Flowers, candy, jewelry and perfume: traditional gifts purchased and presented in abundance come Valentine's Day. While it's nice to be showered with flowers, candy is dandy, and everyone loves to smell good, these timeworn gifts can get a little stale. Relieve some stress of trying to purchase that perfect gift and instead liven up the occasion by creating an experience-themed event. Here are some ideas to get you started in planning the perfect day for your special someone.
Turn Your Home Into a Spa
Become a masseuse/masseur for the day! Practice your aesthetician techniques, and offer to customize a home spa-package for your loved one: perform massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. A great add-on gift could be the person's favourite body lotions, massage oils and skin-care products. Don't forget the candles and relaxing music.
Helium Balloons Filled With Love Notes
Write a special message, fold it up, place it inside a balloon and inflate. Repeat several times and watch them float. How about a year's worth of balloons, with a message for every day - 365 Reasons Why I Love You? Fill the house with these balloon-filled messages and have fun popping them together.
Plan a Naughty Scavenger Hunt
Leave creative hints, such as notes, picture clues, or smaller gifts leading up to the final spotlight present - which is you, of course!
Weekend Getaway
Don't have the time or funds for a full vacation? Plan a mini-getaway. Even if you don't leave your hometown, weekend vacations are a great way to relax, rejuvenate and spend quality time together. Try booking a theme room in a hotel; or plan a spa weekend getaway.
Write a Love Letter
A timeless gesture straight from the heart. Purchase some nice stationery and put pen to paper, letting your loved one know why you think they're special.
Record a Video Message
If writing is not your forte, consider a video recording. Many computers have the ability to capture video recordings, so dust off your acting skills and get the camera rolling. Your message can be funny, sweet, naughty, or all of the above.
Create Personalized Coupons
Have fun designing coupons to be redeemed by your significant other. Make it a uniquely Valentine's Day event by creating romantic coupons to be used that evening, such as One Full Body Massage. Or make it a lasting gift and have several coupons redeemable throughout the year - maybe one for each month - ensuring that you regularly set aside quality time to spend together.
Go Back in Time
Remember that place where you first met or had your first date? Take the time to re-visit that special place. Or what about those old photos you haven't looked at in years? Order takeout, pour some champagne, and make an evening to reminisce and go through your photo albums.
Create a Gourmet Dinner For Two
No need to dine out on one of the most cost-inflated nights of the year. Use your own culinary skills and create a home bistro. Think of creating a theme for the evening, such as International Cuisine (French, Italian, Thai, etc.), or perhaps a full-out Fondue Night, starting with melted cheese and bread; a main course consisting of a selection of meats and vegetables, followed by the grand finale: a chocolate lover's paradise with mixed fruit and sponge cake to dip. Get extravagant and include a wine pairing with each course.
Remember that Valentine's Day is about spending time together - make it quality time by using your imagination. The extra thought and effort put into creating a special day is well worth it.
Spending the holiday alone? Read this for some advice on how to deal with being single on Valentine's Day.
