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Non-Traditional Valentine's Day Gifts

When searching for the perfect Valentine's Day gift, all those heart-shaped chocolate  flowers can really stifle creativity. I wonder, who made it mandatory for our love-fest to be rigid and boring? Every Valentine's Day, the restaurant scene looks like the lover's version of Coffee and Cigarettes --yeah, it's that awkward. I don't get it. We should celebrate in the most light-hearted way possible because after all, if this day was invented to honour those whom we love most, shouldn't we enjoy ourselves?

Gift giving can be fun if you break the mould a bit.

Unique Ideas

Some ideas to get your mind off the beaten path.

Happy Holidays

Instead of spending Valentine's Day at home, why not surprise your significant other with a holiday for two? Even if it is just for a weekend, getting away and spending some quality time together can be the best gift a person can give. If you are not sure where to book a trip consider some of these things:

  • Something that your valentine has always wanted to do--go mountain climbing,  visit a beer spa, or go on a safari.
  • A place where (s)he has wanted to visit or see--such as a country, attraction, or monument.
  • A special place that (s)he doesn't get to visit frequently--such as the place where you first met, her old home town, or somewhere that holds a special place in his heart.
  • If the budget is tight, go for something a less expensive: a camping trip, a day in the country (or a day in the city if you live in the country), or a one day/night cruise. It can be great just to get away from the bustle of everyday life.

The Gift of Learning

Is there anything specific in which your Valentine is interested? Maybe (s)he has been talking about enrolling in a cooking class or a foreign language class, but hasn't pursued it yet. Give your valentine the little push he needs by signing him up for a class--just make sure it fits into his current schedule.

Some class ideas:

  • Art Classes: drawing, painting, sculpting, jewellery making, glass blowing, woodwork, theatre, film
  • Exercise Classes: yoga, dance (ballet, hip-hop, jazz, ballroom, salsa), kick-boxing, martial arts
  • Hobby Classes: crafting, knitting, cake decorating, pottery, bartending, flight instruction, meditation

A Unique Spin on Traditional Gifts

  • Jewellery: Make your gift extra special by getting it engraved with your love's initials, both of your initials, or a little message to him or her...maybe an inside joke or special saying.
  • Chocolate: Some people just love chocolate, and there is nothing wrong with that, but instead of giving them the usual heart shaped box of truffles, why not get them their a personalized set with the Create Your Own Chocolate Valentine's Message  gift?
  • Flowers: Instead of getting traditional bouquets, opt for a spa set  that smells like their favourite flower, a bouquet of flower-shaped balloons,  or a set of symbolic flowers (i.e. Ambrosia for "your love is reciprocated", or Pink Zinnia for "lasting affection").

Make it Personal

  • What is your valentine into? Is it sports, art, or the theatre? For a sure hit, you may choose a gift related to one of his or her interests.
  • Another personal gift idea is a hand-made gift. Showing that you made an effort usually means a lot more than the gift itself. Here are some ideas:
    • Individual hand written love notes/messages in a decorated jar or bottle.
    • A photo album of your special moments together--or milestones in your relationship.
    • A restaurant for two: decorate your house as a restaurant, make a menu, and play the role of both chef and waiter--or if it is nice weather, plan to do this in the park.

Gift Giving Dos and Don'ts

  • Do buy your valentine a gift with him/her in mind. Don't buy your valentine a gift with you in mind.
  • Do buy accessories, jewellery, and other wearable items. Don't buy her clothes when you do not know her size.
  • Do refurbish, engrave, or reinvent a favourite piece of old furniture or jewellery. Don't do the same thing or give the same gift you did last year.
  • Do buy--or make--something thoughtful. Don't spend too much money on him if you agreed not to splurge--it will make him feel bad.
  • Do have fun buying a gift and spending the day with her. Don't stress yourself out so much that it ruins the night--nothing is perfect!

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