Creative Commons/qthomasbower
10 From GEM:
Easy And Unusual Last Minute Valentine’s Day Fun
Can you believe Valentine’s Day is just a few days away? We’re still trying to recover from Christmas around here! Maybe that’s why we’ve waited until the last minute to start thinking about creative ways to say “I love you”. Are you in the same boat? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Even though it’s too late to jet off to Paris for the weekend, here are 10, high-impact, low-fuss things you can do for your sweetie that don’t scream, “I’m a last-minute gift!”
1. HANDMADE CARD
Creative Commons/KisforCalligraphy
This isn’t just any old ripped-from-a-notebook, grab-the-nearest-ink-pen kind of card. Get some craft materials from your kids or head to the store if your house doesn’t have supplies like cardstock, construction paper, markers, glitter, glue, etc. Your sweetie will LOVE a handmade card. Who can a resist something that you put your heart and soul into decorating and writing your own sweet nothings?
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2. MEMORY BOX
IN THE MAKING
Creative Commons/RoseRibbon
Maybe your one and only hasn’t keep any mementos of your relationship, but there’s no reason why you can’t get the ball rolling and make a memory box—something that both of you can add to as time goes on. You need minimal craft skills here, too. Get a shoebox-size container with a lid. Decorate it however you like. Add the first memento like ticket stubs or pictures from your first date. When you’re old and gray, you’ll go through the box together and be glad you kept one.
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3. FLOWER SEEDS
Creative Commons/PalsCreations
Flowers and plants that you put lots of thought into giving can be quite lovely. Do a twist on the traditional buying of flowers and buy several different types of flower seeds. Choose flowers not only for their beauty, but also what they represent. White camellias represent perfect loveliness and ivy represents fidelity. Plant the seeds yourself in pots and write the name of the flower and what it represents. This is a flower gift that will last beyond seven days.
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4. SEND A BOUQUET
Creative Commons/lisadeng2
You thought we were talking about flowers, didn’t you? Where’s the creativity in that? For the same $40 you were going to spend on roses, you can buy a few supplies from a craft store (or use some materials around the house) and send a bouquet of candy, seashells, origami, faux jewels, ribbons, or feathers. Pinterest is overflowing with unique bouquet ideas.
Read more: Ask The Good Enough Guy: Bride To Be On A Spending Spree!
5. THE GIFT OF ADVENTURE
Creative Commons/guscarbery
Do a search for companies in your area that offer extreme activities like racecar driving, jet skiing, bungee jumping, hang gliding, or sky diving. Perfect for the daredevil in your life.
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6. VOLUNTEER TOGETHER
Creative Commons/chiricahua sky island
The big theme of Valentine’s Day is love, yet there are many people who can always use more of it. Together with your sweetheart, consider visiting nursing homes bearing gifts of cards and flowers or volunteering at a soup kitchen. Send messages of love and appreciation to unsung heroes like caregivers.
Read more: Good Enough Mother Gift Guide: Valentine’s Day
7. SHOW ME THE REASONS
Creative Commons/lilivanili
You love your honey, but does he really know why? Does he/she need a reminder? When your honey wakes up on Valentine’s morning, make sure the first thing he/she sees is a note giving the first reason your love endures. Post messages all over the house with all the big and small things you love about your honey. Don’t forget to leave a few notes in the car, in the lunch you packed, and the purse or day planner. Send text messages and emails, too.
Read more: Life Lessons: Buff Parham
8. BALLOON SURPRISES
Creative Commons/Paige007
Why should kids have all the fun with balloons? Your beloved will love coming home to a houseful of strategically placed balloons. Take it to the next level and have a surprise in each balloon, like a piece of candy or a token that represents something about your relationship—maybe a seashell from your walk on the beach or the fortune from a cookie.
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9. VISIT A SMALL TOWN
Creative Commons/cindy47452
Small towns are charming and have a certain character that’s hard to find in big cities. Take a trip to a town near you—preferably one that you and your significant other have never visited—and find all that that town has to offer. Visit their unique restaurants and shops. Don’t forget to check out its museums and parks. You never know what jewels you may find.
Read more: Ask The Good Enough Guy: White Fright!
10. GO ON A PROGRESSIVE
DINNER DATE
Creative Commons/Beth {Mama & More}
This date is potentially time-consuming, but who better to spend all that time than with your love? You can do a progressive dinner date several different ways. Have drinks, appetizers, the main course, and dessert in four different places. Or visit different restaurants and eat just appetizers or just desserts.
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Let us hear from you. Are you doing anything a little unusual or out of the ordinary for Valentine’s Day?
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Alexis Trass Walker lives in Gary, Indiana, with her husband and four children. She is a stay at home mom and writer who loves all things chocolate. After years of shyness, she is a recovering wallflower who understands that a smile goes a long way. Read more about Alexis on her blog lilliebelle.org.
