Valentine’s Day is two days away…
If you are someone searching for a gift to say just the right something, there is still plenty of time.
For some they are looking for the gift to express a love burning bright from deep within their hearts; for others it might be I like you.
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love (eros), but is also a great time to show love for family and friends (storge or philia).
It’s easy to get caught up and overwhelmed when you see celebrities giving supremely expensive gifts – cars, diamonds, electronics, etc. However, gifts don’t have to cost a fortune, a few inexpensive items when put together create a statement with a big bang! Remember it’s not what you give but what you are saying with the gift and to keep in mind where the gift is coming from–the heart.
Something as simple as a map to somewhere that person dreams of visiting with the quote: “No road is long with good company.” ~Turkish Proverb
One year, someone very dear to me had a dream car they held in their mind of one day owning. It wasn’t just the car but rather what it represented – the success of his business. Also, he worked so hard for all those in his life he cared about – family and friends; I so badly knew he deserved something for himself, something that was all his. I was realistic; I was not a wealthy person and I knew that I couldn’t afford the car but I wanted him to understand that I saw him and that I supported him – I went and found the car in the toy section. I wrapped it up and attached a handwritten note that read, “You deserve the world. This is just a place holder…” He later shared that the thought of it made him tear up.
A few quick ideas for gift “baskets”
For friends:
Movie lover: Grab a box of popcorn, hit up the candy aisle for the movie-size boxes; then head online to print out an e-certificate for a movie to Redbox or Amazon. Place all the items in a popcorn bucket and wrap it all up in cellophane wrap. (The dollar store is awesome for these items!)
Sports fan: Grab their favorite team hat and attach it to a gift certificate to the local wing restaurant, or a certificate from their cable provider so they can catch that next big fight. If you want to go all out get tickets the next time their favorite team plays then have some fun with it and place them in something least expected on Valentine’s Day, like a book that looks less than interesting, some everyday underwear or some odd food item then wrap it all with a bow.
For kids:
Crazy, colorful fun socks fold in half, fill with bows/barrettes, add a small notebook with their favorite color pen (two goddaughters – one loves purple, the other pink)
I sometimes hit up the small toy aisle and grab either a small Lego toy kit or Beyblade add to it some yummy treats.
For Sweethearts/Paramours:
To express those deepest of emotions, you can express the ethereal with a few simple evocative items:
In a beautiful container (maybe something that looks like a treasure chest) place a few items to represent parts of you or ideas you wish to express. For example: place Hershey Kisses, a really indulgent lotion, an inexpensive DVD of either comedies or cartoons (can be found in discount/discontinued stores), and some pretty stationary. On small tags attached to each item write what they represent or perhaps add a quote.
Kisses:
‘Twas not my lips you kissed; But my soul” – Judy Garland
“A kiss seals two souls for a moment in time.” ~Levende Waters
At the first kiss I felt
Something melt inside me
That hurt in an exquisite way
All my longings, all my dreams and sweet anguish,
All the secrets that slept deep within me came awake,
Everything was transformed and enchanted
And made sense.
~Hermann Hesse
Lotion:
Write about how much you longer to pamper the person
DVD:
You fill my life with joy or “Once you find someone to share your ups and downs, downs are almost as good as ups.” ~Robert Brault
Stationary:
Express the desire to pen a love note to them everyday or
But it was your letter within, dear heart, my first love letter, and sweeter to me than the subtlest love-lyric Sappho ever penned in Aeolic gold. ~Byron Caldwell Smith, letter to Kate Stephens
All in all don’t sweat too much over what you are giving someone for Valentine’s Day, whatever you choose just remember the intention with the thought in mind of:
If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting? ~Stephen Levine
Gift Basket Challenge 