| While many appropriate gifts can be purchased | | | | power of the right music, either. Which song have |
| for Valentine's Day, the most powerful romantic | | | | you loved to dance to? What was playing the |
| message to your heart's desire might be delivered | | | | night you met? Put the music on and relive the |
| with something that costs nothing or very little. | | | | wonderful experience. |
| What can you give of yourself this Valentine's | | | | 6. If you have been together for a while, here's a |
| Day, using mostly time and imagination? To help | | | | way to honor your experiences: dig out your |
| you decide, here are 10 ideas for Valentine's gifts | | | | photos from various events and display them. |
| for men or women. Present one or more of | | | | Whether it be your wedding, birth of a child, a trip |
| these gifts with or without purchased items and | | | | to Hawaii or camping in the woods, special |
| you will put an unmistakable personal imprint on | | | | occasions that you have recorded with |
| this special day. | | | | photographs can evoke romantic memories. |
| 1. Is there an item belonging to your sweetheart | | | | Since many photos get filed away indefinitely, |
| that needs mending or repairing? Almost | | | | Valentine's Day is a great occasion to give them |
| everyone has something that should get fixed but | | | | their due. Combine with suggestion Number 5 and |
| doesn't for the longest time, mainly because of | | | | you have the makings of a superb evening. |
| busyness. But you can take the trouble to get it | | | | 7. Is there something you have been meaning to |
| done, showing both that you noticed the need | | | | do, and your Valentine has been urging you to do |
| and cared enough to use your own valuable time | | | | (even nagging), but you just haven't managed to |
| to arrange or do the repair. | | | | achieve it? Taking a course that you need for |
| 2. Schedule a telephone reunion with an old friend | | | | career advancement, perhaps, or getting a tooth |
| or relative of your beloved who has been out of | | | | chip repaired, or starting an exercise program. |
| touch for some time. Hearing from someone who | | | | Everyone usually has an unresolved |
| meant a lot in days gone by provides an | | | | procrastination, despite friendly encouragement. |
| emotional charge. | | | | So get it done or started, then announce the |
| We all want to have these connections, but we | | | | achievement or action with your Valentine's card. |
| get so busy with everyday living that we neglect | | | | And don't forget to say something like "just for |
| to make them happen. So if you take the | | | | you" or "thanks for your wonderful support." |
| initiative and make the contact, your Valentine will | | | | 8. For those with writing skill, composing a special |
| be surprised and pleased. | | | | poem for Valentine's Day is a natural no-cost gift. |
| 3. What task does your Valentine least like to do? | | | | But what if you are a creative klutz with a poetic |
| Is it washing dishes? Vacuuming? Cleaning the | | | | heart? |
| garage? Shopping for groceries? Excluding | | | | Here's a solution: research romantic poetry at the |
| undergoing surgery or a visit to the dentist, there | | | | library or online until you find a poem that reflects |
| has to be something you can do in place of your | | | | your feelings. Then copy it out in longhand, with a |
| sweetheart. | | | | flourish if your penmanship is up to it, on some |
| You could do the task without mentioning it and | | | | fancy paper. (Don't forget to give proper credit to |
| enjoy the surprise when your work is noticed. If | | | | the poet.) This can be your handmade Valentine's |
| you're worried that your effort won't be | | | | card, or you might include the poem with a card |
| recognized, you could include a subtle hint with | | | | you purchase. |
| your Valentine's card. | | | | 9. If your sweetheart has an extensive collection |
| 4. This is a high-end version of Number 3. A | | | | of music, books, photos or something similar, you |
| Valentine's gift that keeps on giving will be very | | | | could archive it on your computer and create a |
| welcome. You could promise to walk the dog | | | | useful gift. Demonstrating your interest in the |
| every day for a month, cook meals for a week, | | | | particular passion should earn you high marks. |
| tend the lawn or assume any duties your darling | | | | 10. The last suggestion is the deluxe treatment, |
| normally does for a set period. | | | | but using any or all of it could enhance Valentine's |
| Just remember, whatever commitment you | | | | Day. If there's time in the morning, offer a full |
| make must be honored or your gift will backfire. | | | | breakfast with some delicacies reserved for |
| What could be less romantic than promising | | | | special occasions. If possible, arrange to meet for |
| something that doesn't happen? | | | | a fancy picnic lunch, even if the weather dictates |
| 5. Cooking a meal is an obvious gift, but there are | | | | that you eat in the car. Follow up with a candlelit |
| some ways to embellish it. Include special foods or | | | | dinner, where you incorporate one or more of the |
| beverages that you have enjoyed together, | | | | suggestions noted above. Next, well, use your |
| especially when you first met or during early | | | | imagination. |
| dating. | | | | It doesn't take a lot of money for a memorable |
| If you fell in love while having pizza and beer, | | | | Valentine's Day. Just spend some time and |
| maybe that's your menu. Tastes and smells | | | | devotion in letting your beloved know how you |
| locked in our memories evoke powerful emotions, | | | | feel. |
| including romantic feelings. Don't overlook the | | | | |