Valentine’s Day opinions tend to be split between couples and sad singles, but it doesn’t have to be. Love isn’t reserved for romantic relationships, it is spread throughout friendships of all kinds. So instead of moping about not having a Valentine brighten your friends day with a small gift to show your appreciation. Even if you have a Valentine, it’s good to let your friends know you don’t take them for granted. Romanticize your life, because no one is going to do it for you.

Valentine’s day can make more than single people feel alone. Asexual and Aromantic people feel especially alienated at this time of year. In fact, all members of the LGBTQ+ community can feel unwelcome because of who and how they love. So we should make February 14th a day to celebrate all the relationships you have no matter their definition. To quote Alice Oseman’s book “Loveless,” “Like the way friendship can be just as intense, beautiful, and endless as romance. Like the way there’s love everywhere around me – there’s love for my friends, there’s love in my paintings, there’s love for myself.”

So, what are some things you can do for your friends for Valentine’s day (or just randomly to remind them you love them)?

Make them a playlist:

It could be songs you think they would like, songs that remind you of them, songs you both love, songs you discovered together, or anything that is special to your relationship. Put a cute picture of you together and an inside joke in the description and you’re done. Remember to take your friends personality and likes into account.

Paper flowers:

While they do grow for free most of the year, they’re not fans of the colder months. So good old construction paper comes to the rescue. There are plenty of tutorials online so you can make your besties favorite flowers. Remember even if they don’t turn out the best, its the thought that counts.

Polymer clay conversation hearts:

Obviously not as good as the real ones because clay is sadly inedible, but with these you can personalize the message. The best gifts are the ones that show you know who they are.

Cool rocks, leaves, shells, etc.:

Obviously it depends on if your friend is into that kind of stuff, but just a little something to let them know you’re thinking of them is greatly appreciated.

Their favorite snacks/drinks:

Nothing is better than a snack to cheer them up on a bad day, and if they’re anything like me they’ll love that you remember those little things about them.

Platonic love note:

Who doesn’t want a cute love note? It can be as simple as writing on a normal piece of paper, but you can go all out with fancy stamps, cursive, and whatever little cute things you have lying around from past crafting projects.

Finally, always remember you’re the best gift, and your friends should treat you like it!