Valentine's Day is this Sunday. What are your plans? While everyone is scrambling to write Valentine's Day poems, make dinner reservations or buy last-minute Valentine's Day gifts, this is your chance to think outside the box and come up with some creative Valentine's Day ideas that work for you and your sweetie.
The number of ways to spend Valentine's Day is endless. Some people insist on pricey gifts to show their affection. For other people, however, a simple but intimate way to enjoy Feb. 14 is a priority.
When looking for something to do for Valentine's Day, Sandra Hanson-Clausen, 25, of Aberdeen, S.D. said the easy way out is to buy an expensive present. The gift shouldn't be about money.
"Valentine's Day shouldn't be all about the Benjamins," Hanson-Clausen said. "I think we owe it to our partners to be more creative and spend that extra effort to put a gift together. Or spend time together."
Hanson-Clausen and her husband, Brent, are planning a dinner at home -- minus their 12-month-old daughter, Abigail. After dinner, the couple will exchange gifts, which have a $25 limit.
"Last year, we set the price limit," Hanson-Clausen said. "We usually do a lot for each other for Christmas, and our anniversary is in April, so it just makes sense to keep Valentine's Day on the light side."
Once the gifts are out of the way, they usually watch their favorite movies together.
"I'll pick out of my favorites or something I want to see, and Brent will do the same," Hanson-Clausen said. "That's pretty much our Valentine's Day. I'm not saying it's not cool to spend a lot of money, but for us we've found that the 'less expensive, heavy on effort' gesture is more appreciated." Last year, Amber Curtis, 31, of Aberdeen, S.D., and a stay-at-home mother of three, received a day of pampering as a gift from her husband, Tom. Curtis received an all-purpose spa pass, a package that included hair and nails styling and a massage. She also received a remote car starter. Curtis said she was completely shocked by the gifts. "We usually just go out for dinner and drinks, or he and the kids makes supper for me," Curtis said. This year Curtis said she would like to do something of the same magnitude for her husband. "Maybe a weekend in Minneapolis and tickets to a T'Wolves games," she said. "I have a few other ideas as well. I just want to do something special for him-other than our anniversary or birthdays, we don't do many special things for each other." Top 5 Romantic Gifts Flowers Pillowcase messages The gift of time Demonstrating "10 reasons I love you" A love letter Dinner & Movie Ideas Beer-battered shrimp; "P.S. I Love You" Caramelized onions and beef stew; "No Reservations" Honey-grilled chicken and salad; "Casablanca" Angel hair pasta; "Music & Lyrics"
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