How to Give Romantic Gifts

Gifts are a form of communication. Think about what your gifts say about you and your relationship. When giving to your honey, stretch beyond the usual roses, chocolates and diamonds. Bust out the creative juices and give a gift from the heart without breaking the bank. Here are a few gift ideas to jump start the process.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Open mind
• A few creative elements to work from
• Online resources

1. Manuscript Originals: Illustrated and framed, handwritten, hand-signed lyrics from the writers of our favorite songs. Artists editions include “Love Potion No. 9,” “Stand By Me,” “Hero,” etc.
2. Etched cufflinks: Sterling silver and ruby cufflinks etched with a secret message, such as, “Je t’adore,” (“I adore you” in French). Given in a red leather heart box, it’s perfect.
3. Not-so-secret admirer scrapbook: Start with a red library photo album and fill the pages with romantic stuff:
   • A big red kiss made with your favorite red lipstick on;
   • Dried rose petals (he loves me, he loves me not, he loves me);
   • A hand-cast sterling key engraved with “to my heart” tied with red ribbon (used as the book mark);
   • A matchbook from the restaurant of your first date;
   • Love notes given in years past
   • Page after page of directions for a treasure hunt ending with a mysterious invitation to a Valentine’s Eve dinner.
   
4. A classic love letter expressing why you love your sweetie. "How I love thee let me count the ways:
   for your great jokes and sparkling smile; for your knack of knowing just the right thing to say; for your kind way of inspiring me to be better...."
   
5. A stack of monogrammed handkerchiefs: Pile the classic white versions into a stack, kiss the top one while wearing your favorite lipstick and tie them together with a red ribbon attached to a note that reads: “This is my favorite color. Know it, love it, kiss it.”
6. Throw blanket: A heavyweight 60-by-60-inch, red wool-felt blanket is big enough for two to cuddle under. Monogram it the traditional way or the romantic way “P + B = L” and give with a movie to watch together.
7. Engrave a fork with the date of your first dinner together. Throw in any mementos from that evening (matches or cocktail napkins from the restaurant, and so on). Give it all together in a red velvet box, then feed your sweetie a sumptuous dessert with the fork.
8. If you and your crush are separated for Valentine's Day or any other special day, take out a personal ad in the local newspaper where your sweetheart is staying. Ask the concierge to circle the ad and leave a copy of the newspaper in the room with a box of chocolate truffles and a note with an invitation to celebrate upon his or her return.

Tips & Warnings

• Get creative: Think about times and memories that the two of you have shared and create a gift from them.