Valentine’s Day can be so much more than a commercial celebration of love and romance. Valentine’s Day is a mid-winter milestone that offers the opportunity to lift someone’s spirits, acknowledge the significant role they play in our lives or the special place they hold in our hearts. Valentine’s Day is for sharing a sweet sentiment of gratitude, warm memories, or anticipated adventure.

Whether giving a valentine to a trusted neighbor, a dear friend you speak to every day or one you see only a few times a year, extended family, a teacher, colleague, coach, or mentor —reminding people that they are important to you is a timeless gesture of kindness.

Here are my top three modern gal tips for sending valentines:

#1 Curate a Beautiful Selection 

This year, I curated my selection of exquisite cards, notes, and vintage valentines from four main sources: Minted, Etsy, Paper Source, and Rifle Paper. I chose a mix of sentimental, feminine, fun, playful, traditional, and modern cards with a few vintage valentines thrown in for that extra special touch. When curating your selection think about your recipients — are they younger, older, male, female, a close friend or a more casual acquaintance, usually reserved or always effusive in their emotion? Handpick each card with a specific recipient in mind and grab a few more generic cards as backup to ensure the right mix.

#2 Craft a Personal Note 

A Valentine’s Day card is different from all other cards for two reasons. First, because it is more intimate. Holiday cards are where you share a life update or a special photo from the year but don’t often include a more thought-out handwritten message. Birthday cards are fun but are usually more jovial in tone. Second, a Valentine’s Day card is different from other cards because it is unexpected. Nearly everyone acknowledges Thanksgiving, Christmas, Passover, Easter and Birthdays, but it is rare to receive a valentine. Receiving a valentine is such a sweet surprise that it is sure to make someone’s day and may even spark inspiration or deeper connection.

Take the time to gather your thoughts about the recipient and craft a more personal note. Share a meaningful and heartfelt sentiment that will make their heart smile.

#3 Create a Cherished Treasure

A handwritten note is a powerful totem. Receiving a handwritten note in the mail is even more extraordinary in today’s digital world. When someone receives a card or note addressed to them they feel cared for, thought of, remembered, appreciated, and loved. That element alone will be a true delight to the recipient. Create a cherished treasure by addressing the cards yourself, instead of using printed labels, or have them done by a calligrapher.  Choose cards that have envelopes in pink, red or gold hues instead of white. Use Forever Love or vintage stamps in shades of rose and ruby.