Valentine's Day...chocolates, flowers, cuddly soft toys & the list goes on...but is that rea
- Kaylene
- Feb 10, 2016
- 4 min read
I've always felt that Valentine's Day, like so many other days are just about spending money you don't have on stuff neither of you really wants. Yes it's the thought that counts, but as a 30 year old mother and wife, I do not want a vase full of flowers, or chocolates that I won't eat, or a fluffly stuffed toy with a heart sewn to it. Some people love that stuff and that's totally cool, for them.
But if your like me, and wonder why only one day a year of gifts and "romance" covers the other 364 days of the year? Is it not the little things that we do for each other every single day that make us love each other? That's why Valentine's Day is just a bit silly, in my opinion.
My husband & I have been married for 8 years and together for 15 & never really do Vanlentine's Day. We do have a go at it every 5 years or so but we would rather pick a day when we can be kid free and enjoy each others company, sometimes in silence, (anyone with kids will know what I mean!) drinking too much coffee and driving for miles just for the fun of it.
The fact that he knows I like almond milk in my cappacino and goes through the drive through so I don't have to get out. Or that he lets me the choose the music, even though he's not a fan of my music taste. He always lets me sing in the car and have the windows down 'cos I hate the air conditioning.
On the flip side, I mow the lawn so he doesn't get hayfever. I do the shopping 'cos he hates it. I make his lunch for work and make sure I cut his sandwhiches so it doesn't end up in his beard (yes, there is a whole other set of rules when it comes to a man with a beard). Or make his green tea with an absurd amount of sugar, becasue he likes it that way.
That kind of stuff means more to us then any amount of money spent on gifts and we do these things everyday, not just on Valentine's day.
So if you think about it, if your wife/husband/girlfriend/boyfriend/partner do those little things for you that you don't really notice everyday, because it's routine, Valentine's Day is a moot point.
If you do find yourself however, wanting to express your love with gifts I have compiled a little list for you -
1. If you have no budget limit, then for a practical gift I'm a big fan of white goods or appliances. I recieved a dishwasher for one Valentine's Day about 8 years ago. Now some might say, 'that's a terrible gift'. But for someone who hates doing the dishes (whether you are male or female), or the thought of ruining your nails makes you want to avoid cooking because it means dishes and grosse dishwater - then a dishwasher is perfect. I think spouses would be amazed at just how many people would love one of their old worn out applicances replaced.
2. Another good one is for the fitness lovers, or vegans or food lover. You can never go past a really awesome Nutri Ninja Duo for all those smoothies or a high end food processor. Or one of those cool fitness bands, or a chef's quality cooking set of knives or pans - I know my mum would love something like that.
3. Jewellery is a common one on Valentine's Day, and lots of poeple love a bit of bling. But if your going to spend out loads of cash or even just a little, make it something your partner will want to wear, do your research.
4. Don't buy something because you like it. We have a running joke in our house, if you buy something that you like, not the other person it's the called the "bowling ball with your name on it" anyone who loves the Simpsons will get what I mean. If you aren't a fan of the Simpsons, there is an episode where Homer buys Marge a bowling ball with his name engraved for a gift, and he thinks its awesome because he loves bowling - Marge however did not love it quite so much.
5. If your budget is limited then do your homework and listen to your partner. Buy them that book they always talk about, or order that cd from a new band they love. Or it can be something as simple as getting takeout and letting them pick, even if its not your favourite. Take a day off and roam the countryside or hang out and watch a terrible movie on Netflix. If your usually the decision maker, take a step back and let them decide for a change.
What ever you do, and whether you spend money or not, I hope you all have an awesome Valentine's Day and know that you are loved.
xKaylene
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