Non-Traditional Gifts for Valentine's Day
Forget the same-old roses, 
stale chocolates, and mushy cards. Steer clear of the ordinary and get something for your sweetheart that shows how much you care about your relationship. Here are some options to help you get creative!
Interests and Hobbies
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- The first step here is to eliminate all gift ideas that you might think won't be appropriate. Even if you have the slightest feeling that she might not like something -- forget that gift and MOVE ON! Trust your instincts (and your memory of past gift-giving episodes).
- Think about what he likes and aim for a related product.
- Would she like to learn more about ________? Find a local venue where she can take a class or series of classes in a particular topic, whether it be culinary arts, race car driving, rock climbing, painting, etc...
- Sick of giving gifts that get shoved into the closet? Try getting creative with original artwork, poetry, or music that tells him how much you care about him. Personalized gifts like a photo album or an original CD with all of your favorite songs are sure to be treasured.
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Spend Time Together
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- Has your Sondheim-loving sweetheart been itching to see that new Broadway show ? Is your punk-rock honey hinting that she'd love to see her favorite music group? Buy tickets for two to an exciting music, theater, or sports event.
- Plan a getaway together. Try wine country, a weekend in a secluded cabin, a quick trip on a cruise, or go somewhere you neither of you have ever been.
- Choose an activity that challenges you both to do something new.
- Into art? Plan a trip to a gallery or museum that both of you want to see.
- Keeping it mellow is always an option; take a trip to a day spa and get pampered for a day.
- Just be sure to remain flexible. You want to have fun, not end up in an argument about what the best vacation is.
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Make It Last
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- Tired of flowers that croak within 12 days? Choose a gift that lives on for 12 months.
- Monthly subscriptions and memberships are a great option for something thoughtful and practical. Some suggestions:
- Wine, beer, or chocolate of the month club.
- Prepaid book or DVD club membership.
- Magazine subscriptions.
- Gym or yoga membership. Choose this option carefully so that it won't be misconstrued. If you both made a fitness goal part of your New Year resolution, get a membership for the two of you so you can work on your goals together. Only buy a membership as a gift for the other when he or she specifically mentions wanting to get one. Otherwise, it may seem like you are hinting at something negative about his or her physique, which is a major romance killer.
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Other Unique Gifts
Heart-Shaped Mini Digital Photo Keyring
Take your digital photos of that special someone where ever you go with this fitting key chain.
Newsmy 1GB Red MP3 Player Lovers Edition
Tired of sharing your MP3 player with your loved one and need to get them a Valentines Day gift? Problem solved.
More Tips
Avoid the common V-day traps.
- Love food? Avoid the restaurants on V-day. They are often crowded and expensive. If you can't resist make sure to make reservations in advance and plan to deal with crowds.
- An alternative? Try your chef skills and prepare a candle-lit dinner at home, or plan out a romantic picnic in the park or beach if you live in a warm climate.
- Love movies? Theaters tend to be crowded venues for V-day as well. Buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines and get there early to snag the best seats.
- An alternative? Make a quiet date at home with a romantic movie that you both like. Maybe even rent a movie that you saw together as one of your first dates.
Get the kids involved.
- If your children are under 10 and hiring a sitter is a pain, find something that you can do together as a family.
- For something educational, but fun, museums (like natural history or science museums) and the zoo are an option.
- For something more light-hearted, take a trip to an amusement park.
