What are you and your husband doing for Valentine’s Day? You might be considering making reservations at a romantic restaurant, where you can indulge in surf and turf followed by a decadent chocolate dessert — and of course plenty of champagne. But that’s a huge mistake, says celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, along with legions of other hospitality-industry experts. Everything is going to be overpriced, you’ll be packed in cheek-by-jowl with other couples, and the kitchen will be slammed and therefore unable to uphold its usual standards — not to mention that it’s staffed with second-stringers to start with. So why not make a delectable meal at home, and use the money you would’ve spent at Bistro Frou-Frou to get your partner a special present?
While we can’t help you cook the perfect filet mignon, we can offer these suggestions for memorable, meaningful, and unique gift ideas!
1. An Unforgettable Experience
Instead of another tie or coffee mug, consider giving the gift of an experience. A study conducted by Eventbrite and Harris Poll found that some 63% of Americans would rather receive something fun to do than a tangible item. An experience gift can range from tickets to a local music festival or a romantic weekend getaway to once-in-a-lifetime activities such as driving a Ferrari, skydiving, a hot air balloon ride over Mount Everest, or a stay in the Ice Hotel.
If you’re really strapped for cash? A voucher for a simple picnic, a future movie date, or even an evening of playing his favorite video game can be a thoughtful and appreciated gesture.
2. A Subscription Box
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, subscription boxes are all the rage. But these are not your grandmother’s Fruit of the Month Club. Spend some time perusing CrateJoy to zero in on Hubby’s interests. There are subscriptions for vinyl music aficionados, yogis, bourbon lovers, Korean food fans, bibliophiles, true crime enthusiasts, and just about any other demographic you can think of.
This is one of those unique gift ideas that combines the best of both worlds — the experience of receiving a new box each month and discovering what’s inside, as well as the tangible items to enjoy on a longer-term basis.
3. A Quirky T-Shirt
Yes, we know that t-shirts might sound like a lame gift, but hear us out. Think about your favorite t-shirts — the ones that you always get compliments on, that feel like a warm hug, or that sum up your sense of humor. Now think about providing that for your sig-O. Not so lame anymore, huh? See, t-shirts really can be one of the best unique gift ideas.
Check out the selection of fun, funny, and downright quirky shirts at 28Grams Apparel. You might have just found the best gift ever.
4. For the Man Who Has Everything
If you’re married to a fellow who’s already got everything he could ever want, is hard to buy for, or just isn’t all that into gifts, you might have a tough time every year when your anniversary, his birthday, and of course February 14th rolls around. Here’s a solution that both of you can feel great about: buy him a “gift” that gives back.
Uncommon Goods and Heifer International offer a wide range of choices: buy a goat, a flock of ducks, or share in a cow for a struggling family in an underdeveloped nation. Send a girl to school, give a female artisan a microloan, pay for stray dogs and cats to get sterilized, or fund life-saving medical procedures like mammograms for the less fortunate.
There are unique gift ideas at every price point, too. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a simple donation in his name to a cause he supports, either.
Wrapping Up
Finding unique gift ideas can be stressful, especially if you’re on a budget, but it doesn’t have to be all that hard. Think about what your partner really enjoys and values, and cater your present to that. Whether you treat him to a one-of-a-kind experience, make a charitable donation, or find him personalised gifts like the perfect signature t-shirt, he will undoubtedly love you more than ever for making the effort!
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