Valentines Day | Digital Dads

Better Valentine’s Day Gifts

Friday, February 11th, 2011

Thankfully, my wife and I have never really celebrated the greeting card created Valentine’s Day. We started dating in March and always opted to celebrate that instead of some made up holiday with over priced chocolate and roses.

Now I know we are not the norm on this, so many of you do have to celebrate it and if you don’t do it right your going to end up with an upset significant other and certainly are not going to get any quality loving that night. But, you’ve probably already done the heart shaped anything and a funny card so I want to give you some ideas on how to break out beyond that to do something special.

I’m a die hard romantic and when you’ve been with a woman as long as I’ve been with my wife you learn to get creative. Hope that at least one of these helps you break out and have a great Valentines Day.

Send Flowers to Her Work

Everyone will be getting red roses so opt for something different. Whenever possible do a quick search to find a local florist rather than using one of the big chains as you’ll always get better customer service. You want to send them to work to get extra points from everyone she works with who will give you brownie points.

Make Dinner

Anyone can get a reservation at a fancy restaurant, but it takes real heart to make her dinner. If you have kids, ship them out for the night (makes dessert easier), or get them involved in the whole process. Don’t be scared of cooking. Heck, try one of our recipes or do a quick search online for easy recipes. Pasta can’t really be done wrong if you get stuck. Just don’t over due it or that dessert we hinted at might not happen.

Pajamas & a Movie

Don’t know what her favorite movie is? Find out and then buy her a copy of it and some comfy pajamas and have a date night on the couch. Keep in mind that when I say PJs, I’m talking about the fuzzy comfy kind, not the lacy sexy kind. Keeping her in mind when buying is always the key to success.

iPod Filled With Her Favorite Music

Sort of the modern day mixed tape, but cooler. Take it even further by making it a Product (Red) Nano and get it engraved for her. I did this one year for my wife and she loved it. If you are not sure of her favorite music (again, this is something you should know) give her an iTunes gift card with it so that she can fill it up. For extra credit, allow her to play DJ on the next road trip with her new iPod.

Vermont Teddy Bear

I’m a big fan of this company because I’ve watched them grow and survive after all this time. Trust me that these little guys are damn cute and come in so many varieties that your bound to find one that is a perfect fit for your wife. I took a quick look and they don’t seem to make the Jester one I bought my wife years ago when I was in college, but it was a perfect fit for us. Check their site for options and specials.

A Day at the Spa

Trust me when I say this is a gift that you can always give and she will always appreciate it. Ask other women you know about a good spa in the area and then work with them to put together something special. If you’ve never done it, a couples massage is always a great idea. I can already hear some of you thinking massages are stupid or not manly. Shut up and do it. Trust me, they feel awesome. If she has never been consider getting a package so her and a friend can go and make a day of it.

These are just a few options, but I hope at least one of them catches your interest and makes Monday a great day for you and your special lady.

What other ideas do you have for unique and special gifts? Leave them in the comments so that this post can become even better for guys lost on what to get.

Tags: romance, romantic gifts, valentines day
Posted in Gifts & Holidays | 11 Comments »

Not the Normal Valentine’s Day

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

I’m going to tell you right up front that I’m not a fan of Valentine’s Day. I’m a romantic in every sense of the word and I think that is why I don’t like a Hallmark Holiday like this to exist. People shouldn’t need a single day with over priced flowers and cards that will get thrown away to show their love. Call me old fashion like that, but I’m ok with it.

If you really must do something this weekend, then at least be original about it.

This picture is what is on my white board right now in the office. My daughter made it out of my Buckyballs (the coolest birthday gift I got last year BTW) and when I saw it I couldn’t stop smiling. The fact that it is original and from the heart is what matters the most and the same goes for anything else you are thinking about doing on February 14th.

So here are some personal suggestions on how to move beyond the same old, same old:

Chocolates & Flowers
This is Grade A boring and what everyone does. BUT, if you are going to do it then at least be original about it and have some fun with it. I’m a pretty big hater of the major flower chains because I’ve had bad experiences with them all. Instead why not get your flowers from a local florist that will make you a custom order and you know it’ll come out right. Every town has one so ask around.

On the sweet side there are boutique chocolate shops popping up all over and many of them are now online. Two personal favorites of mine are Lake Champlain Chocolates and 5th Avenue Chocolatiere. Both are better then any heart shape boxed of boring that you are going to pick off a store shelf.
Cook Dinner
I once heard someone say that there was no faster way into a woman’s pants then through her stomach and they were right. Unfortunately, this years Sex on a Plate has been postponed (put it on your calendar now for next year), but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make a romantic meal. Even if you don’t know how to cook there are tons of great and simple recipes out there. When in doubt go with some pasta and a good bottle of wine. Yes, it may be overly simple, but again it is the thought that counts the most. Just don’t over eat because that will get in the way of other things.
Get Offline
This may sound like an obvious one, but seriously, turn off the cell phones, unplug the router if you need to and get away from the screens. Spend time together! Go for a long walk. Play cards. Get naked. Whatever it is, just don’t involve anyone else for a while. The few hours of dedicated YOU time will be well worth it and your partner will appreciate it.
Make Something
I’m not much of the crafty kind of guy, but anyone can make a home made card. Think beyond the obvious. Make a photo collage, write a poem or go over the top and buy and MP3 player and fill it with a “mixed tape” of tunes that you love. Have fun with it, but don’t do it at the last minute just because you forgot everything else. Homemade needs to show you put some love and thought into it for it to really shine through.
Pampering
I’ve met many women who say they are not into the spa treatment, but after they go for their first time I’ve never heard them ever say that again. Look for a local place that she can get her nails or hair done and better yet can get a massage. If you have no idea where to look ask some other women around the obvious or go online. You are sure to find someplace within driving distance of you. This doesn’t come cheap, but is well worth it. I still remember the first time I gave my wife a 6 Massages gift card. She told me I could give her one again anytime.
Get Unique
Two of my favorite companies to get unique but awesome gifts from are Uncommon Goods and RedEnvelope. I’ve ordered from both a number of times and have never had a bad experience. The best part is that your bound to find something that will make her go “wow” over and over.