Amongst the holidays, birthdays and anniversaries it seems like Valentine’s Day is just another day we have to scrape up some extra cash and creativity. For some couples, it will be the first not-actually-a-holiday holiday they will celebrate and most of us have far surpassed the days of a good ole mixed tape. While some couples use Valentine’s Day as a way to splurge on their significant other (cough TIFFANY’S cough) – I am yet to dismiss my “it’s the thought that counts” philosophy. So, here’s a list of some quirky yet creative Valentine’s Day gifts for your sweetheart.
For the Foodie
Chocolate Fondue. This is a gift of experience. If neither of you has ever had fondue it is definitely worth a try. You can either buy prepackaged fondue chips (like the ones from Williams-Sonoma: $15.00) or buy your favorite package of bitter or semi-sweet chocolate in addition to a number of dipping choices. I suggest: marshmallows, brownies, rice krispie treats, strawberries, bananas, and pound cake. Fondue does not require you to be a kitchen professional; however, if you want to avoid a potential culinary catastrophe you can always go out for fondue. The Melting Pot in White Plains offers chocolate fondue for two for only $18.00.
For the Romantic
Photo Album*. Let’s leave the scrapbooking to the professionals. If you’re anything like me cutting in straight lines/with crazy scissors is not your forte. No matter … a photo album is the perfect sentimental gift for your boo. My advice is to start by choosing some of your favorite photographs of the two of you together then find a plain photo album you can decorate. OR. You can venture to the CVS photo lab where you can make your very own photo book (… express pickup available). You can choose the size of the book, the backgrounds, and if you want to include text – along with font and color. Prices range from $5.99-$19.99. I made one for my year anniversary and included one picture per page from each of the twelve months we were together.
* I recommend this gift for couples that have been together for at least a few months. If this is your first month together it might be a little creepy to have a whole book filled with pictures…
For the Partier
‘Stache flask (Urban Outfitters- $18). Because if he doesn’t have a mustache already he probably wants one.
For the Intellectual
The “Ideal Bookshelf” by Jane Mount. This is great for someone who loves literature, whether he likes the classics or cookbooks (or both!). Prices range from $17.00 and up. And ladies if your sweetheart is more of a TV or cinema buff, break our your ruler and some fine-tip markers and make your own “ideal shelf” using the spines of the DVD cases, which would be impressive to him and cheaper for you.
For the Aspiring Philanthropist
A donation in your sweetheart’s name. Does he want to join the fight in ending HIV/AIDS? World hunger? Cancer? Is his favorite animal facing extinction? Making a donation in his name would be the perfect and most thoughtful gift you can give. Also, what is good about most charitable giving is that you can choose how much you give. If you can only spare $25 – only donate $25. And for most organizations your donation will come with a thank-you letter and more information about the organization. As of December I am the proud adoptive parent of Doc, a West Indian Manatee thanks to my boyfriend. His donation in my name was one of most thoughtful gifts I have ever received! It included an actual picture of Doc and “Paddle Tales” a monthly newsletter about manatees and the Florida state park that Doc resides in.
Photo Credits:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/58574428/ideal-bookshelf-53-aza-8×10-print?ref=v1_other_1
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=195338…