As Valentine’s Day approaches, the single frantically scramble to make plans, while those with a mate attempt to find a gift that will accurately communicate his or her feelings of love. In a holiday that has many stigmas attached to it, we propose a few refreshing ideas that will renew your love for Valentine’s Day by giving back.

Valentine’s Day was created out of love and compassion, so why not embody the spirit of the holiday by harboring love and compassion, not only for your lovers, friends, and family members, but for your fellow human being as well. You can use this day to be a holiday hero and help save a life, save a heart, and make someone less fortunate than you smile.

Everyone deserves to feel loved and appreciated, so go ahead and play a philanthropic Cupid and spread the love!

1. Donate Blood

Do you consider yourself a bleeding heart? If so, you should be a hero and donate your blood to the American Red Cross. Every second of every day someone needs blood. Did you know that each time you donate blood you save 3 lives? Take some time out of your schedule this Valentine’s Day for you and your sweetie to give up some blood to save 6 others. Check out Red Cross Blood to find a blood donation center close to you.

2. Give the Gift of Choice

Give a loved one a charity choice gift certificate. Charity Choice Donation allows recipients to choose a charity to which they would like their funds to go. The site hosts over 150 different charities, listed by category so benefactors can choose a cause that is important to them. Check it out at

3. Send Chocolates for a Cause

What would Valentine’s Day be without the exchange of chocolate? Show your friend, lover, and/or family member you love them by sending them a box of Full Circle Exchange Coffee and Chocolate and they will match Dollar 4 Dollar up to 1million to CARE. Through the “Name Your  Love, Share Your Love“ Valentine’s Day promotion, customers can create a  custom label for their box of chocolates and add a personalized note to those  they love. Each gift box will include a beautiful card highlighting CARE’s work  to empower girls and women all over the world to lift themselves and their  communities out of poverty.

4. This One Goes Out to the One I Love…Donate a Gift

Instead of giving gifts to the object of your affection, make each other heartfelt cards and donate a gift in their honor at Causecast, a website that allows you to put your money towards a project of your choosing. For $20 your Valentine can choose from different causes such as giving clean water to a person in a developing nation for 20 years, give 90-day support for a child with autism, 0r for $32 he or she can provide meal plans to 145 Cambodian children.

5. Host a Valentine’s Day Bake (for Ourselves) Sale

Remember in high school when you sold cupcakes and cookies to raise money for the Prom, well, this Valentine’s Day Gift is a gift in that spirit. Invite your girlfriends over for a baking party. Charge a small entrance fee and send the proceeds to your favorite charity and help bring an end to women suffering around the globe. The bonus with this idea is you will have plenty of yummy treats for you and your pals to indulge in.