Creative Gift Ideas for Your Special Valentine

#TipTuesday

Creative Gift Ideas for Your Special Valentine

So here’s the deal: I am not the proudest supporter of Valentines Day.  For lots of reasons.  But, on the other hand, I love any reason to celebrate.  So it’s truly a love / hate relationship for me and Valentines Day.  For those who get major-bummed on this Hallmark holiday, have no fear.  Celebrate “Gal”entines Day and take all your best gals for a fun night out.

For those who will be participating in the standard festivities in a few days I encourage you to be original.  Feel free to share this post with your guy…they actually love suggestions – it makes their job a lot easier ; )  Steer clear from roses and chocolates and let’s do something fun this year!  Ladies especially love creative gifts because it shows extra thought and effort.

7 Creative Gift Ideas:

(1) Scrapbook – this takes some effort but does not have to be elaborate.  Gather some photos and create a handmade gift for your loved one.  You could even simply put photos into a photo album, that would be equally thoughtful.  Tip: Hobby Lobby has a fantastic scrapbook collection with all the necessities for building your masterpiece.  They run sales on their scrapbooking supplies constantly and if you stop in when those supplies are not included in the sale, they have a weekly 40% off one item coupon on their website.  As a matter of fact, this week: February 8-13, 2016, Hobby Lobby is offering 50% off all of their papercrafting supplies!!  SCORE!

(2) Cooking Class – if you have never attended a cooking class, do yourself a favor and check one out.  You can find these available at culinary schools (if you have any in your area) and often several local hotels will provide these as well.  If you are not the next Rachael Ray or Emeril, no worries.  Most of these classes are designed for beginners.  The true enjoyment of the class comes from the silliness that you create between you and your partner throughout the class.  Bon Appetit!

(3) Day / Weekend Trip – rather than a dinner date or movie night, consider spoiling your special someone at a bed and breakfast for the night.  You could also do something as simple as a day at the zoo, botanical gardens, or a local park.  Reserve the entire day / weekend to spend with your loved one and plan several special events during that time.  Time is actually a love language.  This particular gift is excellent for those of us who give and receive love through time spent together.

(4) Invest in a “together” gift – put your minds together and come up with a gift that both of you have wanted for a while.  Things like a camera, a coffee maker, a new tv, etc.  Rather than each of you purchasing separate gifts, you can pool your money and pick out an item that you can both enjoy together.

(5) A Date Commitment Calendar – this is a truly unique option.  The idea is that the two of you sit down and set dates for the coming months.  Plan fun activities like concerts, art shows, picnics in the park, marathon movie weekends, etc.  These do not need to be extravagant or expensive dates.  The whole purpose is just to be intentional about spending time together throughout the year.  Literally pull out your calendars, select activities and make reservations.  Dating is absolutely key for a healthy relationship.  When you lose the mystery and exploration in a relationship you lose the magic.  Not only will this be a fun activity to do together but it is the gift that keeps on giving as you enjoy each of the dates throughout the year.  It makes it even more special that the two of you planned them together.

(6) Couples Massage – for romantics, this is the option for you.  The relaxing aspect is just as important as the romantic aspect.  For those of us who need to wind down and check out for a bit, you can’t go wrong with a massage.  If you have some extra time and a larger budget, tack on a mani / pedi session.  If you are an over-achiever, book a hotel room and treat yourselves to strawberries and champagne afterwards…

*(7) 365 Day Love Journal – I have saved the best, most creative, romantic, amazing idea for last.  However, you will have to wait until next year to surprise your darlin’ with this one.  To create this gift: purchase a nice journal.  Begin on February 14th of this year and commit to take a moment each day of this year to write down something you love about your partner, a happy thought or a story about your love.  You could even write them a love letter each day.  Then, next Valentines’ Day you will have the most incredible gift of love to offer.  My hubby and I have decided to do this for each other and exchange next year at a dinner date.

Hope each of you have a very special day and find creative ways to celebrate!  Share in the comments below how you plan to spend the day…