The Sexiest Valentine’s Gift Isn’t A Thing—It’s Getting Stuff Done (Win!)

This Valentine’s Day, Canadians are trading predictable chocolates and last-minute roses for something far more meaningful: time, relief, and real-life help. As acts-of-service gifting continues to rise, platforms like Taskrabbit are turning everyday to-dos into love languages. We sat down with Pashv Shah, General Manager of Taskrabbit Canada, to talk about why outsourcing the chores you never get to might just be the most romantic gesture of all. —Noa Nichol

We’re seeing a shift away from traditional Valentine’s gifts toward experiences and “acts of service.” What’s driving this change among Canadians? 

Experiences or “acts of service” are becoming increasingly popular gifts among Canadians, reflecting a shift towards prioritizing time over physical products. Instead of another simple box of chocolates, when you gift a task from Taskrabbit, you are offering someone a way to make something in their life easier and ultimately more enjoyable. 

What kinds of tasks are people most commonly gifting through Taskrabbit around Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day—and why do these resonate emotionally? 

In February 2025, minor home repairs climbed 48% and organization tasks weren’t far behind, growing 46% year over year. These are the kinds of projects that so many of us want to get to, but rarely have the time or skills to actually tackle. Recognizing when a loved one needs help getting something off their chore list can turn a simple gift into a meaningful way to show how much you care. 

There’s something romantic about giving time back to someone. How does Taskrabbit fit into the idea that time, not things, is becoming the most valuable gift? 

There is simply nothing more valuable than time. And now, more than ever, we know that Canadians are feeling like they’re constantly racing against the clock to get everything done. 

By gifting a task to your loved one, you’re giving them extra hours in their day and granting them a little bit of peace of mind that one more thing is getting crossed off their to-do list. What could be more romantic than that? 

Have you noticed differences in how couples, friends, or families use Taskrabbit as a gift? Any standout or unexpected examples? 

We know that Canadians are prioritizing tasks that improve their shared spaces, such as fixing that leaky faucet that’s been dripping for far too long, building furniture that’s sat in a box for many months, or finally hanging those new family pictures. 

However, a more unexpected and growing category for Taskrabbit in Canada is booking Taskers to help with errands. On one occasion, a groom booked a Tasker to help deliver his bride’s favourite cake from a boutique bakery to their wedding reception. The possibilities are 

really endless. From picking up groceries or dry cleaning to delivering a cake to your special someone, you can book a Tasker to conquer your to-do list. 

For someone considering gifting a Tasker for the first time, how would you recommend making it feel thoughtful and personal rather than purely practical? 

The key is tying the task to something that truly matters to the person you’re doing it for. Think about the things they’ve been putting off because they’re short on time or energy, or a project you’ve talked about tackling together but never quite get to. We’d recommend coupling that with a note about how you plan to spend that freed-up time, whether it’s a cozy night in, a shared hobby, or a relaxed weekend – this makes Taskrabbit a thoughtful and personalized gesture. 

Looking ahead, do you see “acts of service” becoming a bigger part of how Canadians celebrate milestones and holidays beyond Valentine’s Day? 

Absolutely! We’ve seen acts of service become a bigger part of how Canadians approach gifting because they help tackle what truly keeps so many of us up at night – our busy schedules. These types of gifts not only help lighten the day-to-day load but can also feel way more personal. 

Win! 1 of 5 $150 Taskrabbit Redemption Codes!

Five lucky Canadian winners will each receive a $150 CAD redemption code to be used on booking made through the Taskrabbit app! To enter, follow @taskrabbit and @vitadailymedia on Instagram and follow the entry rules on our corresponding post. Contest opens February 9, 2026 and closes February 16, 2026. Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding. Full contest rules/regulations here.