Valentine’s Day is one of my all-time favorite holidays. I’m a sappy romantic fool from head to toe, and I thoroughly enjoy planning early for what I’ll do for my husband to show him how much he means to me. You won’t ever find me wandering the store aisles on February 14, rushing around at the last minute trying to find “something nice” to bring home to my man, because I’ve prepared well in advance and I’m ready-to-roll several weeks before the day arrives.
One year for Valentine’s Day, I sent my husband on a mini treasure hunt (but you don’t have to be married to do this). I had pre-arranged for a nice lunch to be delivered to his office, since he’s usually tied up in meetings and wouldn’t have time to go out for lunch. With the lunch was a note saying that at 5 p.m. he had to leave work and “immediately become my love slave”, and that he must do whatever I asked the remainder of the evening without question. (He tried several times to call me at my office to find out what was going on, but I made sure that I was otherwise indisposed).
The note also asked him to go to the address shown on the card after work, and pick up what was being held for him in his name (a new sport jacket and tie). Once there, he was given the items and told to put them on, along with another personally handwritten card asking him to meet me at the address shown on that card, where he met up with me at a classy, fine-dining restaurant with an incredible view overlooking a large body of water. It’s usually only on very special occasions, such as our anniversary, that we get all gussied up and go out on the town, so that Valentine‘s Day was not only fun but very romantic. If you ever decide to do something similar, a treasure hunt of your own, remember to keep the different destinations to a minimum because too many can become frustrating, ultimately bringing results completely opposite of what is intended.
Fortunately for me, my husband knows and understands how much I enjoy everything about romance, and he’s very good at coming up with unique gift ideas for me too. One year he surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers that arrived at my office, with a little note saying he loved me and asking that I pick up a bottle of wine on my way home. Once I arrived home, I walked in to find a candle-lit dinner waiting for me, soft romantic music playing in the background, followed by his giving me a beautifully engraved locket with a picture of my children inside. He had also purchased rose petals from the florist, and a gorgeous set of high-quality sheets, and decorated our bed and bedroom with rose petals and candles. I get gooey-eyed just thinking about it!
Valentine’s Day gift ideas don’t have to be expensive, since there are many unique gift ideas for anyone’s budget. If your special someone is an avid book reader, you might consider purchasing the latest book by their favorite author, or one they have been meaning to buy for themselves. Consider searching online to see if there is an upcoming concert or sports event, for which you could buy tickets in advance and enjoy the event together. Think about what your significant other likes and enjoys, and let that guide you in determining what would be the right gift idea for you. Does your guy or gal enjoy chocolates? Don’t just grab the stuff in the candy aisle at the store, but carefully select something delectable from a famous chocolatier.
It’s very important to give serious thought to what you know your special someone likes and enjoys when choosing a Valentine‘s Day gift, and what they do not like. What type of gift you give also depends on the level of the relationship you’re in, such as dating and not yet serious, serious and planning to become engaged, or already married. Giving a very personal gift, such as lingerie or sexy undergarments, to someone you’ve only recently begun dating is not considered by many to be a wise choice. If you’re in a serious relationship or are married, and you want to give the gift of lingerie, then be sure to keep in mind that the lingerie should also be comfortable for the wearer. I don’t know of anyone who would be happy to receive and wear lingerie that is uncomfortable and irritating to the skin, so be very careful in your choice if you go that route.
Valentine’s Day can be a fun and exciting holiday, made even more special by thoughtful early planning. Don’t wait until the last minute to call for dinner reservations at a romantic restaurant, only to find they‘re already filled to their limit. Calling well in advance of Valentine’s Day just might also provide you better choices of being seated in a more private and secluded section, away and out of ear-shot of other diners.
Are you making your Valentine’s Day plans yet? Do you have any tips or suggestions on choosing the right Valentine’s Day gift for a spouse or significant other? Share your ideas in the comments section below.
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22 responses so far ↓
1 Gina Malone (1 comments.) // Jan 6, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Wow… it sounds like you and your husband are experts at this romance thing! I have never been one of those on-command romance goddesses. Every now and then the spirit hits me, but I can’t say that it has ever happened on cue, such as on Valentine’s Day. I suppose if I was motivated by the right guy though… it may be worth the effort!
2 Lin (793 comments.) // Jan 6, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Hi Gina,
I think in any relationship, especially marriages, it’s so important to find ways of spicing things up a bit. It doesn’t have to be on a set holiday (I do this sort of thing other times of the year as well “just because”), and I get a real kick out of seeing the expression on his face when I surprise him in some way. It’s not only fun and loving, but it makes for great romance.
3 Patricia (1 comments.) // Jan 6, 2008 at 8:01 pm
All good tips for those of us lacking initiative. I hate to admit it, but I’ve been married for over 20 years now and I never think of doing things this far in advance. My husband and I are both…”the week before” shoppers. At least it’s a good match…lol
Patricia’s last blog post..Albert Einstein
4 Lin (793 comments.) // Jan 6, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Patricia, I totally understand. For me, the longer I’m married the more I feel it’s important to spice things up with surprises from time to time, and keep ‘em guessin.
I’m an organization freak, and I plan plan plan. I’ve been shocked myself when trying to get a reservation for Valentine’s Day on January 15th, only to be told the slots are full already. Argh! Not anymore…..I’ve already got my little plan in action.
