Show Your Professors Some Love This Valentine’s Day with These 3 Non-Cheesy Ideas

By Amelia Woolard

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and you know what that means: there is plenty of love in the air, dozens of Netflix rom-coms ripe for the streaming, and ample opportunity to host your very own Valentine’s Day celebration. Oh, and who could forget what comes after the holiday on February 15th? Yep, we’re talking about those massive chocolate sales!

Valentine’s Day may be synonymous with flowers, candy, and all things romantic, but in reality, the holiday can be celebrated with anyone – whether it’s your friends, your family, or even your college professors. Wait…what? No, you didn’t read that incorrectly. In fact, we’d venture to say that an increasing number of people use February 14th to show their appreciation to those who have no romantic connection to them whatsoever.

While your college professors may not be your partner or your BFF, you might be surprised at how few students take the opportunity to thank their professors for the time and energy they devote to giving you the best education possible. When you think about it, your professors are often the people who most influence your development from a high-schooler to a full-fledged young adult – and, that’s something worth celebrating, no?

So, this Valentine’s Day, share the love with your professors with these sweet – yet totally non-cheesy – ideas, brought to you by your friends here at uCribs.

Bring them a cup of their favorite hot beverage.

Apples may be the gift of choice for elementary school teachers, but you’re in college now, which means that it’s time to give your professor what they really want for Valentine’s Day: a steaming cup of their favorite caffeinated beverage. Let’s face it – those group projects don’t grade themselves, and for those professors teaching huge, introductory-level classes, evaluating coursework can easily take hours, even with a TA’s help. This means that your professor is likely relying upon huge amounts of caffeine to get the job done.

So, this Valentine’s Day, why not speak directly to your professors’ innermost desires by bringing them their go-to coffee or tea order? Even if you’re not sure what their favorite drink is, you can bet that they’ll appreciate a simple cup of joe with cream and sugar on the side (just in case!), or a hot cup of tea on a cold, wintry day. Seriously, this is one of those simple gestures that will really go a long way in showing just how much you appreciate the work your professors “pour” into helping you achieve your ultimate goal of a college education – see what we did there?

Pick up a gift card that you’d be excited to receive, too.

It’s a universally understood concept: gift cards make perfect presents. Though some may call them impersonal, you have to admit that gift cards always come in handy when you aren’t quite sure what to get for that certain person on your list. Not to mention, gift cards are ideal for college students, who don’t typically have the financial means to purchase impressive gifts but can easily fork over the cash for a modest – yet very useful – gift card to the recipient’s favorite restaurant, coffee shop, or retailer. Besides, who doesn’t like to receive free money, which is essentially what a gift card provides?

If you’re searching for a fitting gift for your professor, gift cards are where it’s at. Whether you choose a pre-paid Visa perfect for spending anywhere, a certificate to a shopping center with several retail options, or a gift card to a local hotspot, there’s no wrong way to show your professor you care with a gift card. Our only word of advice? Skip gift cards to office supply stores. The last thing you want to do is pressure your professor into buying classroom materials with their gift – plus, it’s far more fun to receive a gift card that is strictly intended for pleasure.

Drop off a short, handwritten note.

When’s the last time you sat down to write someone a letter? No, we’re not talking about a nicely-worded email or text message…an actual letter. These days, the art of handwritten communication seems to be lost, thanks to 21^st-century technology that makes connecting with others – even those living across the world – instantaneous. But, the folks here at uCribs think that there’s something to be said for the personal touch of a handwritten note. And, who better to appreciate the old-school charm of a pen-to-paper thank you note than your college professor?

You don’t have to make a big emotional display out of your handwritten Valentine. Rather, take this opportunity to mention your favorite things about your professor’s course and how much you appreciate their help as you navigate the sometimes-tricky terrain of college life. You can even recall a fond memory from one of your classes, or if applicable, talk about how their dedication in the classroom has helped inspire your future career path. Above all, keep it positive and personal, and we guarantee that your note will earn a permanent spot in your professor’s heart – and, maybe even become a permanent fixture on their desk, if you’re lucky!

Think Valentine’s Day is only for couples? Think again! You don’t have to be in a relationship to celebrate this holiday, and you certainly don’t have to adhere to any outdated ideas about only showering your significant other with love on February 14th. This year, take your traditional celebrations a tad further by showing appreciation to the professors who work so hard to help you obtain your college education. By doing so, you’re sure to make a long-lasting impression on your professor – one that could easily translate into a bond that continues well after graduation.

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