It’s a shame that Valentine’s Day, so commonly celebrated with chocolate and candy, falls not long after many of us have finally gotten in the swing of our sugar-free goals or fitness resolutions. 

Or, if we haven’t renewed a gym membership or purchased new yoga pants, we might be feeling the weight (quite literally) of holiday excess and indulgence. Sugar might be the last thing on our minds; however, it is the go-to gift as far as Cupid (and the National Retail Federation) is concerned, with candy listed as the most popular gifting item at 56%. 

Our team decided to put our heads together in order to offer some sweet, but sugar-free ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year. Show your teeth and gums some love by skipping the sugar…

Sweet Nothings 

Whether calorie-cutting or cavity-avoiding purposes, we have some sugar-free suggestions for how you might show some love this Valentine’s Day. Make like Cupid and take aim with our advice: 

1. Emphasize their Interests: However the object of your affection likes to spend their free time — playing or watching sports, traveling, painting, practicing an instrument — tap into that passion and present them with a giftcard in support of those pursuits. 
   1. Sports lovers might like tickets to an upcoming game, 
   2. travel enthusiasts could likely use a new weekender bag or a subscription to a travel magazine, 
   3. art supplies are an ideal way to show some love to the artist in your life
   4. musicians might delight in a paid for private lesson or concert tickets
2. Embrace Your Bookworm: For the literary minded Valentine, why not enroll them in a book subscription service or load up a gift card to their favorite bookstore. Think outside the box on this one. What about a clip-on book light or a tote for their next visit to the library?
3. Shoulder the Load: Whether a spouse, significant other, sibling, or close friend, if the Valentine or Galentine in your life is everyone’s go-to person, why not shoulder some of the load and treat them to some time off? That might mean laundry detail, making a meal, carpooling or pet care. Put yourself in their shoes and imagine what might really make their day that much easier. 
4. Go Postal: Who doesn’t love snail mail? Pen out a heartfelt card, or skip the mushy sentiment and send a card that is sure to leave them laughing. 

Candy-Free Celebrations for Kids

When it comes to celebrating Valentine’s Day with kids, the greeting card route can’t be beat. Find out whether your child’s school is doing anything to mark the day and, if so, make sure you send them to class with enough cards for everyone.

Between writing and decorating their own cards to receiving ones made by their classmates, old-school paper Valentine’s Day cards reign supreme.  

If you succumb to temptation this year, don’t worry. The Crown Dental team is always a phone call away to help you take back control of your oral health. Whether a cavity or routine cleaning, contact us and we’ll make a date!