It's that time again. When lovers exchange cards, buy flowers and candy and go on dinner dates. It's a time when single people cringe at bombardment of "love" messages at every turn and are asked "what are your plans for the day?" Same old, same old.
How about thinking outside the box this year? Not that flowers and chocolates are a bad thing. Everyone loves romance, but why not do something different this year? Why not come up with a creative gift? We went searching for some out-of-the-box Valentines Day ideas.
Volunteer Together- Be charitable. There are so many great charities out there! Puppy Love- volunteer at your local animal shelter. Spend time with seniors in nursing homes. So many of them don't have visitors according to Senior Source. Volunteer at a local food bank like Feeding America Tampa Bay. Forgo the fancy dinner tonight and help out a family who'd be grateful for a simple warm meal.
Uncommon Gifts - for the man in your life who loves beer, buy him a beer making kit from UncommonGoods.com or how about personalized his and hers glass stemware? This website is packed with creative and unique gift ideas. If you blew it this year, have no fear, there is always next year! Note: Chocolate is chocolate unless it is Viktoria Richards Artisan Chocolates, these beautiful and tasty works of art qualify for a unique and beautiful version of Valentines Chocolates! Your sweetheart will be impressed and spoiled with these tasty treats!
Take a Cooking Class together- Williams Sonoma offers them at their Citrus Park Mall location in Tampa, so does The Rolling Pin in Brandon. How fun it would be to enjoy the new dish you cooked together!
Wine Tasting- Sign up for local Tampa Bay Wine Events. There are wonderful wineries where you and your honey can go. Sip wines and learn about them too. Just look at how cultured you two are you now!
Brunch instead of Dinner- A common complaint on Valentine's night is the long lines and crowded restaurants. Why not skip the crowds and go for a champagne brunch instead? If Valentines falls on a work day, hold off until the following lazy Sunday. Sleep in together and roll out of bed for a delicious brunch out.
~BONUS IDEA~ A Treasure Map- Brought to you by Jennifer Clayback Bell. Here is her unique and romantic idea: "One year, when we were young and broke, I made a treasure map for my husband. He had to follow poem clues to find each of the 6 pieces of the map, then once he had pieced the map together, he had to follow it (using whimsical names for landmarks in our condo complex) to a "treasure chest". The "chest" was a cardboard box wrapped in brown bag and decorated like a pirate chest, overflowing with bead necklaces. Inside was a favorite picture of us, framed, and with the words "you are my treasure" written on the photo. No matter what, that was the best present I ever got him."
Now that's love! Thank you Jennifer!
For more thoughts on love, what makes a woman tick and a love letter to men, The Sophisticates Guide to Life book comes out March 1st. $16 Reserve your copy today. Info@TheSophisticates.org It will be available on Amazon early March and in select book stores.
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