Warm smells of chocolates and roses, walls lined with pink and red hearts, and tables full of gifts welcome visitors to UF Health Shands during Valentine’s Day.

From Feb. 13 at 6 a.m. to Feb. 14 at 11:59 p.m., the UF Health Shands Atrium is transformed into a festive Valentine’s shopping display hosted by the hospital’s gift store, The Gift Stop.

Tables full of gifts line the atrium and welcome shoppers to explore the sale. Many classic Valentine’s Day gifts are offered, including roses, chocolates, fragrances and jewelry. In addition to those options, new and trending products will be introduced and available for a limited time during this special event.

“It’s a great place to buy quality gifts at a good price,” said Joanne Licht, president of The Gift Stop board of directors.

During The Gift Stop’s special events, many items are marked down for sale and offered at a lower price than in other locations. In addition to the markdowns, all customers have the chance to receive a mystery coupon. These coupons can range from 10-25% off one full-priced item.

“You’re also buying for a good cause,” Licht added.

All year, proceeds from The Gift Stop sales go directly back to the UF Health Shands Hospital and the UF Health Science Center UF Health and its community programs. The proceeds support endowments, scholarships, research, special projects and grants. Over the last 40 years, The Gift Stop has raised $3.8 million for UF Health. $1 million of that amount was distributed in the past five years.

Joanne advises shoppers to get to the sale early.

“For our holiday sale [this past December], we had one person in line at 5 a.m. before we even opened!” she exclaimed. She said many of the most popular items of the season sell out, which is why many shoppers get there early to ensure the products they want will still be there.

Sending Gifts of Love

During a holiday focused on love, sending gifts to loved ones who may be spending time in the hospital is a perfect way to honor Valentine’s Day. Just call The Gift Stop and volunteers will process the gift orders, package them and deliver the gifts either directly to patients’ rooms or the nursing station on the appropriate unit.

Joanne praises the work of the volunteers who help all year round.

“For the Valentine’s Day sale, volunteers will be working to help prepare for the event by arranging flowers, ticketing and stocking merchandise, assembling gift baskets, blowing up balloons and delivering gifts to patients’ rooms,” she said.

No matter the season, the three Gift Stop locations are stocked with all of your gifting needs. They carry many products all year round such as flowers, candies, clothing, accessories and more. If you can’t make it to the holiday sale, The Gift Stop locations will have Valentine’s Day displays and will offer Valentine’s gifts for an extended period.

All are welcome to shop at the sale and UF Health faculty and staff are eligible for a payroll deduction split across four paychecks for all purchases made at The Gift Stop during the Valentine’s Day event.