Photo by Jaimie Duplass/Photoexpress
As a husband and father you want to give good gifts to your loved ones on Valentine's Day, but ideas are hard to come by, especially as the big day approaches. How is a busy dad going to give meaningful gifts when he has waited until the last minute? Here are some easy, low cost ideas to spur your creativity.
1. Serve breakfast in bed. While this may not be the most original idea, this romantic gesture takes on even more meaning when your children are involved in the process. Even if they just make toast or pour the juice, their "help" allows them to share in a sense of accomplishment. A successful breakfast doesn't have to be complicated either. Even the least competent cook can bake some frozen buttermilk biscuits and heat pre-cooked bacon. As with most gifts, the intent is more important than the result.
2. Make it interesting. Anybody can buy a box of chocolates and a card, but a little effort can make for a much more memorable gift. A scavenger hunt in which your sweetheart uncovers one piece of her gift at a time offers the additional gift of anticipation. Start off a shopping adventure with a gift card for her favorite drink at Barnes and Noble, and leave a gift card there for her other favorite shopping locations. Most employees are happy to be a part of a romantic experience and are glad to help.
3. Flowers are still a must. While you may be tempted to balk at the idea of giving flowers because they are traditional (and expensive), don't. Flowers are always appreciated, even when they are expected. However, there are a few things you can do to make it more meaningful. For example, consider a single rose rather than a whole dozen. Some local stores (like Aldi, for example) are selling bunches of roses and other flowers at a significant discount. The quality of the flowers is good, and there is no downside to delivering the roses yourself.
4. Don't forget your daughters. Your children are beginning to develop expectations that will have great impact on their future relationships. Special attention in the form of a rose offered to your daughter now will pay dividends for years to come.
5. Involve your children. Children will gain much more enjoyment by being involved in the gift-giving process when they help create the gift being given. It will take a little more effort and some stealth on your part, but the dividends are worth the extra investment. Get ideas from several websites, such as Family Education or Family Fun and choose something that is within your budget, your time limitations and your skill set.
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