4 people to think about on Valentine’s Day

It seems like the holidays were just here, but yes, it’s already time to start thinking about Valentine’s Day. This holiday is often associated with romantic relationships, but the truth is, this day is centered on love in general. Your other half shouldn’t be the only one being recognized on Valentine’s Day. Here are a few people to get in touch with on Feb. 14 (besides your spouse or significant other) and a few gift ideas for each person:

Your kids
My parents would always leave a special treat like a chocolate heart or a necklace on the kitchen counter for me whenever I came downstairs on Valentine’s Day. It was a tradition I grew to look forward to throughout my childhood. I want to continue that tradition with my own kids on this holiday. Here are a few gift ideas for your own kids:

Make their favorite breakfast: A Valentine’s Day gift doesn’t have to come in a fancy box. Instead, start their day off on the right note by whipping up their favorite breakfast. If mornings are a little busy, make them lunch or dinner instead.

Bake cookies: Take the time to bake some sweet treats with your kids. Get out the heart-shaped cookie cutters, pink icing and red sprinkles, and get to work. Your kids will love the end results.

Your parents
The relationship with your mom and dad was the first one you formed in life, and that’s a very special bond. Your parents deserve some love on Cupid’s holiday, so be sure to pick up some Valentine’s Day cards and a gift:

Photo: This gift is always a good one, and it’s simple yet meaningful. Find a picture of you and your parents that you like and frame it. Attach a greeting card or Valentine’s Day card reminding your parents how much they mean to you and how much you love them. They probably already know this, but hey, a reminder should put a big smile on their faces.

A video slideshow: Technology makes it so easy to make slideshows and movies these days. Gather pictures from your childhood all the way up to present day and scan all of the photos into your computer. Use a program like iMovie to put all of the pictures into a slideshow, and set it to music. Burn the movie to a DVD and gift it to your parents for Valentine’s Day. This present is sure to cause a few happy tears to be shed. I love this idea because your parents can look back on this movie whenever they’re missing you.

Your siblings
Sibling love is a whole different type of affection than romantic love, but it should be celebrated nonetheless. Show your brothers or sisters how much you care for them with any of these ideas:

Thank you cards: Yes, this gift is simple, but if the message inside is meaningful, it can be more special than any store-bought present. Tell your sibling how much you care for him or her, and maybe get a little nostalgic and look back on some of your favorite memories together. Thank him or her for all of the great moments throughout the years.

Food: You can never go wrong with giving food as a gift. Fill a jar with the ingredients for your sibling’s favorite cookie recipe, or pick up a few gift cards from his or her favorite restaurant. There’s no better way to say “I love you” than with a free meal.

Your friends
Don’t forget about your best friends this holiday.

Chocolate-covered treats: Save the chocolate-covered strawberries for your spouse or significant other, and give your friends other sweet treats, like chocolate-covered jalapenos, marshmallows, raisins, etc. Anything covered in chocolate will do, really.

Nail polish: You may not want to give this to your male friends, but any of your girlfriends will appreciate a few bottles of polish to spruce up their nails.