Thursday, February 10, 2011

Valentine’s Day Ideas


If you’re fortunate enough to spend time with someone to love on Valentine’s Day, you’d like to make it special. But it’s the same dilemma every year: How can you bring a bang to Valentine’s Day without doing what everyone else is doing? Should you go low-key or all-out for the big romantic day?

Here are some tips on how to give your loved one a Valentine’s Day to remember.

Going out?
If you want to take your special someone out for Valentine’s Day, be prepared for a crowd. It’s one of the busiest times of the year for restaurants, movie theaters and florists, so advance planning is definitely in your favor.

Make reservations at the restaurant where would like to take your Valentine to dine. You might also buy movie tickets online at sites like Fandango or MovieFone, if that’s part of the festivities plan. (Call well in advance of the big day if you’re planning to send flowers).

Going out doesn’t necessarily mean you have to follow the norm, however. You might think of slightly different and fun things to do. Try mini-golfing, or plan a picnic at a park. Do you both like adventure? Plan a trip to an amusement park and celebrate your relationship with roller coasters. Celebrating Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you have to follow the crowd.

Staying in?
The other option is to stay in, where there is far more privacy. Although your activity opportunities are more limited, you can be more creative for less money.

You could impress your significant other by whipping up a gourmet meal complete with chocolate-covered strawberries. Not a whiz in the kitchen? Don’t worry; you can get some help. Turn to well-known foodie sites like Epicurious.com or The Food Network for easy-to-follow recipes to get you started. Also, some companies, such as A Dinner A’Fare, will help you choose a meal to pick up at their storefront to serve at home. Or you can order in from a local favorite restaurant or from an online site, such as Gourmet Grocery Online.

Pop in any one of a number of romantic comedies that end with the guy getting the girl, or vice versa. Use Netflix or Blockbuster Online to beat the rush at the video store.

Think outside of the Tiffany’s box
It seems like Valentine’s Day gifts often run along the same lines: flowers, candy or jewelry. These are great choices if your loved one is perfectly content with roses, chocolates and a new bracelet. But after a few years, this can get repetitive.

If you want to be creative for your Valentine, think homemade. You can devise a memory book of your entire relationship, giving a special place for photos and mementos. It’s both sweet and sentimental. To really surprise him or her, instead of just handing over a card filled with sweet nothings, mail it. That way, when they open the mailbox, they get an unexpected surprise.

You might print up coupons for that person in your life, perhaps giving its bearer a free massage, dinner or night out. If you’re feeling amorous, you can be even more creative. On the morning of the big day, hide a steamy note in your spouse’s pocket or briefcase where they’re sure to find it sometime during the day.

Not every gift has to be predictable or uber-creative. A thoughtful gift is sure to be appreciated. Burn a CD full of songs you both enjoy (the 21st century mix tape). Does he like old television series? Give him a season or two on DVD. Does she want to learn how to dance or paint? Sign up as a couple for dance or painting lessons, which is not only thoughtful, but also something you can do together.

Whatever you do, keep it enjoyable, loving, and sweet. Valentine’s Day is supposed to be fun, after all!

Source: http://moving.apartmentguide.com/apartment-living/valentines-day-ideas/?WT.mc_id=30289

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