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We’re less than a week from Valentine’s Day so I thought I’d share some gift ideas that A) don’t suck, and B) won’t end up in the trash in a few weeks. Valentine’s Day should be about showing appreciation for the people you love, not about filling them with sugar and giving them a bunch of crap they don’t need (and probably don’t really want). Put yourself in your Valentine’s shoes and think about what would really mean something to them. Here are a few ideas to get you started. 

Food: 

1. Instead of buying the classic box of chocolates, why not try your hand at making a batch of truffles? They’re actually pretty easy and fun to customize and decorate. Here’s a great and simple recipe. 

2. Here are a few other dessert ideas that I love to make for special nights:  Clafoutis (a yummy french dessert that’s very easy to make), Sparkling Champagne Bundt Cake, and these AMAZING chocolate chip cookies.

3. If you or your other half aren’t into sweets, try out these easy savory recipes: bacon-wrapped dates, potstickers, Artichoke Ricotta Flatbread, Spaghetti with Kale and Lemon. 

**None of these are super difficult or time-consuming. 

4. If you’re not so good at prepping, try out a meal service like Blue Apron or Sun Basket

5. Not into cooking at all? Take your special one out for a nice meal. Reservations can be hard to come by on and around Valentine’s Day, so I recommend using OpenTable to help you choose the right place and time. 

Activities:

When it’s all said and done, folks, nothing beats just spending time together. It really doesn’t matter what you’re doing as long as you’re together and you’re both enjoying yourselves. So go have an “us” date, whatever and wherever that may be. Here are some of my favorites: 

1. Big City Hunt: A scavenger hunt around your city. 

2. Hiking: I recommend using the AllTrails app

3. Massages: I love me a good hot stone massage any day! 

4. Shows/Concerts

5. Museums: Might I suggest the Museum of Ice Cream for those in the LA area

6. Art Galleries: Nothing says love like a Jackson Pollack, right?

7. The Beach: It’s beautiful, it’s romantic, it’s free (except for parking)... what more could you ask for?!

8. Just taking a drive: My husband and I love to take long drives just to chat and sing way too loudly to awesomely bad music. **How can we be lovers if we can’t be friends, how can we start over when the fighting never ends BABY...** (sorry for putting that song in your head for the rest of the day)

Drinks

Nothing livens up a romantic evening like booze! We usually think of wine or champagne on Valentine’s Day (and there’s nothing wrong with that), but if you aren’t into those, here are some other options:

1. Make cocktails at home: here are some classic cocktail recipes, as well as some Valentine’s Day-themed recipes 

2. Go on a pub crawl

3. Go wine-tasting

4. Take a brewery tour

5. Just crack open a few beers at home and enjoy

Plants and Flowers

Yes, when it comes to sustainability, plants are much better than flowers in pretty much every way. However, plants can be as time-consuming as having a pet, so I totally understand not wanting to go that route. Here are some options for both:

1. Succulents: Why are these things so trendy? Because they are so darn easy to care for! You only have to water them every couple of weeks and they continue to stay beautiful! 

2. Bamboo: Also super easy to take care of. If you wanna be corny, get this heart-shaped bamboo plant. Aww shucks! So sweet!

3. Farmgirl Flowers: Awesome company who source locally and have taken some amazing steps to reduce waste. 

4. Bouqs: Way better and more stylish than 1-800-FLOWERS! Once you try them you’ll never go back. They too source locally and use more sustainable and less wasteful practices. 

Conclusion