Valentine Gifts

Thinking up Valentines day gifts for the other half can be a lot of fun and the most special are the ones where effort and consideration are spent instead of money. It can be difficult and expensive if you let it, but it doesn't have to be so, here are my top five ways to show loved ones you care this Valentine's Day.

HANDMADE CARD

Buying a beautiful card with a lovely verse in is brilliant, but a handmade card from the person who loves you is even better. The time taken to make the card and write in your own words how you feel is personal and you both could do it. If you are a natural Kirsty Allsopp though, do not expect the same level of craftsmanship from your partner, that's just cruel!

BREAKFAST IN BED

I don't just mean a bowl of cornflakes I'm afraid, unless thats your special someones favourite of course. Why not make a big difference with a little more effort? How about a cooked breakfast, French Toast, Eggs Benedict, croissants or jam on toast cut into hearts and nice cuppa? If you are both off work or if Valentines day falls on the weekend that year then a lie in is always welcome too!

52 REASONS I LOVE YOU

Take a pack of cards and puncture two holes through like a ring binder. Join the pack together with ribbon, string or binder clips. Cut out 53 small pieces of card and write down 52 reasons you love your partner (you could type them, but handwritten is more personal). They could be a memory of time together which makes you smile, things they do that makes you happy, their special qualities and the reasons you are with them, etc.

Stick each note card to the face side of the 52 cards in the pack, then write on the 53rd note card, "52 REASONS I LOVE YOU" and stick this to the cover side of the top card, so it's like the cover of a book. Being thoughtful, seeing how important they are to you and the time you spent making a personal gift will mean a lot to them.

LOVE NOTES Now this might sound corny, but actually if you have to be in work on Valentines day, you are completely skint or you leave for work before you partner is up and about, this is a winner! Waking up the morning of Valentines Day to find a loved one has left little notes around the home expressing how they feel about you or saying little things to make you smile is lovely, so get sticking! Leave one on the pillow, on the mirror or medicine cabinet, on the kettle or their favourite mug or both! Put one in their lunch box if they take one, on the door as they leave and even on the steering wheel of the car. Having to spend Valentines without each other doesn't mean you can't show you care and what a lovely way to start the day!

SPEND THE DAY TOGETHER

Sounds simple, but most couples don't spend enough time on their own, especially after having children. Take the day off if you can and while your kids are at school, go for a walk, go out for lunch and talk. Talk about all the stuff you forgot to mention or didn't have time to say because the kids had to come first and put yourselves first for a change. Remember, when your kids are fully grown you'll either be living with your best friend or a stranger take time with one another and fall in love all over again.

Of course if all else fails and you're out of time, flowers and chocolates are pretty nice too!

Wishing you all a lovely Valentines day!

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