by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
Valentine’s Day is just a week away and most people shopping for their sweetie either pick the “easy gift” (flowers, chocolate, etc.) or the “pricy gift” (jewelry). What they don’t realize is their loved one would rather receive a well-thought out “romantic gift” over roses that will die in a week or a diamond necklace they’ll only wear once or twice a year. Here are some ideas you can use to make this Valentine’s Day the most memorable one on the books… without spending a fortune.
You may say “I love you” to your special someone every day but writing down your sentiments is a great way to show them just how much. Take an afternoon and write a love note to your honey. Better yet, write several and when the big day comes hide the handwritten surprises around the house for them to find. Greeting cards are great but it’s so much more sincere when it comes from your own heart. A handwritten letter or a homemade card will be cherished more than anything you can buy at the store.
Finally, instead of simply handing your partner their card or letter, mail it. It shows you took the time to do something in advance rather than throwing it together at the last minute. If you want to do something extra special, mail it to Valentine, Texas where your card will have a festive postmark and will be hand-stamped with a unique four line poem. Simply enclose your pre-addressed, pre-stamped Valentine’s card in a larger envelope and mail to: Postmaster, Attn: Valentines, Valentine, Texas 79854. You can also send it to postmasters in Loveland, Colorado (zip code 80538); Valentine, Nebraska (69201); Kissimmee, Florida (32741); Loving, New Mexico (88256); and Romance, Arkansas (72136). Be sure to send them by February 9th to make sure you’ll get it by Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day is traditionally date night, but instead of heading out, stay in. Does your sweetheart like to go dancing? Dim the lights, turn on some tunes and slow dance in your living room. Thinking of getting your love a gift certificate to a swanky day spa? Spend part of the evening pampering them with a candlelit bubble bath and massage instead. Want to check out a movie? Up the snuggle-meter and rent a romantic flick to watch together on your couch. Instead of going through the usual date night motions, doing something fun and unexpected at home is a sure fire way to please your special someone.
When did crowded restaurants become conducive to romance? Skip the reservations, light some candles and dine in the privacy of your own home, where, incidentally, the bedroom is just a few feet away. Make your sweetheart’s favorite meal (if you’re still getting to know each other, consider consulting his/her family for ideas) or, if you must, order in. Remember, it’s not necessarily about what you serve, but how you serve it. You may want to go all out and set the table with fine china, your best glasses, a floral centerpiece and candles. Another way to go is to lay out some blankets and have an indoor picnic in front of the fireplace. Either way, dim the lights, play some soft music and spend some quality dining time sans intrusive waiters and an audience of 50+.
If you’ve been together for a while, you may want to spend the evening remembering what drew you to each other in the first place. Set some time aside to talk about when you first got together and walk further down memory lane by looking at photos of when the two of you began dating. Burn a CD of some songs that remind you of when you first met and let that be the evening’s soundtrack. If you really want to go all out, recreate your first date. I bet it ends on an even higher note this time around!
The old saying is true; it really is the thought that counts. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to show you care but you do have to spend a lot of time. Begin planning now (or, if you happen to have a time machine, last week) and put plenty of effort into making the event as memorable as possible. You’ll be amazed at how much your loved one, and your wallet, will appreciate a little forethought.
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