You do realize that Valentines Day is in, like, six days, right?
No, seriously. We’re not going to screw this up like we have in the past.
Okay, so maybe she didn’t exactly enjoy the gift cards you got her last year, or the tickets to the hockey game the year before, but this is a new year. This time we’re going to get it right. Let me help you, I’ve got some tried and true ideas that are certainly bringing the “wow” factor, and are guaranteed to melt her heart.
As I mentioned around the holidays, giving gifts to your significant other should always be a delicate mixture of something tangible they want, along with something sentimental they can keep. Here are a few ideas that will have her boasting about you to her co-workers around the office water cooler the next day.
1) Flowers at work. Yes, flowers are often overplayed in the relationship arena, but sending a nice bouquet of stargazer lillies to her place of employment has never EVER failed me. Here’s the catch- have them delivered on a random day without notice. This means not on her birthday, an anniversary, or a major holiday. Maybe choose a time when you know she’s been stressed out about a major deadline. And please choose an appropriate flower for the occasion. Red roses are okay for Valentines day, but the random delivery should be something playful and vibrant. I’ve always found lilies to be perfect for this scenario. They come in a variety of colors and designs, and they can be quite potent smelling- exciting the sense of smell to compliment the beauty will ensure you’re on her mind even when she’s not directly looking at the gift. It will also draw more attention from her co-workers, and their constant questions will make her feel important, appreciated, and loved.
2) Candles. Speaking of overplayed romantic evenings, candle light dinners have gotten a bad rap lately for being uninventive and portrayed in nearly every romantic movie ever. Though, I find the problem isn’t with candles as much as their application. It’s true, using long stemmed candles to light a poorly orchestrated dinner is out, but using a series of tea-light candles to project a new and exciting environment can set the mood perfectly. Allow me to explain. I normally would only use this one at night, when she comes home after dusk from running errands or whatever it is women do at that hour. Simply, set the mood. I like to line the hallways with tiny candles- have them on bookshelves, on counter tops, and coffee tables. Flip wine glasses upside down and use them as pedestals to give your candles height and depth. Put on some of her favorite music, softly, and patiently wait for her with a bottle of her favorite wine. When she gets home, give her some time to unwind and be willing to discuss the day. Try to keep stressful situations out of conversation, this should be a time to set all that aside and to concentrate on each other. Geez, this sounds even too cheesy for me now that I’m writing it, but seriously, you can’t miss.
3) Hershey’s Kisses. It’s no secret that chocolates are a Valentine’s Day favorite, but the standard heart-shaped box of sweets isn’t going to win her over anymore. These days you’re going to have to be a little more clever. That’s why I suggest that you purchase a large reusable glass container from any general retail store and carefully fill it with a mixture of different Hershey’s Kisses- 365 of them to be exact. You see, when you give it to her, you should also let her know that you spent an evening counting out exactly 365 kisses, and that she is to take one kiss for every day of the year. A symbol that she’s always on your mind, even if you’re not physically next to each other. If she doesn’t smile and say “aww”, she’s probably dead inside. Just kidding! No, seriously- dead.
3) The Heinz Ketchup Bottle. Maybe one of the most romantic gifts I’ve done, and certainly the one with the most flair. As I’m sure you’re aware, Heinz ketchup is said to have 57 varieties, in fact, it’s a huge marketing slogan for them. Take a glass Heinz ketchup bottle, empty it, and carefully rinse it out being sure to keep the label in tact on the bottle. Next, cut 57 tiny squares out of red construction paper, roughly one inch by one inch. On each square, write one reason why you love her. Fold each square up and stick it in the bottle. The idea is that each day she can remove a piece of paper from the bottle and unfold it. Much like heinz’s 57 varieties, she’ll have 57 reasons to smile every day. Don’t give me that look. Just do it, she’ll love it, I promise.
Pair these with a heart-felt handwritten card and you’re in the clear until next February. If you take nothing more from this, be sure to do something that takes thought, and a little bit of effort. Be inventive with your ideas, and through your actions let her know that she’s not just another woman, but that she’s someone special to you. Trust me, as all hints of romanticism fall by the way side, these small gestures are going to have a huge impact.
Hell yeah she’ll love that Heinz ketchup bottle.
How did you discover that idea?
haha thanks! Sometimes when you don’t have any money and you’re trying to impress a girl, you have to look around and get creative with what you have available to you. Sometimes you have to be like the MacGyver of love.