Valentine Gifts for the Non-Traditional

One of the many lessons I've learned along the way is that those of us who enjoy giving gifts to others are guilty of one of the most basic transgressions: we buy items for others that we would like to have for ourselves. I can cite a number of examples.

Long ago, I thought it would be great to provide a loved one with an extraordinary, tiger's eye gold ring. Life and resources were terrific at the time and I believed that this was a significant, sentimental offering that would be appreciated and treasured. After all, I would have loved to own the feminine equivalent.

Therein lies the mistake. My wanting to own something (anything) does not constitute appropriateness. He showed the right thanks and expression of gratitude and may have worn it once or twice. Last time I saw it, the ring was sitting in a pseudo jewelry box in his basement. This is no reflection whatsoever on him but this is a man who works primarily with his hands and was gifted with an expensive, fragile gift.

I'm sure that I've committed the same types of mistakes before and since. So the rule to be derived from all this is to give what the person receiving the gift will value, not what you would.

~ How about a pair of tickets to his/her favorite sports team game?
~ How about a certificate that promises one entire day without television?
~ Perhaps a date to visit a local park with picnic lunch,
~ Gift a day at your local botanic garden.
~ Visit a gourmet cooking shop and buy some truffles or oyster forks.
~ Give a visit to a personal trainer.
~ Provide a day's luxury at a spa, complete with manicure, pedicure and massage.
~ A fruit basket instead of the usual box of candy.
~ A lush, green plant instead of flowers.
~ How about a little red wagon for a gardener?
~ How about a new water bottle for a runner or bicycler?
~ A hay ride
~ A train ride
~ A hot air balloon ride
~ A car wash
~ A stuffed frog
~ A gift certificate for a complete house-cleaning

Acts of kindness are great Valentine (or any other) gifts. Make certain that the gift appeals to something that your loved one loves and values, not what you do. Make his or her life more comfortable, more loving, more delicious and more considerate. This is the best way I know to say "I love you."