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PHOTO BY KATE HEADLEY
Valentine’s Day might be all about flaunting your love, but that isn’t the only holiday for showcasing fond feelings. Sweetest Day, which falls on Saturday, October 17 this year, is a more inclusive celebration for all of the loved ones in our life.
What Is Sweetest Day?
Sweetest Day is a holiday that shines a light on appreciation and platonic love. The holiday typically falls before Halloween on the third Saturday of October.
Dating back to 1922, this sweet holiday was created by a Cleveland candy maker. According to News 5 Cleveland, Sweetest Day first got its start when candy employee Herbert Birch Kingston wanted to do something for those who tend to be forgotten or overlooked. He would often bring small treats to orphanages and elderly homes and the inclusive gesture took off from there.
Over the years, this has evolved into a yearly holiday expanding outside of the midwest as people take the opportunity to shower family and friends with love. Although Sweetest Day hasn’t quite taken off with a Hallmark bang, it’s an unexpected opportunity to show someone how much they mean to you. Whether it’s your lifelong BBF or a sibling-like cousin, Sweetest Day is the chance to honor these important friendships and the kind souls that make your year a bit sweeter.
Here are 20 Sweetest Day ideas to shower your loved ones.
Say It With a Custom Card
Whether you go with a card inspired by their favorite quarantine binges or current celebrity obsessions, there are countless greetings on Etsy. When this thoughtful gesture arrives at their doorstep, it'll let them know you’re thinking about them and instantly brighten their day.
Give a Self-Care Package
If there’s one thing we could all use some extra of this year it’s self-care. Remind those who are always doing for others that they deserve to put themselves first too by putting together a personalized self-care package filled with anything from bath bombs and lotion to a soothing face mask.
Have S’mores Time Together
One of the sweetest fall activities out there is making s’mores and not just because of the indulgent ingredients. But it’s also because of the time spent together around a fire pit or grill that allows loved ones to catch up and escape the reality of life before it gets too cold out.
Surprise Them With a Cameo
Be his or her hero by having their favorite celeb give them a personalized shoutout. From sports icons to reality show stars, Cameo has extensive options for a video from one of their idols that they won’t soon forget.