Valentine’s Day – with a twist

5 Great Homemade Valentine's Day Gifts

Monday, 28 Jan 2013

We love Valentine’s Day, but we hate the consumption craze that comes with it. If you really need to spend a thousand dollars to show your love… honey, it’s time for some perspective.

And cheap doesn’t need to be tacky or insincere! We searched deep within our romantic souls to pull together 5 great ideas that will make your Valentine’s Day way more memorable than that sparkly new bling.
1. Get cooking.
This requires some planning, and depending on what you already have in the fridge, some legwork. Set some time to cook together and enjoy a homecooked meal without distractions. Whip out that iPhone to take snaps and short videos of the night; if you’re more tech-savvy you can even edit the clip later to make your 2013 montage of love.
Have young kids? Rope them in! Get them mashing potatoes or decorating sweet treats.
Have older kids? You’re in luck. Try a romantic candlelight dinner with the hubby… while your kids comically play maître d’ and sommelier. This might require some tipping – extra $ for dramatic flair.
2. Love letters.
What happened to good ol’ love letters? No, texting isn’t going to do the trick here – you need to put some grease into it. Pack a lunch for the kids and the hubs and slip a handwritten note in, or leave your deskmates cheerful post-its in unexpected places.
Bolder? Make a stranger’s day! Start in the office by leaving mysterious love notes around the copy machine or the pantry… or go one step further and declare your love publicly. Check out these easy printables from In Merry Motion that will get even the moodiest stranger smiling.
3. Volunteer – together, and even with the kids.
Valentine’s Day is all about love – and not just the romantic sort. It’s a great opportunity to spread some cheer and fuzziness around, but it’s also a good chance to teach kids that true love is generous and for everyone. Check out our list of places to volunteer at for inspiration.
4. Forget Singles Awareness Day – celebrate your independence!
Ladies, flying solo is awesome and nobody should make you feel bad about it on Valentine’s Day. Go out and celebrate with the girls or host a party at home. We’re in the age of Girls – and we’ve got your back.
5. Celebrate love – in all forms.
We believe that everyone should have the freedom and right to love whoever they want, but sadly not all of us have that privilege. Take 5 minutes of your time to wish friends who don’t enjoy the same rights as many of us a Happy Valentine’s Day; it’s a simple gesture but it lets them know you’re rooting for them. Valentine’s Day isn’t about commercial heterosexual love, guys – let’s get back to the basics and celebrate love in all forms, for everyone.