Flowers, chocolate and a handmade card. The day of love is right around the corner, and time is dwindling to find the perfect gift for a significant other. With so many options available, choosing the right gift can feel overwhelming. The best way to find what a partner wants this year to listen, observe and appreciate the love already present in the relationship.

A survey of students at Quincy University found a common theme: people were unsure on what would make the perfect gift to show their love and appreciation for their partner. Some students said they rely on traditional gifts, while others prefer more personal or experience-based ideas to make the holiday feel special.

Through a poll taken on Instagram, 154 people voted on what they were getting their partner for Valentine’s Day. Of those who voted, 35% said they planned to make a handmade card, 20% voted flowers, 15% said chocolate and 30% of people selected other. The “other” category included gifts such as clothes, jewelry, gift cards and shared experiences.

Courtney Belger, Quincy University’s women’s basketball coach, gave insight to how Valentine’s Day works for him after being married for nine years. Belger said communication plays an important role in choosing a meaningful gift.

“I normally send flowers to the house or to her job, and then I get her something I know she will like. I just listen to see what she might like and get it for her so that she has something to open on Valentine’s Day,” Belger said.

Valentine’s Day is not always easy, especially for couples who are in long-distance relationships. Being apart on a holiday centered around togetherness can make the day more challenging for those involved.

Hampton Williams, senior at QU, knows what it takes to experience holidays apart from her Valentine.

“With long distance, holidays like Valentine’s Day are definitely a little hard. Since we can’t physically be together, we plan a time to FaceTime and every year my boyfriend Venmo’s me to get coffee in the AM and then some sort of dinner. We FaceTime and have a “dinner date.” It’s different but it’s fun because we get to spend some time together,” Williams said.

After spending a few Valentine’s Days together, it can be easy to run out of ideas on what to get a significant other, especially for a holiday that comes every year. Many couples find that establishing a routine or focusing on small traditions helps reduce pressure.

Blair Eftink, knows exactly what she is getting her boyfriend and how they plan to celebrate.

“Normally we both get little baskets for each other of our favorite candies and drinks, and we exchange that. Then we always go to dinner at Tiramisu and eat there together,” Eftink said.

This Valentine’s Day, whether couples are branching out and trying something new or sticking with a gift they know their partner will love, the most important things to remember are time, effort and love.