14 Valentine's gifts that don't involve food

It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Every store you walk into has that giant red and pink splashed aisle full of chocolate, candy, and all sorts of sinful treats. We somehow think that the size of the box of chocolates is in direct correlation to the amount of our love. Oh, but you’re trying to watch your weight. And maybe your sweetheart is, too. And then you have your kids. Of course the Boise Healthy Living Examiner advocates all things in moderation. But if you are opposed to sending any of these important people the message that we show love by buying them sugary treats, check out these 14 alternatives for Valentine gifts.

1. Socks Not the kind that come in a pack of 10 in a plastic bag. For women and girls, look for some cute socks with hearts and other Valentine motifs. For men and boys, find some thick boot socks to help get through this “winter,” or whatever you want to call it this year. We might not have any snow, but it’s still cold. Warm tootsies can warm your heart.
2. Jewelry This never goes out of style, and it works for men and women. Think you can’t find something for men in a jewelry store? Look for a nice tie tack, cufflinks, chain, or a watch.
3. Accessories for their devices Show your love by helping protect their cell phone, iPod, iPad or other devices. New ear buds or a case in a fun color are always appreciated. 
4. Sports trading cards Not your typical Valentine gift, but if you loved one has a collection, this is a thoughtful present. And it doesn’t have to be baseball. You can collect cards for football, hockey and basketball, too. How about a rookie card from his or her favorite player? Or a card from the year you started dating, got married, or when a child was born?
5. Stationery Do you spend way too much time composing texts and emails? Do you even remember how to write in cursive anymore? Give you valentine a box of personalized stationery, and include a love note on the first page. This is a great gift for kids, as it encourages them to write letters to grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.
6. Music A CD or iTunes gift card makes a great gift. Ask your sweetheart what was the first album they bought with their own money, and then buy it for them. They’ll be touched to see that you gifted them Kiss, “Destroyer” the next time they open their iTunes account, or see the CD in their car on Valentine’s Day morning.
7. E-book or magazine subscription If your loved one has an e-reader, give them something they can enjoy for a while. Or, buy the e-reader and load it with books and magazines.
8. Pencils and erasers These are great for kids. There are so many fun designs and shapes to choose from these days. Buy a handful and tie them up with a ribbon like a bouquet. If they love to draw, look for a nice set of colored pencils.
9. A special pen You know how everyone seems to borrow “your” pen but never gives it back? Buy your sweetheart a special pen, like one from their favorite sports team or with a pretty design, so everyone will know who it belongs to. Even if they only use it to write checks or a grocery list, they’ll think of you each time they use it.
10. Picture and frame We live in a digital age, where we can take a picture with our phones, send them to another device and never have to visit a photo processing lab ever again. But if your love is really meant to last, you’ll want to print out a picture of you and your loved one and put it in a nice frame. Look for something in their favorite color or style, so they can keep you close at all times.
11. Massage or other spa treatment Who doesn’t enjoy being pampered? Get a gift certificate for your sweetheart to enjoy a day at one of the Treasure Valley’s many fine spas or salons. This is a very thoughtful gift and you will be thanked.
12. Journal No matter your valentine’s age or gender, a journal says, “I care enough about you to give you your space, so here’s a place to record your most private feelings.” As a couple, you can buy a journal for the two of you. It’s a great place to write each other love notes and other sweet nothings. It is not, however, the place to leave nagging reminders about picking up the dry cleaning or keeping your socks off the floor, so use it wisely.
13. A fill up No, get your mind out of the gutter. Show your valentine how much you care by filling up their gas tank. A car wash and vacuum scores you extra points.
14. Your time It should go without saying, but when it comes down to it, the most valuable gift is the gift of your time. Clear your schedule and turn off your phones so you can spend some valuable one-on-one time with each other. That’s the best way to say “I love you,” any day of the year.

Talk it up:

What’s the best non-food Valentine’s gift you ever received?

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