Unexpected Valentine's Day Gifts

[jeffrey]

By Valerie S. Johnson

Give a very special present to your loved one of chocolates, flowers, jewelry or dinner -- on any day EXCEPT Valentine's Day. Why? Because your sweetheart will appreciate a genuine gesture that is a true surprise. Buying red roses on Valentine's Day shows no imagination and smacks of "I did this because I'm supposed to." A gift with a card that says "for you, just because" can be very sexy when delivered on any other day of the year.

What does any of this have to do with saving money? It’s no secret that florists hike the cost of flowers on Valentine's Day. You're sure to get a better deal if you buy a week or two earlier. Same goes for expensive chocolates. And if you shop in late January or early February, you'll get a better selection of goodies than if you procrastinate until February 13th.

After Valentine's Day, you don't have to stop. Once the holiday is over, you can pick up some wonderful gifts at deeply discounted prices and continue to give them through the rest of the month.

Free but wonderful gifts to give at any time are handwritten notes. Just imagine all the places to hide your surprise "I'm thinking of you" notes: in the briefcase, lunch box, or gym bag; on the computer keyboard; on the car seat; in the refrigerator; in clothing drawers; in the microwave... the possibilities are endless. It's just a small gesture that is guaranteed to make someone's day, and it costs you essentially nothing.

[dossin1]

I agree, we never go out to eat on V-day cuz it's to crowded, plus most restaurants that honor discount coupons won't take them on that day.

[Aleta]

We used to go out on Valentines Day and stopped it a few years ago. The lines are long, the food is not that good, the roses are old, and the prices on gifts are high. We started having dinner at home, something special, a nice bottle of wine, soft music and maybe a blockbuster movie later. That's a lot better than going out and being frustrated with lackluster food. We enjoy the day a lot more since we started celebrating it at home.

If you have kids at home, it's a bit more difficult. Maybe you can hire a babysitter that night ot trade off with a friend.

[PrincessPerky]

Heh this year DH will be 'on call' meaning he will be fixing the servers for hte cash registers that are going down due to high last minute shoppers...and inreturn we will get a bonus, plus overtime...and can celebrate any other day of the year (and frequently do!)

[scfr]

Valentines chocolates bought half-price after Feb. 14th taste just as good!