Valentine’s Day: Ideas and Suggestions

This post was originally published on February 2, 2009.

Valentine’s day is just around the corner and I’m here to help you. Here’s a list of ideas and suggestions that you can try out this year, under one condition…you report back on your results. Good or bad. Let’s help each other out and get through this season!

Romance and money scale:

	the equivalent of a firm handshake		less than $10
	a kiss on the cheek		less than $50
	happiness		less than $100
	journal worthy		less than $500
	Va va va voom!		more than $500

The Classics

1. Card. Hallmark.
   Pros: Minimum expectation met.
   Cons: Low impact.
   Hot Tip: Buy 2 cards – one that’s romantic, one that’s funny. Copy romantic prose into funny card for maximum effect.
2. Chocolates. Box. 2 Tiers.
   Pros: Who doesn’t like chocolates?
   Cons: Guilt inducing calories. Potential allergic reaction to nuts.
   Hot Tip: Choose fewer higher quality chocolates.
3. Flowers. Dozen roses. Long stem.
   Pros: The safe and easy play.
   Cons: Says I thought of you, but not that much.
   Hot Tip: Secretly discover your Valentine’s favorite flower and opt for that.
4. Dinner. Out and about for some grub.
   Pros: No cooking at home, no cleanup, no kids, and a nice meal.
   Cons: Busy night for restaurants so potential for long waits.
   Hot Tip: Restaurant selection is key – make it special one. Make reservations if possible.
5. Jewelry. Nothing says hubba hubba like jewels.
   Pros: The gift that keeps on giving.
   Cons: You’re limited to your ability to choose what your valentine will like.
   Hot Tip: Go for quality. A big fat diamond that you can barely see through doesn’t compare to a smaller, but brilliant diamond.

Activities

The key thing to remember during any activity is to take it slow and enjoy your time together. Rushing around isn’t romantic.

1. Horse Drawn Carriage Ride. Tour around old school style in a horse drawn carriage.
   Pros: Interesting and different.
   Cons: Two words: Horse Farts.
   Hot Tip: If possible, pre-pay to avoid ruining the mood with a financial transaction at the end of the ride. Just hop off the carriage arm-in-arm to your next destination.
2. Slow walk. Go for a leisurely stroll somewhere nice – a park, beach or your local babbling brook.
   Pros: Free.
   Cons: Weather may not be appropriate.
   Hot Tip: Combine walk with a coffee, hot chocolate or ice cream.
3. Massage. Book a massage to relax and release tension.
   Pros: You’ll both feel a million times better.
   Cons: May cause embarrassment for your valentine if they’re self conscious of their body.
   Hot Tip: Avoid a therapeutic or deep tissue massage. While these have their place in remedying aches and pains, they can be painful which might put a damper on the mood.

Funny

There are 2 audiences for funniness – you and your valentine. Rule Number One: Make sure any attempts at funniness are guaranteed to be appreciated by your valentine otherwise you may not need to read this list next year!

1. Cupid Costume. Dress up as cupid and shoot your valentine with a soft plush arrow.
   Pros: High potential for funniness.
   Cons: Costume might not be obvious and it just ends up looking weird.
   Hot Tip: Wear a “cupid” nametag to make costume obvious.
2. Singing Telegram. Hire someone to sing a Valentine’s day ditty.
   Pros: You’re not the one singing.
   Cons: Your valentine may become embarrassed which violates Rule Number One stated above.
   Hot Tip: Verify song before delivery. Sir Mix-a-Lot – Baby Got Back may not be appreciated (again, see Rule Number One above).

Thoughtful

1. Love Notes. Tear up a piece of paper into inch by inch squares…you’ll end up with a lot of pieces (over 50). On each piece, write down the things you like about your valentine. Hide each piece in a spot where they will be discovered. Pros: Lots of compliments coming from the heart.
   Cons: Can you think of over 50 nice things to say?
   Hot Tip: Throw in an unexpected note every once in a while such as trivia about the Eiffel tower or a marriage proposal. Your call.
2. Candlelit Dinner. Show off your inner chef.
   Pros: You can take it slow.
   Cons: Timing all dishes to be ready at the right time without getting stressed.
   Hot Tip: Serve 3 (or more) courses to make it different from the usual eating at home. Also, serve a cool appetizer and dessert to simplify timing.

Big Spender

1. Weekend in Paris. Whisk your valentine off to Paris for a romantic getaway.
   Pros: Memorable and you’ll have enough Brownie points to get you through the year.
   Cons: Not so romantic if you live in Paris.
   Hot Tip: Don’t tell your valentine where you’re going until you check in at the airport. Be sure to have valid passports. Let your valentine know you’ll be gone for the weekend.
2. Hot Air Balloon Ride. Hang out with the birds for a while.
   Pros: Memorable.
   Cons: Potential need for barf bag.
   Hot Tip: Find out if your valentine is scared of heights before booking.

See also:

10 Ways You Can Add A Spark to Your Relationship Today