This holiday of heartfelt gifting, chocolate consuming, and romantic celebrations rolls around each year. Take it upon yourself to sweeten it up with small acts of love or festivities. Whether you are a student attending Wheaton Warrenville South, a hard-working parent, or a routine WWS Pride Newspaper reader, one thing is for certain: Valentine’s Day carries a slightly different tone from one person to the next. For many, it is a day of celebration, while others view it as a day of remembrance for loved ones lost. Whatever your perspective, it is certainly a beautiful holiday.
In 2025, consumers spent a record-breaking $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day spending, according to the National Retail Federation — a hearty increase in comparison to $25.8 billion in 2024. The question hangs in the air: Will 2026 reach a record for Valentine’s Day spending? Although many consider gift-giving as their “love language”, Valentine’s Day is truly growing more commercialized each year, centering more around the gifts themselves. This February, consider swapping the exorbitant presents for sentimental ones, such as framed photo collages, handwritten cards, or homemade baked goods.
Amidst all the TikTok trends floating around nowadays, “Galentine’s Day” is a cute trend that many teens partake in. Megan Garber from The Atlantic explains, “the real point of it all is simply to celebrate the platonic love that exists among ladyfriends—should take the form of the thing that has brought women together for decades: a long and boozy brunch”. This adorable spin on the holiday highlights that one does not need a significant other to participate in the holiday. During “Galentine’s Day”, girls get together to recognize their friendships through pink-and-red-themed parties, sleepovers, pajama parties, and brunches. This is your sign to call all your friends and start planning!
If you have not already heard through word-of-mouth or social media, Starbucks just launched its 2026 Valentine’s Day Menu. Limited to just the month of February, Starbucks will be offering two Valentine’s Day beverages: a Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino and White Chocolate Strawberry Cream Cold Brew. To pair with your drink, you can pick from a number of new bakery items: Dubai Chocolate Bites, Berry Blondies, Cookie Croissant Swirl, the Strawberry Matcha Loaf, Yuzu Citrus Blossoms, and the Chocolate Pistachio Loaf. The franchise has clearly stepped up this year, providing an assortment of delicious, special-edition goodies.
Whether it be familial, romantic, or platonic, the “season of love” is all about celebrating those special to you. From the WWS Pride Newspaper to you, Happy Valentine’s Day!
