Romantic Gifts, Alternatives to Gold and Diamonds

Gifts like diamonds, silver, and gold have long been a valuable mating tool for civilized culture and are so common that thy have become steadfast symbols for romance. A wedding isn't a wedding without a diamond ring; we celebrate our silver anniversary at 25 years and our golden at 50. If the majority of people worldwide marry at some point in their lives, how can something as common as gold and diamonds come to represent something as pure and unique as love?

These suggestions for gifts of love are an alternative to the same old thing in hopes of evolving the gift giving process to something more meaningful.

Nature Experiences:
Take your mate on a cave expedition, a rappelling session, or to a mountaintop picnic.Take along a book of poetry, (or funny jokes if your mate's nature runs along the lighter side) and read something that means a lot to you. Nature's beauty is one of the most romantic things available and infusing it with words from your heart will give your mate a story they will want to tell every year for the rest of your life.

Social Experiences:
If you've never been to a live play, a symphony performance, a ballet, or an opera, now is the time. Invest in the experience, dress in your finery and attend a local show. Preface the date with chocolate or wine and end it in their favorite restaurant for a night they will never forget.

Memory Equipment::
Cameras, both video and still, are a wonderful romantic gift. Once the gift is given, it can be used to commemorate the event. Make sure batteries are charged; perhaps even take a few shots with it to show what it can do, then fill it up together! When you look over the pictures you will relive the event together and strengthen the bonds you are building. (Don't forget memory cards, film, or other storage components!)

Charitable Contribution:
Give your mate a gift certificate to choose a cat or dog at the local animal shelter, if no pet is desired the gift certificate automatically becomes an contribution. Other romantic contributions might include a tree to plant in a local park, tickets to a charity event, or a membership in The Sierra Club or similar organization. Any of these gifts should include a handwritten letter.

Their Favorite:
Search your mate's soul. Does she like flowers? What is her favorite? Buy her a room full! Does he love music? Buy the entire discography of his favorite band (excluding cds he already has.) Love wine? A tasting assortment! One idea for someone who loves clothes is to buy the most expensive ugly item of clothing you can find. (Make sure the store has a liberal return policy!) In a card, WITH THE RECEIPT, explain that you know the thing is ugly and you insist that they return it and use the refund to buy something they love. It's so much more intimate than a gift card and you will be giving a gift they will truly love because they choose it themselves!

Your Heart:
Write and perform a song or poem, paint a picture, draw a sketch, or bring along portable device with a meaningful song somewhere you shared a memory and have a long intimate dance together. Write "I love you." on a piece of paper, fold it into a boat and place it on flowing water, the image will stay years after the paper has decomposed.

The cost of the gift is irrelevant to most people. The memory of the day is the important thing. Instead of catering to advertisers and buying something that everyone already has, create a day that the two of you will share forever.