Creative Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Him and Her

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Valentine's Day is on February 14 and if you're stuck on gift ideas for your sweetie, read on for some creative alternatives to traditional flowers, chocolates and jewelry. 

Billions of dollars are spent on Valentine's Day gifts each year, but with a bit of thought and ingenuity you can make the day even more special by making your own gifts or devising other ways to show your affection.  It's important to consider the object of your affection when designing a Valentine's Day plan.  What does your partner like/dislike, what would pleasantly surprise him or her?  Tailor the gift to the person and you'll be in good shape - generic box of chocolates doesn't really get the job done.

Many of the most romantic and heartfelt gift ideas involve some form of writing.  Remember how much fun it was to receive stealth notes in elementary school?  The novelty of a private message never goes away.  Consider putting letters in a bottle for added effect.

• write letters to one another that you will open together for a future milestone, ie. a major anniversary.
• write a personalized erotic short story, Harlequin style - you may even want to enact it later!
  
• write the story of how you both met and fell in love.
• a list of 101 things you want to do together.
• write a good old fashioned love letter - this could include your hopes and dreams for the future, or things about the other person you admire, etc.
• hide small love notes in various places.
• identify some of your favourite memories together.
  

Other ideas still involve writing but are a bit more dynamic:

• create a handmade recipe book if your lover is a foodie.
• make a memory book with photos, tokens of your relationship, ticket stubs from places you've visited together, song lyrics.

While some ideas could be much more active:

• take a walk together along a romantic route.
• make a mix CD.
• try a new hobby together, like painting or pottery.
• cook a special meal, complete with candlelight and wine.
• organize a love 'scavenger' hunt.
• if you're musically inclined, write a song dedicated to your sweetheart.
• pamper eachother - massage, read to one another, run a bath.
  

This goes to show that often the most heartfelt gifts are those which cost little to nothing at all.  Being in tune with your feelings and having the trust to share this with your partner is the ultimate gift; it doesn't have to be cheesy or expensive, just genuine.

If you've just started dating someone and aren't quite ready to go full steam with grand gestures, why not try one of these lighter gift ideas:

• slow dance.
• give a gift that can be consumed - food like chocolates or candies, or beverages such as a nice bottle of wine or case of beer.
• have a movie marathon at home.
• hang out on a rooftop somewhere.

And gentlemen, don't forget that opening doors and pulling out the chair for your lady are gestures that go a long way.  It's not a big deal when you don't do it, but we certainly notice when you do.  It's like wearing your seatbelt while driving - it takes two seconds and could save your life, so you might as well.

Best of luck in surprising your lover for Valentine's Day!  Just remember that it doesn't have to be over-the-top, cheesy, or gushy to be meaningful and memorable.  Going overboard or acting in such a way that's not characteristic of you or your relationship could do more harm than good.  Be yourself, and show how grateful you are to be sharing your life with your mate!

If you have additional suggestions on Valentine's Day gift or activity ideas, please leave a comment below.