You may think that if you come home without a dozen red roses on Valentine’s Day, you will wind up in the dog house. While traditional can often be the best route, I like to take a more original and creative approach to my holiday gift giving.
Before I get into specifics, let’s take a second to talk about the bottom line. We’re all still suffering from our holiday hangover, and shelling out for a dozen roses and chocolates isn’t helping in that department. A dozen long stem roses without thorns (for all you inexperienced shoppers, you can buy de-thorned roses, and it does make a difference) and a box of above average chocolate will run you over $100 this time of year (we all know the prices miraculously go up around Valentine’s Day). Even if you’ve got that kind of cash available right now, consider how long your gifts will actually last: the roses might last a week, the chocolates might last a day, and then you’re left with nothing.
If, however, you go to a garage sale this weekend or next (planning ahead!) you could find something for the same or less that your Valentine will love and cherish for a lifetime. They will be able to look at that item anytime in the future and be reminded of this holiday and the thought you put behind your gift.
For all of you romantics out there who think I’m missing the point of Valentine’s Day, I encourage you to really think about my theory. Be different. Be inventive. Be exciting. Isn’t romance supposed to be spontaneous and fun? If your Valentine gets roses every year, you’ve taken all the surprise out of it. Don’t do what millions of people are suckered into just because Hallmark has told you that celebrating with a card and some flowers is the right way to celebrate. So long as you give a gift from your heart, you’ll be giving them a fantastic gift. And if you still can’t get away from your traditional roots, try buying just one rose to go with your creative gift – then you’ll have the best of both worlds!
Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:
Vintage jewelry
Artwork – think something romantic with a love/heart theme
A poem or a photo of you and your Valentine, framed in an antique frame
Antique jewelry box
One last piece of advice: if you’re going for a useful gift, do not give your spouse a crock pot, a vacuum or a cookbook. It doesn’t matter if they would use it or love, it, those gifts do not fall under the veil of romance, and most likely will send you to bed with Fido.
Good luck, and happy gifting.
Aaron
To learn more about Aaron LaPedis, visit www.thegaragesalemillionaire.com or contact him at [email protected].