Gulf Coast Family

Valentine’s Day has always been a special holiday for us; however all throughout the county, you can’t help but notice that the trend toward buying gifts rather than demonstrating love seems to be getting worse. The folks at the mall especially seem to have decided to emblazon everything from boxer shorts to stuffed animals with little red hearts, but that doesn’t mean they make great Valentine’s Day gifts. A good Valentine’s gift, one that counts, will be a thoughtful present!

The Valentine’s Day gift you choose for your loved one and how you decide to spend the day says a lot about your relationship. So give something that has real meaning to you. Gifts from the heart don’t have to be expensive and luckily, Valentine’s Day falls on the weekend this year. Which means you can plan a full day of romantic fun. Since the traditional gifts of flowers or chocolates don’t last forever, here are ten creative ways to express your love.

• Create your own Valentines Day card. Compose a poem or an expression of love that expresses your personality.
• The gift of togetherness is precious, given today’s busy lifestyles, so try taking a romantic long drive along the coast line and then have a candlelit dinner.
• Create a scrapbook filled with favorite photographs, love letters, keepsakes from special occasions, and cherished mementos.
• Prepare a nice valentines cookie recipe in the shape of heart. Your sweetheart will love it.
• Make a CD of your favorite songs as a couple including love songs that you both enjoy listening to. Buy some romantic CDs, classic videos or DVDs and wrap them all together with red ribbon.
• Give silk or glass flowers, which will last a lifetime.
• For the sweetheart with a sweet tooth, make a decadent dessert such as a chocolate fondue of melted chocolate mixed with a touch of heavy cream, and serve it with fruit or cookies.
• Hold each other’s hands and go for a walk. A walk on the beach is a fabulous idea.
• Jewelry is always a favorite.
• Decorate the house for the special occasion. Get a baby sitter for the kids, prepare your loved one’s favorite dinner and serve it on a romantically set table and dine by candlelight on Valentine’s Day.

“If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden.”

— Claudia Ghandi

“You have to walk carefully in the beginning of love; the running across fields into your lover's arms can only come later when you're sure they won't laugh if you trip.”

— Jonathan Carroll