Think Outside The Heart-Shaped Box

Valentines Day is a challenge for some people. For others, it is a piece of cake (literally). But if you are stuck trying to come up with an idea beyond the standard box of chocolates and red roses, here are some helpful ideas.

My friends loathe cleaning the house. For one day, hire a service (Maid Pro, Merry Maids, or someone local) to spend a day cleaning your home. You don’t really have to tell your partner. Take them out before the cleaning crew arrives for a day long spa visit, golf or antiquing in another town. When you arrive home, the house will be clean and they will swoon. Guaranteed!

Buy them something red. No, not a new mixer. A cashmere v-neck or cardigan is a great treat. A mani-pedi with scarlet polish will run you about $35.00. The important part here is that you set up the appointment and go in to pick out the polish. Blind-folding your partner during this outing gives it that 50 Shades of Red feeling.

Skip the jewelry and buy the box. A leather or leatherette, large jewelry box in red will be treasured for a very long time. It is a constant reminder of you whenever your partner opens it. Don’t put a piece of jewelry inside, but right a love note meant to stay in the box. Not the hearts and flowers type? 

Pick up a bowling ball in a fiery red color. So many of them look like large jewels these day. Have initials engraved. Take it to have the finger holes drilled while holding your sweetie’s other hand. Then go night bowling at colorfully lit lanes. If there is a DJ, tip him to play favorite songs.

Low on funds? No problem. If they are the literary type, rent or view on demand Warren Beatty’s epic love story set against the Russian revolution Reds. Fan of horror movies? I think Hammer Films has a ghastly version of Edgar Allen Poe’s The Tell Tale Heart or try the newly released Crimson Peak for staggering beauty coupled with creepy hauntings. Classic romances include Love in the Afternoon, Pillow Talk and Wuthering Heights. 

If you’ve known your lover a long time, get their favorite sitcoms and play multiple episodes Joanie Loves Chachi, The Love Boat, The Many Loves of Dobbie Gillis, Sex in the City...the choices are endless.

The important factors are focusing on your love, what they like and having fun together. A bag of red hots wouldn’t hurt.