January 29, 2021
Updated January 7, 2023
Stressing over February 14th? How about some ideas for the best unusual gifts for Valentine’s Day?
Plus some thoughts about what really matters.
Best Unusual Gifts For Valentine’s Day
I’ll be honest: I just don’t get excited about Valentine’s Day. There, I said it.
I don’t dislike it. It can be fun for a lot of reasons.
Here’s the thing: I just don’t like having a single day to say “I love you.” Flowers, chocolates, cards, indulgences, all day. Then tomorrow, back to real life.
Maybe I’m just afraid of creating a contrast. Being tempted to excuse the complacency that creeps in over the next 364 days until next Valentine’s Day!
Life with me is pretty demanding. Ask my people. We get NO days off from loving each other. Because we don’t like the contrast.
So yes, we celebrate Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays — all those and more. But there’s a lot that happens in between.
Somebody comes home with a tiny surprise toy, or a pack of favorite treats, at some random time. Just a little expression of love, even when the calendar didn’t say “Simon says.”
Because love is all the time.
And Valentine’s Day is fleeting.
Enduring Love Gifts
What should you do? Get the chocolates. They’re delicious. Get the flowers if you want, the expensive cards, the candy hearts. Do what makes you happy.
Do whatever sounds like “I love you” in your house. Because we all develop symbols and rituals as a family that bring us joy.
For me, I want to say “I love you” in an enduring way. What will it be? And how will you say it to the person you love?
Is it a subscription to something, that says “I love you” repeatedly?
Or a useful object that makes life easier and brings a smile?
Maybe a decor item or coffee mug that conveys a constant message?
How about those “coupon creations” that give a promise of doing different chores every week?
Those are all great ideas. I love the gift subscriptions I have received. Every arrival says “I love you” all over again. I love the gifts I can use over the years and enjoy every day.
But this is about the Best Unusual Gifts for Valentine’s Day.
Flowers, chocolates, candy hearts. Delicious, beautiful, but not necessarily unusual.
I want to show you four ideas that may just get your wheels turning. No, five.
Then you’ll see just a few more ideas.
Since most of this is for grown-up lovebirds, I have a link to my Etsy shop for printable Valentine cards for kids. Check it out if you’re scrambling to get a celebration together for your little ones. (Or if you just like cute stuff!) You’ll see the link toward the end of the post.
What a gift: A heart-shaped wooden spoon from Uncommon Goods. “I love you” right in the kitchen. If your mate loves to cook, this might be a nice way to say it often!
And for a book lover, this Literary Infinity Scarf also from Uncommon Goods. Book quotes, right on the fabric. There are other items, too, for the word mavens you love. Personalized textiles are also crazy popular right now.
How about a throwback to vinyl records? Customize the label of this small door mat to showcase the star of your life. This is also from Uncommon Goods. It looks like some people loved this too much to step on it, and used it for wall decor instead.
And for those who thrive on the unusual, take a look at these. I don’t think you can beat these beautiful cookies from Etsy, Rustic Heart Cookies from JoBees Cookies. I can’t stop looking at them.
Now, the real enduring gift: A new pillow. Do you pay attention to these things? A great pillow can be the difference between no sleep and great sleep. Does it qualify as an unusual gift? Maybe not. But certainly a little out of the ordinary!
What’s the Best Gift?
No good answer.
Because it’s different for every single person.
Maybe a Snickers bar together on the front porch after everyone else goes to bed.
Maybe a spa day, or a gift card to a favorite store.
Maybe the supplies for that craft or gardening project.
Maybe a new tool box.
Or new running boards for your pickup truck.
Maybe a weekend beach trip.
What about a nice dinner out?
Or a romantic picnic.
Or maybe…
Maybe a message, spoken or written, that says “I love you.” Maybe a collection of memories, or a specific story of appreciation, maybe a concrete description of good qualities that just don’t get discussed.
Are those unusual? 🤔 IDK.
Maybe “unusual” isn’t the most important aspect of our plans. What if it’s really about love?
👉🏻 Being loved.
You know what? Being loved is a huge need for all of us. We don’t talk about that need very much.
Want to hear what a sweet lady told me years ago? It was this:
“If your husband loves you, you can do anything.”
What a statement. If only our fellers knew just how much we treasure their encouragement.
This message still rings true, and I’ve never heard another person say it.
Being loved. Let’s meet that need.
It might not be as hard to do as we make it.
If you are looking for more thoughts on giving gifts, check out the 5 Secrets to giving the perfect gift.
Thanks for your presence here today, for your visit to Grammye’s Front Porch, and your interest in loving the people around you.
Happy Valentine’s Day! 💖
Tip of the week
Not just in February, but anytime: Hide a love note or a tiny surprise somewhere unexpected. Lunchbox notes, mini candy treats, etc. An easy way to say “You’re special” even when Simon didn’t say.
Thank you! At GFP company is always welcome!
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Are you on Pinterest? That is a crazy fun place! You can find so many helpful things. Take a look at what I’ve saved for you! A lot of things that never make it to the blog. Here are my Pinterest pins, and I also have categories/boards if you’re looking for something specific.
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-Grammye
I’m Grammye, and I’m collecting and sharing ideas that can help you embrace the life you have.
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Love this: “We get NO days off from loving each other.” I love the literary scarf. Great gift for a reader. There are so many ways to say I love you. Thanks for sharing some with us.
Theresa, thank you! and thanks for coming to the porch. Glad you liked the gift ideas. You are so right: So many ways to say I love you.