Valentine Gift Ideas For Him

Since this is a very special day to show your special "someone" you love them, I always enjoy trying to find something "different" to give on this "Love Holiday." Even though we all know that every holiday these days is a "Hallmark Holiday," I say "who cares?" and I just decide to indulge the moment. The major problem with Valentines Day is the pressure that it puts on couples in general. Everywhere you turn there are happy couples in advertisements and the jewelry posters in the malls are right in your face! I remember running down to the local mall to get something for my daughter on the 14th last year and there were lines of men at a little candy wagon in the middle of the mall. I actually felt sorry for them all!

Valentines Day should be "about love" and not about gift giving. Like you have probably read before, there are lots of ways to express your love without spending money. I always have my kids make things and I'm a sucker for good romantic poetry, so I write my card. You don't even have to come up with it yourself. There are many famous poems in public domain in books and on the web that you can dip into. I have often told my husband to take the kids and pick some flowers out in fields near our house or in our yard if things are really blooming. The kids really enjoy this and make it sort of like a "treasure hunt" for mommy.

Sometimes it is fun to do things "together" instead of running around and shopping separately for this one day out of 365 days a year. A fun thing to do is to order something on-line and having it delivered the day before a holiday so you both can enjoy it. One of my favorite things to do right now is order a big gourmet basket full of goodies. You don't have to be married to do this either! Another"couple thing" we have done in the past is we both go out to a different local grocery store (Traders, Wild Oats, Whole Foods or local market like that) and buy goodies we usually do not buy. Like imported cheeses and different wines. We try to break our "every day" habits of buying the same stuff all of the time. This makes the day special and we are enjoying new things with eachother. If I want to spice it up a bit, I always get something little to make him "think." Maybe a few nice smelling candles in the room to make it more romantic.

In the past we have also booked a babysitter and gone out to a nice dinner or for early afternoon drinks and appetizers. Depends on our mood and if someone is available or not. If there is no one to watch the kids, we just don't sweat it and we make it fun.

As far as chocolates, I always try to find something French or from another country. Although Sees candy is something that I grew up on, after living in Europe for a while I actually discovered what is out there! You can't beat French chocolates or something different from another country. With the web and access to so many products, why not order something completely different and get it delivered to your door? Or how about making some? How about some homemade truffles? Divine!!!!

The main thing about Valentines Day is that we should be thankful for the love in our house. Whether it is from your children, family, a mate or your spouse. Time flies by so quickly, so remember to do something nice for your other half on other days besides the 14th. Celebrate on this special day, but also remember that there are other times to show that you love someone.