Vals & Pals: A Valentine’s Note for Your Support Crew
Valentine’s season isn’t just for couples. It’s for the friends who show up, the neighbors who check in, and the people who make your life better. Friendship is magic — and this is your nudge to take a moment and tell your friends you love them.
What we mean by “Vals & Pals”
“Vals & Pals” is our way of widening the love net in February.
It’s easy for Valentine’s Day to turn into a narrow holiday — reserved for romantic partners, fancy reservations, and the pressure to do something “big.” I’ve worked at enough restaurants to know that dinner out is CROWDED, and NOT the best idea. Most of us are held up by a whole constellation of people: the friend who texts back, the coworker who makes the day easier, the neighbor who notices when you’re sick, the training buddy who keeps you consistent, the family friend who always checks in, the person who brings soup, the person who tells you the truth.
Those relationships deserve a moment too.
Small gestures count (and they’re usually the ones people remember)
This isn’t a post about buying more stuff. It’s about noticing people — and letting them know they matter.
A few simple “Vals & Pals” ideas:
Send a text that’s not a meme (a real one): “Hey, I’m grateful for you.”
Drop a card in the mail (it hits differently)
Leave a note on someone’s desk
Invite a friend on a walk or for coffee
Offer help with something specific (“Want me to pick up groceries?”)
Say the thing out loud: “I love you. I’m glad you’re in my life.”
If you’re the kind of person who “means to” do this and then life gets busy — consider this your gentle nudge.
If you want a practical gift, choose something that gets used
When you do want to give something tangible, the best gifts are the ones that actually make someone’s day-to-day better.
That’s why we love gift cards as a February option: they’re simple, practical, and they get used (especially by the people who give the most to everyone else).
Keep it local, too
If you’re looking for Kansas City gift ideas that are useful, unique, and not clutter-y, we made a local guide of favorites — including places for kitchen essentials, tools, boots/shoes, chocolates, flowers, and even a few “repair is a gift” ideas.
👉 Last-Minute Kansas City Valentine’s Gift Ideas (Local KC Guide)
Bonus: for first-timers (or nervous giftees)
If you’re gifting massage to someone new to it, these two posts help remove the uncertainty that stops people from using their gift:
A good gift isn’t just the thing — it’s the confidence to actually use it.
A February reminder from us
This month, cast a wider net. Celebrate your people. Friendship, community, and connection are real wellness.
Send the text. Write the card. Make the plan. Tell somebody you love them.
Happy Vals & Pals 💛
— Solaris Massage