If you ask one of my brides, they will tell you how I stress that gifts between one another should be meaningful, not extravagant. If you are out of ideas, here are some last minute gifts & tips for him or her.
1. First, to any guys out there reading this, let me give you an insight on most women. When it comes to gifts, some women like designers, some women like a bunch of cute, simple ideas, some women flip for diamonds... but whatever category we fall into, we all have one thing in common…we want you to touch our hearts. Again, I can't speak for all women, but I can speak for most when I say that the most expensive gift will never mean as much as an incredibly thoughtful one (in case my hubby is reading this, I will of course, take some diamonds :-). So maybe this year instead of a bouquet from a grocery store, how about 20 daisies left in special places around the house for her to find. Instead of a paper box of chocolates from the drugstore, a box of her favorite childhood candy…
2.Write the story of how you fell in love. This may sound a bit corny, but think about it for a second. How intriguing it would be to see your love story through your other half's eyes. You know what you felt, what you thought, but having the tables turned and seeing your love transform from another point of view….now that is simply amazing. Not to mention, what a way to spend Valentines Day, reliving your happily ever after. Write in a love letter form, or even make a little DIY notebook if you artsy and creative. An easy tutorial courtesy of craftynest.com by clicking here.
3.New hobbies. Maybe he loves hiking but you are more of an inside gal. Instead of going out to dinner, put on some boots, pack a dinner and surprise him with a hiking trip. Make it special. Research some great trails and print out the map. Draw a heart on your destination where you will enjoy a little Valentines Day picnic. Or maybe she loves watching Chick Flicks and you hate them. Rent 3 of her favorites, make some popcorn, and spend the evening cuddled and watching them. Even "Ooh and Ahh" a little, for her.
4.Pamper. Now this could go two ways; the easy way & the fun way. You could buy a gift certificate at a spa for your loved one, or you could use that money to go buy aromatherapy candles, lotions, download some relaxing music to your ipod and be the masseuse yourself. Bath & Body Works has an entire line called "Sensual". Grab some new silky sheets, fill the room with flowers, and set up some strawberries and champagne for even more fun. Go ahead…start your car…I thought this one would excite you!
5.Is your love a foodie or have a sweet tooth? How about writing a personalized recipe book of recipes you know she or he would love! Not just recipes, do some research on restaurants and their menus. Include certain restaurants with menu items for you two to get to in the next few months.
6. Not exactly meaningful to a woman, but definitely to a man. Besides, what's a Valentine's Day gift post without something like this. Click here and get it overnighted {wink wink}
7.Perhaps you are not very savvy in the kitchen. You could make a beautiful meal of her/his favorite foods. If you want to spend a little money, hire a personal chef to come to your house and serve you. It is like being a restaurant where playing footsies is appropriate! Check some out in your area here.
6. Not exactly meaningful to a woman, but definitely to a man. Besides, what's a Valentine's Day gift post without something like this. Click here and get it overnighted {wink wink}
7.Perhaps you are not very savvy in the kitchen. You could make a beautiful meal of her/his favorite foods. If you want to spend a little money, hire a personal chef to come to your house and serve you. It is like being a restaurant where playing footsies is appropriate! Check some out in your area here.
*disclaimer: This advice is from a wedding planner and a girl, who is not in any way shape or form an expert on love, but is someone who can honestly say from her own experience that love & marriage can be easy, wonderful & full of happy tears if you treat each other right, realize what you have, love like it was your last day on earth, and realize love is not suppose to be played like a game or a theatrical performance...
For the Ladies..2 things.
1. Don't be naggy, or a drama queen, or hold on too tight. Give them a reason to want to do things for you and not be able to wait to come home to you.
2. Never underestimate the power of lace.
For the Men…10 things
Chivalry is not dead. Men... open the car door, hold the doors, hold the umbrella, take her coat, pull out her chair, pay the check, tell her that you often find yourself daydreaming about her, kiss her forehead, hold her hand…and if this last paragraph makes you smile and not roll your eyes…and you haven't done so yet for some silly reason….ask her to marry you already!!!!
