If you're tired of the same old routine of flowers, candy and dinner out - how about giving your Valentine something different this year?
Here are 10 suggestions that are sure to earn you some smiles from your honey - and a good bit of jealousy from your friends who just couldn't think of something new and different this year.
- A new bag, tote, briefcase, sports bag or suitcase. Most women love to get a new purse or other bags to carry all their "stuff." It's an accessory every bit as important as a new pair of shoes. Unlike shoes, however, you don't have to worry about whether or not you got her the right size because most women keep a variety of purses in all shapes and sizes to suit the needs of the event.
Sports enthusiasts need a stylish place to carry their gym equipment - one big enough to hold everything they need (usually with compartments to keep the sweaty gym shoes separate from their bottle of water!).Business women and men alike enjoy receiving a new briefcase or laptop bag or a leather binder or planner that helps keep them organized.
Anyone who travels will appreciate having a new suitcase...especially if it's accompanied by tickets to a fabulous weekend getaway!
- Ordinarily, a "practical" gift for the kitchen isn't appreciated, but if your sweetheart is a chef or gourmet cook, a new appliance with all the bells and whistles would be appreciated a dozen times more than a bouquet of roses and baby's breath (or yet another new "Kiss the Cook" apron). Bread machines are always popular and a stand mixer might also mean more breads, cookies and cakes for you!
Even wannabe chefs appreciate high quality products, so don't just visit the local WalMart and pick up a $20 blender - instead, opt for a new espresso machine, high-end coffee pot or even a fancy mandoline slicer.
While you're at it, don't forget about the back yard chef! BBQ utensils and meat thermometers can help get those steaks done right every single time!
- If you don't know a styrofoam plate from a serving platter, how about getting them specialty food items instead? You can mail order everything from steaks and chicken to seafood and dessert all in one place. If you can't decide, why not order a combo/variety pack?
If your sweetie is more interested in relaxing than cooking after a hard day, how about one of the many gourmet and herbal teas that are available? Why not make it a gift set while you're at it?
- Speaking of relaxing...consider the gift of music. Not sure what music to buy? How about adding to your honey's DVD movie collection instead?
Audiobooks are also a wonderful way to relax. Just pop in your earphones and let someone read to you while you and your Valentine just kick back and take it easy. These are also great for road trips instead of listening to your favorite CD for the 100th time!
- If music and movies really ARE his/her thing - how about a new MP3 player, DVD player or accessory? There are lots of portable speakers to choose from these days (even mirrored speakers that are made for listening to your iPod in the shower!). And why wake to radio static when you can plug your MP3 player into a combination alarm clock/player and wake to your favorite music instead? If you're tech-savvy enough to record your own MP3 on your computer, you can download it to your MP3 player and use it as your morning alarm instead. Imagine how much more pleasant it would be to wake to the sound of your kids laughing. That's an awesome way to start the day!
- Waking up isn't the only fun you'll have in the bedroom if you get your sweetheart some new lingerie. You could get new silk boxers or pajama pants for him....or a sexy bustier and panty set for her (OK...so that's just as much for him, too)!
Guys - if you want to be really creative, you can get her a set of panties that look like roses or boxes of chocolates, so you'll get double points!
- For times when you need to cover up that sexy underwear, don't forget about plush Turkish robes. There's nothing like snuggling up into a warm wrap after a shower, bath or hot tub. For warmer weather, opt for a waffle weave - or how about a bamboo robe?
- OK, so what if the guys will laugh at your fella' in his new silk jammies? How about macho military clothing instead? These are perfect for anyone who has served in the Armed Forces or those who like to hunt and fish. There are also a number of novelty items that are related to the military, too, so don't limit yourself to just a new t-shirt or cap.
- What about the yoga enthusiast in your life? Doesn't he/she deserve comfortable and stylish clothing as well? Yoga clothing lines are not leotards and spandex tights these days.
Not sure what size to buy or what style is best? How about choosing yoga accessories such as mats, blocks, zafus or zabutons instead? You'll not only show your sensitivity, but your sense of style as well.
- While we're on the subject of getting fit and exercising, let's not forget the sports enthusiast in your life! Baseball season is right around the corner, so team jerseys and other baseball apparel will remind him/her that spring is right around the corner.
For those who participate in the sport, you can also consider helmets, batting gloves and other baseball accessories .
Hopefully, you've found these tips to be useful ideas for Valentine's Day gifts. But, just remember guys...when in doubt, jewelry always works!
*FTC Disclosure...the writer may get paid if you purchase items through these links. Really...do you care?
Yeah...we didn't think so.
