14 Romantic Gifts for Your Valentine

Want to make this Valentine’s Day the most romantic ever for your Military Spouse or S.O.? We’ve got some ideas to get you started, but the rest (of course!) is up to you.

No craft skills? Terrible at cooking? No time to create something from scratch? No worries! We’ve got you covered, too… because sometimes the best gifts can’t be found in a store. After all, the best way to show someone how much they mean to you is just to give of yourself.

DIY

1. True Love Story Frame

Here’s your chance to say everything that’s in your heart to the one you love. Think of all those things that make your significant other the most wonderful person on earth, how you feel about the time you’ve spent together, memories of the experiences you’ve shared, and your hopes for the future. Get it all down in writing… on a photo mat… and frame it along with one of your favorite photos. What a great reminder of the love you share!

2. Cast a Warm Glow

Sing it with us: “You Light Up My Life…”. How sweet is this little lamp that highlights a special moment you’ve shared together? Fairy lights, a personal photo, a mason jar and burlap complete this heartwarming project that can be used as a nightlight throughout the year. Adorable! Get the how-to.

Eat

3. Breakfast: Chocolate Hearts

Let’s repeat that: Chocolate. Hearts. And they’re pancakes! What’s not to love?! Pair a sweet stack with a few fresh, delicious strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream (bonus points if you make your own: simply whip heavy cream with a little sugar). Your loved one will love you and your cooking skills! Get the recipe.

4. Dinner: Classic Cheese Fondue

Think Valentine’s Day is “cheesy”? Turn that thought into a delicious fondue dinner for two with this decadent classic recipe. Pair it with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, broccoli and celery, plus squares of French bread (we also like dipping pumpernickel and rye bread into gooey cheese!). Chop, melt, eat. That’s about all there is to it. Get the recipe.

5. Dessert: Cupcake Bouquet

Too late to send flowers… or just prefer to eat yours? We don’t blame you. These look beautiful, sweet and decadent. And, there’s nothing like a classic bouquet of red roses on Valentine’s Day. If you’re ready to see how to make those fancy green leaves and how easy it is to turn icing into flowers, get the recipe.

Watch

6. See a Show

In the mood for a good movie? Is your favorite theater production coming to town? Make a point of making it a date, whether it’s a night out for the two of you or just staying home and watching a concert or movie on TV together, cuddled up on the couch with a big bowl of buttered popcorn, bites of chocolate, bowls of ice cream and your favorite drinks. Tickets, please! Get more movie night ideas.

7. Catch a Sunset… or a Sunrise

What’s more romantic than enjoying the beauty of nature and the journey you’re on together? Get up at the crack of dawn to watch a new, beautiful day begin, or step outside at dusk to catch the final warm glow of the sun as it disappears at the end of another day. Take photos to commemorate the moment and remember what life is really all about.

Do

8. Go on a Nature Walk

Sunrise and sunset not enough beauty for ya? Go on a walk together on a tree-lined path and enjoy the scent of pine in the air, or stroll along the coastline and take in the feeling of the ocean lapping at your toes. Be sure to collect twigs and rocks or seashells your can incorporate into your home decor to remember the time you’ve spent walking and talking together.

9. “Come Dancing”

When’s the last time you held each other… and took a spin on the dance floor? Maybe the last formal event you attended… or your wedding? Well, it’s time to shake your groove thang again, either at a dance club or rock concert where you can vibe with the energy of the room, or social club that hosts formal dance events. Or, perhaps on the balcony of your own home, under a starlit sky…

10. Talk… and listen

Even if you’re across the miles and not as close as you’d like to be on a day celebrating your love for one another, you can still connect. And, this time, make sure it’s just the two of you. Schedule the time to really talk to each other — not just about how your day is going, but about what you mean to each other. Have your favorite music playing in the background, so you feel like you’re in the same room. And make special plans for the next time you’re really together, in person.

Buy

11. Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve

Are you one of those people who wears red or pink on Valentine’s Day? Then you’ll love these fashionable ideas that you can buy (or make) ahead of time to wear on the day that celebrates those you love. The red shirt with the white heart looks like a simple DIY. Just get a comfy shirt and white paint pen to complete the look. Or, look for a cute, ready-made heart print top at your favorite shop. Either way, you’ll be spreading the love around in great style.

12. Romantic Home Decor

Because love isn’t a once-a-year kind of thing, we’d like to suggest you make a cozy spot in your home. Dress it up with wall art or a comfy pillow that shows off all the love you feel for your family and friends. A linen pillow stenciled with “X”s and “O”s can offer kisses throughout the year. And Cupid’s arrow can eternally shoot love in everyone’s direction. Even a soft snuggly blanket can do the trick. And you can either DIY any of these looks or find them at just about every home decor store out there!

Splurge

13. Spa Treatment

When in doubt, relax… Sometimes there’s nothing more romantic than just being at peace with the world around you. A little aromatherapy can be all it takes to create a peaceful, loving moment. Think classic lavender. Roses. Neroli, and other calming, sensual scents. Such a treat that Military Spouses truly deserve!

14. Surprise Trip

Been wishing you could take off to an exotic location or revisit your favorite destination? Why put it off any longer? Go for it! Make travel arrangements for the two of you, including all of those extra arrangements (like child care and work-related details), so that you can spend some alone time together, guilt free and worry free.