5 Tiffany (1 comments.) // Jan 6, 2008 at 11:46 pm
I would be happy if hubby remembered valentines day lol
Tiffany’s last blog post..Win a Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer
6 Lin (793 comments.) // Jan 6, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Tiffany, that made me laugh.
Circle the date on the calendar with red lipstick so he’ll be sure to see it. Just make sure the calendar is where he can’t possible miss it.
7 Jonathan (1 comments.) // Jan 7, 2008 at 6:26 am
Hi - Some wise words there!
We’ve just introduced a personalised photo jigsaw for Valentines Day that has the letters ‘I Love You’ within the pieces and 2 heart shapes.
It makes a great surprise and I think shows some thought as you’ll need to give careful consideration to the best photo to use.
Just thought I’d mention it.
Regards - Jonathan
Jonathan’s last blog post..Home Photography Scanning Tips - Number 1
8 lankapo (1 comments.) // Jan 7, 2008 at 10:26 am
hi,
valentine shud be everyday
why just make it on 14 feb only
every day we shud luv ,hug , kiss and appreciate our love ones
lankapo’s last blog post..Adverlets.com,already expired
9 Lin (793 comments.) // Jan 7, 2008 at 10:32 am
lankapo, it is not only on Valentine’s Day that we should/need to do those things. Not just on anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas etc. Finding creative ways to show our special someone how much we appreciate and love them all throughout the year is very important.
That being said, Valentine’s Day (just like Christmas and other holidays) is a day set aside to celebrate our love for someone else in unique and creative ways.
I think it’s especially true for couples that have been married for many years who may get rather comfortable and need to work hard to keep the spark alive.
10 Sharon (1 comments.) // Jan 7, 2008 at 11:30 am
My hubby and I don’t usually do much for valentine’s day. These ideas are wonderful and very inspirational. We’ll have to try some out - thank you!
Sharon’s last blog post..New years resolutions
11 Lin (793 comments.) // Jan 7, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Sharon, I’m sorry for the delay in approving your comment.
I bet if you were to surprise your honey this year with some wonderfully creative ideas on Valentine’s Day, you both have a gloriously special holiday.
12 Elise (1 comments.) // Jan 9, 2008 at 1:52 am
Ohhhh, because relationships matter! When it comes to romance we’ve got this down. It’s about creating the whole experience, so you need to appeal to all the senses.
1. Sight: dim the lights and get the candles going
2. Smell: Think aromatherapy - use fragranced candles and mist the sheets with scents that stir passion, like ylang ylang, clove, patchouli, etc.
3. Sound: use romantic music to set the stage - some smooth jazz, sexy Bossa Nova, or good old Blue eyes himself, Sinatra
4. Touch: Pamper each other with a Hammam-like experience by taking turns scrubbing each other with an exfoliating mitt and aromatherapy bath gel. Follow with a loving massage with a quality cream or oil.
5. Taste: Chocolate…chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate truffles, chocolate syrup…
13 All Women Blogging Carnival | Colloquium // Jan 13, 2008 at 6:26 pm
[…] Burress presents Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Lovers posted at Telling It Like It […]
14 Moms’ Blogging Carnival - January 21 Edition! « angelawd // Jan 20, 2008 at 3:42 pm
[…] Burress presents Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Lovers posted at Telling It Like It […]
15 Tip Diva (3 comments.) // Jan 21, 2008 at 11:11 pm
The treasure hunt is a great idea - it could be used for a variety of things! Wish I had thought of it
Tip Diva’s last blog post..Top Ten Tips - Orienting Yourself In A New Neighborhood
16 Lin (793 comments.) // Jan 21, 2008 at 11:12 pm
It sure can! And HAS many times!
It really is great fun!
17 Cindy (1 comments.) // Jan 24, 2008 at 10:22 am
I love the ideas. I’m the romantic around the home and love to come up with ideas. I’ll definitely keep this in mind. During our first year of marriage, we were both living in different locations due to military. When I visited my husband over the Thanksgiving Holiday, I placed little notes all around his apartment. I think he was still finding them three or four months after I had left. It great! We haven’t done that much over the last several years. Thanks for the reminder. I also love planning well ahead for holidays.
18 Lin (793 comments.) // Jan 24, 2008 at 11:00 am
Hi Cindy,
I bet your hubby loved finding those little notes. I think it’s so important to do romantic things no matter how long a couple has been together, since it really helps keep the “romance” and spark alive and well.
19 Kev (2 comments.) // Feb 4, 2008 at 7:38 am
Lin,
The Treasure Hunt idea sonds fantastic. I’ll have to see how easily I can pull it off this year.
20 Lin (793 comments.) // Feb 4, 2008 at 7:52 am
Kev, I can tell you from experience that it is LOADS of fun! My hubby still talks about that one, and said he really enjoyed the hunt. Fortunately, I did good on choosing the sport jacket and tie ’cause he’s pretty picky.
21 Kev (2 comments.) // Feb 26, 2008 at 7:35 am
hehe
I unfortuantely didn’t get a chance to do it this year (work sucks).
I’ve decided to plan it in advance for next year. Once again, thanks
22 Lin (793 comments.) // Feb 26, 2008 at 11:25 am
Hi Kev! Sometimes it works out that way, but hopefully next year will be much better.
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