Valentine’s Day is celebrated by with lovers and couples exchanging flowers, gifts, and cards and spending quality time together. While the day is often associated with romantic gestures, it can also be celebrated in different ways, including through acts of appreciation among friends and family.

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For those planning to mark the occasion on Saturday, here are some gift ideas to consider.

Flowers

Giving flowers is a classic way to show love and affection, especially for those who appreciate them. To make the gift more meaningful, you can pair the roses with a handwritten note, a small box of chocolates, or sweets. This works best for women. Roses, especially red for love and romance, but also pink for admiration and white for respect and purity.

Apart from roses, there are other flowers you can consider. Lilies, which symbolise devotion and sincerity, are perfect for partners or spouses. Carnations are a more affordable option and represent affection and gratitude. If you want something colorful and fresh, mixed bouquets are a good choice, when specific flowers aren’t available.

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Handwritten letter or card

It may seem like the days of writing letters are gone as people communicate more through text today, but letter writing is still a lovely gesture, a way a person might express love, gratitude, or appreciation to a dear one.

It is so thoughtful, and since it is penned in someone’s handwriting, that makes it special. Every time one looks at it, they remember the person who sent it.

A shared meal

Sharing a meal with the people you love is magical, with stories flowing and creating moments together. Whether at home and enjoyed over a movie and conversation, or out for dinner or lunch, having meals together as couples or as a family means a lot. You can check out restaurants and hotels that have a Valentine’s package.

Books or inspirational material

For people who love reading, a book can be what would excite them as a gift. It can be a novel, Bible, self-help book, or a journal. This is suitable for couples who value learning, personal development and reflection.

For a romantic taste, here are a few suggestions you could get your partner: "The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman, "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” by John Gottman and Nan Silver, "Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love” by Dr. Sue Johnson, "Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment” by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller, "Mars and Venus in the Bedroom” by John Gray.

A spa voucher

Treat your partner to a professional spa experience with a voucher for a massage, facial, manicure, or pedicure. In Kigali, for example, many spas offer body scrubs, wraps, and relaxation lounges with aromatherapy, giving them a chance to unwind, refresh, and enjoy some well-deserved rest on this special day.

A skincare set

A carefully chosen collection of body lotion, scented soap, oils, or other skincare products makes a thoughtful Valentine’s gift. It encourages your partner to take a moment for self-care, nourish their skin, and enjoy a relaxing routine at home. For this to be special, know what products they use, since some people have sensitive skin and can’t apply anything. Be sure to buy what will be useful to them.

Tickets to a local event

This Valentine’s weekend, Kigali is full of options for couples and friends alike. There are live music nights, including concerts and lounge performances, relaxed cultural evenings with local artists, comedy shows, and even a movie night screening a romantic film, all of which offer a chance to enjoy time together.

These experiences can be a memorable way to mark the day, whether it’s a night out at a concert, a casual movie screening with food and drinks, or a simple evening listening to live performances around town.

Matching accessories

Couples can pick small, matching items that are simple but meaningful. Choices include keychains engraved with each other’s initials, leather or bead bracelets in the same style, watches with complementary designs, or matching hats and caps. Even phone cases or bags in pairs can work.

The idea is to find something useful that both of you can carry or wear, creating a small symbol of connection.

A photo frame

Pick a favorite photo of you and your partner and put it in a frame. It could be from a recent outing, a family moment, or just a candid shot. A framed photo is a small, personal keepsake that can sit at home or at work, bringing back a special memory each time they see it.

A weekend away

Surprise your partner with a short getaway for Valentine’s Day. It could be a night at a guesthouse in the provinces, a lakeside retreat, or a stay at a nearby resort. Even a single night away can be a memorable gift, giving you both time to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

A personalised playlist

Make a playlist of songs that mean something to both of you. Pick tracks from shared memories, favorite artists, or songs that tell your story. It’s a simple way to show your partner you have thought about what they like.