Valentine’s Day is known as one of the most romantic holidays of the year. Of course, not everyone is a fan. So, the question is, does the new Gen Z Valentine’s have something for everyone? Let’s take a look at the latest holiday trends started by Gen Z to determine whether they carry universal appeal!
How much has Gen Z changed this romantic holiday? It’s important to note that while the Gen Z version may be more modern, certain elements of traditional Valentine’s Day may still be present. To be honest, “changed” isn’t the right word. In fact, I believe the right word is “elevated.”
Between Galentines, more intimate gifts, and cozy moments captured on social media platforms, Gen Z has taken Valentine’s Day to a whole new level. They have also added a new level of flair to the gifts that they give their significant others. What does this mean going forward? As Gen Z grows up, will they continue to use these new traditions
Valentine’s Day, but for the girls!
My personal favorite of the new Valentine’s Day phenomena has to be Galentines Day. Whether you are in a relationship or not, Galentines is a great way to hang out with your besties and have a fun, carefree day. So, how did this delightful new tradition start, and is it going to last?
The interesting thing about Galentine’s Day is that it actually came from a TV show. In season 2 of Parks and Recreation, Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) invented the idea of “ladies celebrating ladies” on the 13th of February. So you get to hang out with your besties before spending time with your significant other. Seems like a win-win situation!
It’s fascinating how a TV show created a whole new holiday. After the episode aired, Galentine’s Day slowly made its way to the real world. People have even had themed Galentine’s Days to switch it up! So, if you’re in the mood for a girls’ night out (or in) before Valentine’s Day, try having a Galentine’s Day party!
Additionally, if you want to have a more gender-neutral party, you could host a Valen-friends Day party, or a Galentine’s and Valentine’s for you and all of your friends! It’s almost like Valentine’s Day has been reinvented to include different types of love. I think it’s safe to say that this tradition has a very good chance of sticking around for years to come.
Is it going to last?
I know I alluded to this subject in the last section, but let’s dive a little deeper. The question I’m looking to answer is whether or not Galentine’s Day is going to stick around. Obviously, it’s been a trend for some time, but sometimes things die out even if they’ve been going strong for a few years.
In this case, I can definitely see Galentine’s lasting. I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend time with their girlfriends before their partners? And if you’re single, it’s an easy way to connect with your friends or meet new people. What’s not to love?
Now, why is this a trend? Not only is it a way to celebrate our favorite ladies, but it’s also a chance for the single pringles to partake in a group activity instead of being lonely on Valentine’s Day. The trend is uplifting and inclusive, uniting Gen Z when they feel alone. I know from experience that being single around this holiday can suck, but with this new trend, Gen Z is bringing people together for a fun-filled party with their closest friends! While it may lose its spark, the idea that we should include everyone needs to expand beyond a mere trend.
How does it compare?
How does Galentine’s (or Valen-friends) compare to traditional Valentine’s Day? For starters, these trends usually involve more than just you and your date. While you can go to Valentine’s parties together, the night is mainly centered around the two of you. Or, if you’re single, it’s a night spent crying over cute couples in romcoms, wondering when it’s your turn.
Galentine’s, on the other hand, is a night focused on you and your friends. No partners, and no crying over romcoms. It’s a night spent celebrating a different form of love: the love you share with your friends. Love comes in so many flavors, and this trend speaks to that.
Additionally, for the singles out there, it’s a night to feel loved and appreciated. Being surrounded by happy couples can leave a person feeling alone. However, when you’re surrounded by a group of your closest friends, that loneliness fades. Or perhaps you don’t want a relationship but still want to celebrate love. Whatever it may be, the result is a fun night with the people that matter the most. So, while these two days may differ, the meaning remains the same: celebrating the love you have for a person(s).
Valentine’s gifts have changed, too.
When most people get their partners gifts, they usually involve chocolates or flowers. Others opt for fancy gifts like jewelry or a watch, which tend to be more expensive. But in Gen Z’s revamped Valentine’s, the gifts have greater range, and they are highly budget-friendly!
If you’re on TikTok around this time of year, you may have seen Valentine’s hauls, or what I bought for my bf/gf videos. These hauls consist of gifts that you would normally see around birthdays or Christmas. Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that; who doesn’t love nice gifts? Now, compare that to a video with a handmade gift. The supplies are cheap, but the gifts carry a meaningful message. It just shows that gift-giving has evolved.
So, what kinds of gifts are Gen Z couples searching for? It seems that they’re gravitating toward more personal gifts, or gifts that come from the heart rather than a box to check. Additionally, some of the gifts are handmade, which makes them even more personal.
A whole new meaning
One example is the viral kiss hoodie. If you don’t know what that is, it’s a simple hoodie with a bunch of lipstick kisses on it. These examples show that a simple handmade gift can have a lot of meaning.
Not to mention, they’re perfect if you’re looking for a budget-friendly gift. All you need is an idea, a Dollar Tree or Michaels, and a bit of time. And if you’re craving inspiration, Pinterest has your back. If you’re into crochet or similar crafts, try an animal or something important to your relationship.
Now, if you aren’t a crafty person, there is something else you can do. A handwritten note is a sweet gesture that doesn’t cost too much and also carries a lot of meaning. Alternatively, you can make them a burr basket with their favorite goodies and include your note for an extra special gift!
A change I’d like to see last!
When it comes to the new tradition of handmade, personal gifts, I definitely want it to stick around. This trend allows your creative juices to start flowing, and you will create a gift that lasts. One example is creating a shadow box of memories. It can include tickets to a fair, notes you’ve written to each other, or photos from your first date. It’s more thoughtful than the typical flowers (again, absolutely nothing wrong with that!). Finding the right gift is difficult, but with inspiration around every corner, you’re sure to find something.
