This morning I have a special guest post to get you ready for Valentine's Day next week. The article is courtesy of Daisy Trail who carries everything you need for Digital Scrapbooking, Crafting, Greeting Cards, Baby Photobooks, DIY Wedding Invitations and more.
---------------------
There’s no need to go crazy and spend loads of money. Often the best and most thoughtful gifts cost no money at all. For some inspiration, check out these top ten tips for making Valentine’s Day special this year – without breaking the bank.
1. Less is more
Rather than giving your loved one a dozen red roses, why not give her just one? The thought is there, the intent is the same, and it will be received just as gratefully.
2. Do something unexpected
If you’re normally the lazy one of the couple and spend more time getting out of the housework than doing it, why not surprise your partner with a clean house and dinner on the table when they get home?
3. A handmade card is best
Making your own card is an easy way to score brownie points and it doesn’t necessarily cost more than a store-bought card. Get some ideas from the supermarket, and recreate your favorite card using small crafty items that mean something to you both.
4. Thoughtful gifts
Think about what is special to the pair of you, and draw on this when picking a gift. Choose something silly that only the two of you know about, or perhaps buy a gift bag and fill it with of all their favorite things.
5. Love vouchers
An inexpensive gift that will work wonders – create your own vouchers for something you know your partner will love. For example, ‘an hour’s massage’ or ‘a dinner cooked by me every night for a week’.
6. Spend time together
Why not suggest the two of you have a night in, but with no interruptions? Plan in all the things you love to do together but rarely get time to do such having a relaxing bath or a battle on the Nintendo Wii!
7. Have a buffet style feast
If you are a foodie, get together all of your favorite foods and organize a buffet style feast. It’s a great excuse to spend time together to enjoy your favorite food with your favorite person.
8. Reminisce
Get out old photo albums or browse through computer folders of images together and reminisce about times gone by. You’ll be surprised about how many memories you’ll unearth and how much you’ll laugh looking through them together.
9. Candlelit meal for two
Instead of sitting in front of the TV to eat your dinner, why not set the table, light some candles, open a bottle of wine and enjoy each other’s company? It doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whatever you had planned to eat that night is fine – just making the time to be together and talk will make it romantic.
10. Write a love list
Write 12 reasons why you love your partner inside their card – one reason for every month of the year. They don’t have to be huge reasons, but little quirks that you love are equally as endearing.
Whatever you decide to do, the little touches can add up to the best Valentine’s Day you’ve ever had.
If you’d like to make your own card, gift bags and decorations for free, download CraftArtist Compact and the Valentine’s 2012 kit from www.daisytrail.com.
Daisy Trail is an affiliate with Brenda's Wedding Blog + Best Wedding Sites