How to Give Your Spouse a Valentine's Day Present

Valentine's Day can be a time to recapture the romance of a relationship ' finding the right gift can be stressful, though, especially if you are short of time or money. The following guidelines may help you find the perfect valentine for the one you love.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lingerie
• Aromatherapy Candles
• Candles
• Flowers
• Champagne
• Boxes Of Chocolates
• Bubble Baths
• Breakfast Tray
• Airline Tickets
• Bed-and-breakfast
• Candles

1. Think romance! This usually means avoiding the practical, and selecting something frivolous, romantic, and lots of fun ' unless, of course, you absolutely know that a new blender or table saw is your spouse's heart's desire.

2. Keep it personal. Instead of just buying a generic Valentine's Day gift, think about what your spouse really enjoys, and shop accordingly.

3. Be creative, especially if you are trying to stay within a budget. The most interesting and romantic gifts are often the ones that involve the most thought and planning!

4. Remember that gifts don't have to be huge or expensive to be romantic. Sometimes one tiny, perfect bunch of someone's favorite freesias or tulips can be more romantic than two dozen red roses.

5. Include a small surprise if you can manage it. This doesn't have to be anything huge ' it could be as simple as leaving a rose on the table for your spouse to find first thing in the morning, or serving breakfast in bed!

6. Give the best present of all ' your time and attention, as well as a gift. Try to spend a few hours just being together, relaxing, and revisiting the romance of your relationship.

Tips & Warnings

• For the spouse who has everything, consider a gift certificate for a future treat ' an hour of professional massage, a night at a country inn, or a weekend at the beach.
• Tuck a couple of homemade "Love Coupons" into a Valentine card ' "good for spending one Saturday in bed all day," or "can be redeemed for one full body massage," or whatever else strikes your fancy!
• If you run out of original ideas, or if you run out of time, a gift of candles and scented bubble bath can hold the promise of a romantic interlude!
• If you want a special evening, but don't want to spend lots of money, buy your spouse a copy of his or her favorite romantic movie. Package it up with some gourmet popcorn, add a bottle of wine if you like, and have a "movie date" at home.
• Don't try to buy flowers at the last minute ' florists usually take orders well in advance for Valentine's Day, and you may find that all the flowers have sold out by the time you stop by on your way home from work.
• Chocolates and candy make a great gift, unless your spouse is trying to lose weight! Rather than sabotaging the diet, consider providing a nonedible treat instead.
• If you plan to buy lingerie for your spouse, be sure that you know the right size and the right style before you shop.

[zemzem82]

on 1/12/2009 open the door butt booty naked when they come home! Always a good one! - zemzem.ecrater.com

[JudyFord]

on 2/1/2008 Valentine's Day--Get relationship advice and ideas from me and the other eHow Experts on our relationship forum: http://www.ehow.com/community/forums/topic_33827_valentine’s-day:-in-love?-broken-hearted?-alone?-how-do-you-deal?.aspx.

[Tiki22]

on 2/7/2007 a puppy with a big red bow!

on 11/22/2005 If your sweetheart loves the outdoors, but the weather is inclement, here is a really fun idea. First and foremost, this must all be a surprise! Pack these items in picnic baskets, or any large attractive container. Do not use a plastic laundry basket. That screams "redneck!"

Lovingly pack a big, soft, sensuous blanket or sheepskin rug to have your picnic on. Add some fun colored paper plates, napkins, and utensils. Valentine prints would be nice. You can get these very cheaply at any dollar store. Plan some scrumptous treat for your sweetheart. Choose their favorite dishes that can be served easily. For example, try a smoked salmon salad, sub sandwiches on lovely sourdough bread, vinegared cucumbers with fresh red onion, and chocolate-dipped strawberries to finish.

Also, think ahead and buy or order a CD of birds singing, so it sounds like you are outdoors. Now, gather all the foilage you can from your place, family, and friends. Use several artificial trees, ficus trees, palm plants, and ferns to green up your living room.

Now that you have all this planned, throw in a romantic movie before or after the picnic (depending on your schedule). Plan to feel the love! If you go to this much trouble, you will have captured a heart forever.

on 11/22/2005 I've been collecting lyrics to songs that perfectly describe how I feel about my husband. It takes some time, thought, and investigation, but I think it will be well worth it. One could even record such a collection and leave it in the car stereo on Valentine's Day morning.