As for handwritten notes, they never go out of style. Obviously, the contents have changed slightly, but the message remains the same: a meaningful, budget-friendly gift for your partner.
What’s particularly unique about this new trend is how it blends traditional Valentine’s gifts with newer ones. One example is flowers. Instead of just buying a bouquet that can die, people are making ribbon flowers, pipe cleaner flowers, and Lego flowers. Such gifts represent reinvention while still keeping in touch with traditional Valentine’s Day roots. Personally, I think this trendis going to stick around; however, it will likely change over the years.
Are these new gifts better than the old ones?
Now, let me clarify something. I am not trying to diss the classic gifts of flowers, chocolates, and jewelry. I happen to enjoy receiving them, as do many other people. What I am trying to do is compare the stereotypical (or perhaps more last-minute gifts) to the intimacy of a handcrafted gift.
Obviously, as I mentioned earlier, the type of gift you get largely depends on your partner. Some people love a simple bouquet or a nice bracelet; however, you can still give them a personal note or handmade card to go with the traditional gift.
Personally, I feel like when it comes to gifts, you can’t really compare the two. Honestly, a mashup may be the perfect solution. You could pair a beautiful bouquet with a handmade card and a shadow box of memories. Meaningful gifts are important, but you can honor tradition as well.
Valentine’s Day just got a lot more intimate.
So, what actually happens on Valentine’s Day? What kind of dates are people going on? Or are they even going out? One thing about Gen Z is that they have also been rewriting the script when it comes to Valentine’s Day activities. And personally, I like the new version a whole lot more.
When you think of Valentine’s Day date night activities, you typically think of going out to dinner or catching a movie. But with Gen Z, the vibes have completely switched. Staying at home seems to trump going out!
Movie marathons, crafts, and homecooked meals are the norms for a Gen Z Valentine’s Day. These moments are more casual, fostering a different kind of closeness with your partner.
But what will I wear!
One part that most people (especially girls) love about Valentine’s Day is finding the perfect outfit. Gotta look good for date night, am I right? But if you’re not going out, do you still need an outfit? Personally, I vote yes, but how fancy should you get?
If you’re staying at home, you shouldn’t have to worry about buying a totally new Valentine’s dress. But what if you’re having a romantic dinner with your partner? Your outfit will depend on the situation and whether or not you and your partner both want to get dressed up.
One thing about Gen Z is that they have an outfit for every occasion. There are countless new fashion trends that have emerged thanks to Gen Z, so no matter what you do for Valentine’s Day, you’ll be looking good.
Staying in or going out?
Why do Gen Zers like staying in? It could be because, as I mentioned earlier, they’re single. It could also be the rise of the male loneliness epidemic; men are becoming more socially isolated and are going on fewer dates. Meanwhile, women are embracing the mentality that they don’t need a man (in this generation, I don’t blame them)! Both of these factors have turned Gen Z into homebodies, culminating in the latest trend of staying inside for Valentine’s Day.
Honestly, personality is a huge factor in deciding what you want to do for the holiday. If you’re more extroverted, you’ll likely prefer going out for drinks or a nice dinner. You want to be out and about, living it up with your friends or your partner.
But if you’re more introverted, you’ll probably want to follow the latest trend and stay at home. You’ll opt for a more relaxed evening, perhaps a couples’ movie night with a home-cooked meal or some takeout. It’s all about the type of person you are.
Which is better, traditional Valentine’s Day or Gen Z’s version?
After covering the changes Gen Z has made to traditional Valentine’s Day, which version is better? Traditional or Gen Z? As a huge fan of lists, I wanted to make separate pros and cons lists for the two options. But I won’t bore you with my mundane lists. Instead, I’ll just review each aspect that I covered and provide my unsolicited thoughts.
Right off the bat, the vibe difference is stark. One is fancier and more outgoing; the other is cozier and more relaxed. It’s almost like Gen Z is trying to live out their best Pinterest moments. And I’m here for it! Who doesn’t love a cute candid moment with their partners?
Vibe differences aside, I think I have determined which Valentine’s Day rendition is superior. The answer? Both. Let me explain. When it comes to celebrating any holiday, the most important thing is doing it your way. Do whatever makes you happy!
What fits your vibe? Cozy or outgoing?
Everyone has their own ideas of how this romantic holiday should be spent. It also depends on what your partner wants to do. This holiday is for the two of you to spend quality time together, doing what you both love. Of course, it may take a few tries to decide. However, at the end of the day, spending time with your person is all that matters.
Now, if you’re a homebody like me, then the Gen Z rendition might be more appealing to you. Perhaps you’d enjoy a quiet dinner out at your favorite restaurant. After that, you could head back home and have a relaxing evening in with a silly romcom or sappy movie. Or if you don’t want to go out, you could cook your own meal, make a charcuterie board, or order takeout. The options are endless! As for gifts, maybe you are craftier and like handmade gifts.
On the flip side, maybe you’re more outgoing. You like trying fancier restaurants and going dancing afterward. You crave flowers and chocolates, and you want to buy a chic Valentine’s dress. In this case, you could go to your friends’ Valentine’s parties (if those are even a thing), or you could spend a night in the city with your partner. As for gifts, you could buy them their favorite shoes or cologne, or you could stick with the classic Valentine’s gifts like a watch.
Gen Z is making waves when it comes to reimagining traditions. The revamped Valentine’s Day encompasses more than just you and your partner. It can be about you and your friends as you celebrate Galentine’s Day. Your gifts may be more intimate and meaningful for you and your partner. And lastly, your dates will be geared toward your vibes, whether you’re extroverted or introverted. Regardless, your Valentine’s Day is about to get ten times more romantic. So go out there and create new memories that will last you a lifetime!
