Ellen PhillipsAs promised, I'll try to match yours and, maybe, even identify different original gifts for Cupid to speed your way.
Cheap but romantic
1. Donate to a cause in your honey's honor. Not only is this a thoughtful gift, but also you can take a tax deduction next year.
2. Take your sweetie pie on a treasure hunt. Send a text, email or snail mail message with Clue No. 1. Place additional clues all over the house, car and yard. The last clue will direct the finder to a mystery spot for a movie, picnic or whatever you choose.
3. Indulge but reduce. Rather than a dozen roses, buy one. (Attach a tiny Barbie-like mirror with a note saying something like, "Look into this mirror to see an even more beautiful rose." Cheesy, yes, but it works!) Instead of a big box of candy, give your special person a favorite chocolate bar she or he wouldn't normally buy. Forego an expensive dinner and give a "loaf of bread, a jug of wine and thou." Place a bottle of wine and a loaf of homemade or artisan bread in an inexpensive basket or in one you already have.
Free but romantic
1. If Feb. 14th is a pleasant day, take a hand-held walk around the lake, along a wooded trail or in a park.
2. Send romantic text messages throughout the day or write a love poem. If artistically inclined, create an original Valentine's card. Personal touches are always the best "keepers," especially with women.
3. Gifts of service mean a lot to a busy, stressed person. It can be as practical as washing the car or as romantic as giving the wife (or husband) a massage by candlelight. Perhaps popping a big bowl of popcorn and sitting together for a few hours rooting for the home team on a Sunday night (particularly if you're not even a fan) or giving a foot rub after a long day at work will bring kisses of appreciation. In fact, this could become a treasured tradition.
4. I've mentioned this gift before and utilized it for both my mother and, later, for my husband. Take a pretty jar, box or other closed container; label it "I Love You Because" and fill it with scraps of paper on which you've written the many reasons for your love. (For example: "You bring me coffee each morning.") The recipient takes out one per day and, believe me, is astonished -- and happy -- to view anew why you think he or she is so amazing.
5. And, finally, the best Valentine's (and every other day of the year) gift is a simple and heartfelt "I love you."
Contact Ellen Phillips at ephillips@timesfreepress.com.