Give Romance: The Best Valentine's Gifts for Her
The holidays are barely over, and your tree just made it to the curb for recycling.
Valentine's Day is right around the corner, but don't panic because we're sharing the best Valentine's gifts for her that truly give the gift of romance.
So don't disappoint your love - show her how special she is with this guide.
Where did Valentine's Day come from anyway?
There are several legends that surround February 14.
Most agree that a young priest named Valentine was involved but that's about it.
Some say he was imprisoned and fell in love with his jailor's daughter.
Did he sign his last letter to her, 'From Your Valentine'?
Maybe.
But that letter and the true story of what happened are lost in time.
Today, Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and romance.
Who knows? Maybe he really did send that letter.
Let's get this out of the way: Valentine's Day gift ideas that won't fly
Don't be a Homer Simpson and give your Marge a bowling ball for Valentine's Day.
Steer clear of things with practical applications that may get met with disapproval:
- Vacuum cleaners
- Cleaners of any sort, really
- Gym memberships
- Athletic gear
While you may think these things are helpful, she may not take them in the same way.
Hold off on those items until Valentine's Day is over.
Here are the best Valentine's gifts for her - try these ideas instead!
Chalk it up to loving her
Chalkboards come in an amazing array of shapes and sizes.
You can even get contact paper that's chalk-friendly.
Make your own custom chalkboard gift, with your own message of love.
Make it funny, sentimental, original, whatever she likes (because it's chalk you can change it up later, too).
It's a unique gift she'll love.
A picture is worth 1,000 words
Get a cute frame and put a picture in it of just the two of you.
Score bonus points if it's a snap from early in your relationship.
It shows that you remember and are thinking of her, now and forever.
Not the same old chocolate
Your love might really love chocolate, but you don't want to give the same ho-hum box.
Why not chocolate-dip some strawberries instead?
The Food Network has an easy recipe that will take you less than an hour.
When they're done, grab skewers or straws and create a fun edible bouquet.
Two ideas, one delicious, romantic gift.
Date night ideas, on tap
Grab a small jar from your local craft store, along with some fun ribbon.
Take small pieces of paper and write date night ideas on it.
That way, you won't run out of ideas and she'll know you want to spend time with her.
She's the bomb. Give her one, too.
A bath bomb, that is.
A great way to relax at the end of a long day is a hot bath.
A bath bomb that you make for her makes plain hot water into something special.
She'll think of how thoughtful you were every time she uses one.
Naturally sweet
If your honey loves honey, give her this naturally sweet treat.
Local jars of honey often don't have printed jar labels covering the front.
That leaves room for your clever sayings like, "Bee mine!".
Grab a piece of ribbon and a gift tag, and you're set to go. Sometimes, the best Valentine's gifts for her are the natural ones.
A complimentary jar
No, not a free jar (that would be complementary).
This one's much better than free.
Grab a small jar with a wide mouth, along with some pretty ribbon.
Make small love notes, complimenting the things you love about her:
"I love your smile" or "I love how kind you are".
On the days she's feeling down, she can read them all over again. A unique gift for the unique woman in your life.
Plant it instead of cutting it
If your heart is set on giving your partner a bouquet of flowers, try grabbing a potted plant instead.
Find a pretty pot and put a red bow on it.
You've got the best Valentine's gifts for her that won't be gone faster than the half off candy sales.
Breakfast in bed
What's not to love about being served your favorite breakfast foods? Especially in bed!
Get the kids into the act too and let them help make these fun heart-shaped eggs.
Plus, no one said you had to have it at breakfast time.
French toast and mimosas can easily be eaten for dinner in bed.
Coupons that aren't for groceries
Yes, you can buy a cheesy pre-made book of "love" coupons.
But it's more special if you make it yourself.
Don't just say things like "one night of vacuuming".
Think of things that she wants:
- A date night rom-com movie (no cringing allowed)
- Dinner at a place that's her favorite, but not really yours
- A week of no dirty laundry on the bedroom floor
Make the coupons specific to your relationship and it will be a hit.
Don't forget a card
Add that extra bit of love and make her a card instead of buying one.
You can go old school, with a fun paper design that you make yourself.
There are also templates available online that you can personalize and hit print.
The important part is the romantic message, so take a little extra care with it.
Love Potion No. 9
Grab her favorite drink and turn it into a love potion for the night.
It's cute on red-hued drinks, but make sure you grab one she likes.
A few ideas:
- A bottle of rosé wine
- Strawberry soda
- Cherry flavored juice (or water, if you're looking for less sugar)
Print the love potion with these labels.
Cook a great dinner instead
We all know that on Valentine's Day restaurants get crushed.
Double that if it happens to fall on a weekend.
If you have even a little culinary skill, why not cook dinner instead?
It's not about what you cook, it's that you took the time to do it.
Set the table in a special way, light some candles, and make it about the two of you.
If you need some menu inspiration, Country Living has 25 recipes that will help.
Roses that won't fade
A dozen red roses are undeniably beautiful.
But their beauty quickly fades no matter how many times you water them.
The best Valentine's gifts for her are ones that last.
Give her a gift that she'll have year-round: a single perfect Eternity Rose dipped in gold.
Conclusion
These romantic gift ideas don't have to be just for Valentine's Day, either. Anniversaries, birthdays - a random Tuesday can be that much brighter for her with one of these unique gifts.