities to be creative and give back to the ones they care about. We place a high value on authenticity, and therefore want our Valentine’s Day celebrations to be meaningful. When we give of our time or money, we want it to be from the heart, making our loved ones, friends or coworkers feel great.

A poll of the 100 student Team members at The Agency identified a Top Ten list of ways millennials plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day:

1. Tacos & Tequila. Don’t bother buying candy this year – instead opt for limes. Since Valentine’s Day falls on Taco Tuesday this year, what better way to celebrate than with Mexican food and drinks?

2. Volunteer at the Humane Society. Puppies and kittens make everyones’ hearts feel good, so why not share the love with some furry friends this Valentine’s?

3. Baking with friends. Baking is one of those things that brings everyone together. Grab some friends and make some yummy sweet treats to share!

4. Order a personal pizza and watch Netflix. Sometimes you just want to celebrate with yourself, and there’s nothing wrong with that!

5. Bring a treat for your coworkers. Make this Tuesday a little different than the rest by bringing in some candy or baked goods to the office. This will show your appreciation for the people you work with every day!

6. Pay it forward. Share some love with a stranger by buying a meal for the person behind you in line at the grocery store or in the drive-through.

7. Connect with family. Nothing is more important on Valentine’s Day than spending time with loved ones. Go out of your way to do something special for a family member.

8. Book yourself a massage. Take the time to take care of yourself. Studies show that getting a massage reduces stress and boosts the “happy” hormones serotonin and dopamine.

9. Send yourself flowers. There’s nothing like getting a beautiful bouquet to brighten your day!

10. Write someone you care about a note. This just might be the most thoughtful thing you can do for someone. Go out of your way to let a special person know how much they mean to you.