Valentine’s Day isn’t the same as it used to be. In a world defined by instant gratification and careful budgeting, expensive material gifts like jewelry, candy and fragrances just don’t pack the emotional punch they once did. For couples today, the definition of “value” has changed: instead of counting how many dollars our SOs spent on us this year, we’re placing more importance on the amount of quality time. This is FAR from a bad thing – it’s an admirable cultural shift, one that forces us to be thoughtful and invest more in our partner than a ten-minute trip to the department store.
That said, being creative isn’t always easy! If you’re struggling to think of a V-Day gesture that suits your Valentine AND your wallet, here’s a cost-tiered list of experiences they’ll never forget:
Small – Day Trips and Nights In
An “experience” gift doesn’t have to break the bank. Really, you only need one ingredient: your Valentine! If you’re lucky enough to have the whole day together, set aside time for a spontaneous day trip. If you’re both more comfortable with a planned event, try a scheduled local experience like a paint night, cooking class, or group vineyard/brewery tour. But what if you’re confined to the evening? After all, February 14th, 2018 is a Wednesday! Luckily, more than half of people surveyed in 2017 said they’d rather stay home with their partner on Valentine’s Day. There are plenty of ways to create an unforgettable night in, from a DIY couples’ spa night to a magnificent home-cooked meal. While you’re together, try watching a movie or listening to some music they’ve always recommended – a step out of your comfort zone is always a romantic gesture.
Medium – A Gallery of Memories
If you’re willing to put in a little extra money and time, here’s a grand gesture your Valentine won’t see coming: your home, turned into a photo gallery of all your most cherished moments. It’s up to you how extensive you want this gift to be, but if you and your partner are shutterbugs, we recommend going bigger than just a few photos in your foyer. Light some candles and leave a trail of memories for them to follow; you can even arrange them in a timeline, from your first date to your latest anniversary. If you’re wondering how you can set up your gallery and take it down in the span of one night, there’s a simple solution: PhotoSquares! Firm but gentle adhesives make for easy installation AND removal – no holes, no damage, no problem. PhotoSquared also allows you to select photos from Instagram, Google Photo and your camera roll, giving you access to your entire collection when filling out your gallery. Just download the app and choose your pictures. Within 3-5 business days, you’ll be ready to create your Valentine’s show-stopper!
Large – The Trip of a Lifetime
Maybe you’re one of the lucky few for whom money is no object when it comes to the love of your life, or maybe you’ve been saving just for the occasion. If so, there’s one Valentine’s gesture that may top them all – a serious vacation to the locale of their dreams. As previously stated, a step outside your own comfort zone will mean a lot to your partner, so take them somewhere they want to go. Spending February in a tropical paradise may sound perfect to you, but if your partner has always dreamed of whale-watching in Maine, your compromise will make the gift even sweeter. If you STILL feel the need to kick it up a notch, you can undertake the difficult task of making this trip a surprise. You’ll need to consult you partner about logistics such as time off from work, but if you’re committed to keeping them in the dark, the emotional payoff will be amazing. Be sure to take TONS of pictures, from their face at the moment of realization to all of the adventures you’re sure to have together. Print them out on 8×8” PhotoSquares, and you’ll have your photo gallery ready for next year!
With high-quality printing, rapid delivery and free shipping, PhotoSquares are the perfect heartfelt gift for V-Day planners and last-minute lovers alike!
Download the app today – your first four squares are just $48, and each additional square is only $8. If your Valentine is the photographer, send them a Gift Code and spend the night choosing photos together!
Looking for MORE inspiration for Valentine’s Day gestures? Check out our Pinterest board:
https://www.pinterest.com/photosquaredapp/an-unforgettable-valentines-day/