It’s January 2013. That means the holiday series with all the crazy shopping, cooking, card-writing, gift-wrapping, turkey leggings, and eating rum cakes is over. What a relief, some would say! However, before we all get too comfortable going on our New Year’s diets and avoiding the malls, there’s one more holiday to consider: Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is that special time when lovers celebrate their affection for each other and when romantic hopefuls express their eager aspirations. Of course, the holiday morphed into a somewhat commercial explosion of internet baskets of bouquets, gift boxes of assorted chocolates, and little cards from grade school with cartoon characters asking “Guess who loves you so much? “.
But commercialism aside, Valentine’s Day remains the only day of the year set aside for lovers. It’s a time when most people focus a little more on expressing their appreciation for their loved ones (and the people they wish were their loved ones). It is the celebration of love. For those of us who are true romantics, that’s pretty awesome.
So if this is a day dedicated to love, why do so many people stick to the hackneyed and unimaginative formula of “sweets and flowers”? Some people combine them with jewelry, which is often appreciated. Not many people would scoff at receiving gold or diamonds as a gift. There are also rare individuals who plan far in advance and purchase very personal and/or expensive gifts that make their lovers’ hearts flutter with gratitude.
But this holiday presents an opportunity to offer more than just sticky or expensive chips. Valentine’s Day actually offers people the chance to stretch their imaginations and test their commitment to intimacy by giving gifts that show how they truly know and appreciate their lovers. To do this, it is necessary to “think outside the box of chocolates.” In other words, don’t take the easy way out with drugstore candy and flower baskets ordered online. Take an approach that requires a little more time and thought. It is more demanding, but worth it if one is able to produce a very personal, creative and memorable gift.
Just to get you started, here are some suggestions for unique and romantic Valentine’s Day gifts.
1. Recreate a favorite day with your loved one: a first date, a marriage proposal, or some other special occasion that will bring a surge of warmth to a lover’s heart when experienced again. Include that special meal, a trip to the theater, a picnic on the beach, whatever that special day brings. Go the extra mile and make it as authentic as possible. It’s worth the extra effort, because the effort alone is romantic and special.
2. Give a gift that reflects a lover’s personality and interests. For example, if you know someone who loves art, here is a beautiful and colorful book, “My Husband’s Heart”, about an accomplished artist written by his adoring wife that makes a very romantic gift: http://www. amazon.com /My-Husbands-HeART-Lorrie-Tabar/dp/1939486009/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358569403&sr=1-7&keywords=my+husband%27s+heart
If a buddy skates on the weekends, perhaps a new, trendy helmet would be in order, or monogrammed knee and elbow pads. If a bride likes to entertain, consider presenting a collection of amazing crystal wine glasses; or an on-trend artistic vase that will come in handy for holding bouquets that will brighten up any dinner party. In this case, accompanying the vase with a beautiful bouquet of roses would be totally appropriate.
3. If someone likes games, try creating a treasure hunt by writing clues on tokens that correspond to where you have hidden a series of small gifts. Make sure the gifts are things your loved one will really enjoy; and be sure to cheer him on throughout the hunt, make it fun!
4. If your lover is eco-conscious and would treasure an eco-friendly gift, how about gifting them an EchoSphere Pod? Perhaps a terrarium would be appreciated, or a cape made with organic materials that comply with Fair Trade practices.
5. For someone who loves butterflies, search for “Ben the Butterfly Guy” who produces excellent quality framed butterflies. If someone loves baseball, then season tickets will certainly bring a smile to that person’s face. If a lover can’t go a day without music, how about buying that special item he or she wouldn’t buy for themselves: a CD collection, high-quality headphones, or a new iPod?
These ideas are offered to stimulate everyone to think about giving all those worthy lovers something meaningful and memorable this Valentine’s Day. Show those Sweethearts that you know who they are, that you love them for who they are, and that you care enough to choose something they can treasure for years to come. When you give a thoughtful gift, then you give yourself. And that’s really what Valentine’s Day is all about.