Midori Pearl

Valentine’s Day aka Commercial Love Day

If you’re “connected” to someone this Valentine’s Day, what plans and gift ideas do you have up your sleeve?  Most guys hate this day of material and attention-wanting expectations.  In case you’re one of these guys, or a girl who likes to give gifts as well, here are some “different ideas” than the usual chocolate, flowers and dinner ideas:

1.  Unique or Ethical Jewelry

• Conflict-free, Canadian jewelry can be found at Brilliant Earth’s website.  Or if you’re on a budget, consider lab created diamonds with Diamond Nexus Labs.
• Check out Etsy.com for unique ideas, like this recycled fork bracelet molded into hearts. Perhaps a fun gift for that special someone who loves to cook, or eat! *See featured photo above from MarchelloArt.

2. Split the Bill on a Shared Gift

Consider “sharing” a gift for something you both have always wanted, that way your significant other won’t feel like they’re always the one giving a gift during Vday:

• Since you spend most of your life in the horizontal, how about selling that frumpy old bed for a new bed, mattress and sexy silk sheets for sleepy time and sexy nights? ApartmentTherapy.com recently reviewed one from Natura as being highly rated, as well as created with natural materials.
• Adopt a pet together from your local shelter.
• Split on a vacation to getaway somewhere you’ve always wanted.

3.  Get to the heart through their taste buds.

• Make some organic red velvet cupcakes with Suzanne Whang’s gluten and sugar free recipe.
• Go to a fancy restaurant and pay less.  Visit websites like LivingSocial, Groupon and Restaurant.com for restaurant deals that won’t break your budget.

4.  Just give love.

Since this whole day is about love, why not just be a good loving person to those you care about 24/7??  Why give yourself a headache on February 14th of each year to prove you love someone?  Just be loving to your significant other, your family, your friends ALL the time.  Give the gift of love every day of your life:

• Call old relatives who don’t hear from you often.
• Tell your significant other that you love them and mean it.  Express it through your actions and how you treat them. Be spontaneous and surprise them with random messages and dates.
• Lend a helping hand if someone needs help, including helping someone move, a ride to the airport, baby-sitting, donations in times of need, etc.
• Give hugs instead of handshakes and tell people you love and appreciate them.
  
  

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!