Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts for your Lovely Ladyfriend

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Flying solo on Valentine’s Day can be painful for even the most independent gal. I remember spending one year on the couch with Chinese food and “The Notebook,” while my beautiful blond friend had double-booked two dinner dates and had received flowers from three different beaus! The tears were flowing at Casa de Espana and it wasn’t just the movie causing them.

Any gal who has ever spent Valentine’s Day alone will admit that she expects at least a little something those years that she is in a relationship. Just trust me fellas, it may be a “Hallmark holiday” but it’s never a good idea to ignore the lady in your life on February 14. If you’re a romantic guy every day of the year, then Valentine’s Day is a lovely excuse to kick things up a notch. And if you aren’t usually the sweet and sappy kind, then use this special occasion to be like that romantic comedy lead she swoons over. (See: Colin Firth in “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt in “500 Days of Summer” and Cary Grant in “The Philadelphia Story.”)

So it’s settled: You have to do something. Just remember, unless you’re dating a materialistic troll, it’s not about the money, it’s about how much thought you put into it. So with that in mind, here are a few fun, unique ideas for all price ranges!

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Living Room Picnic $

Pile up the pillows and blankets on the floor, turn on some baby-makin’ music, fill the room with candles, grab a bottle of champagne and some dinner and give your gal a romantic indoor picnic. Most girls I know would rather have this than an expensive dinner out!

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Paper Source Apron & A Homemade Dinner $$

Ladies love a guy who’s confident in himself and has a good sense of humor, so tie this cute apron on and cook her a special dinner! (And if you treat her right, after Valentine’s Day she’ll be the one putting this little number on and treating you to some home cooked meals.)

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Personalized Charm Necklace $$

Jewelry is always a great present, but personalized jewelry is even more special. Stella & Dot is one of my favorite websites for unique, affordable pieces and I absolutely love their charm necklaces. Pair a few charms together (maybe the first initials of your names with a heart charm and a rose quartz drop) and every time she wears it she’ll think about you.

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Personalized Art $$$

My boyfriend and I bought a condo together this summer and have found some unique ways to make it our own. One of my favorite purchases was customized bus rolls from Geezees.com. Each bus roll lists some of the streets we each lived on before we moved in together on Franklin Street. It’s a great way to remember all the places we called home before buying our first home together.

You could create one with the date, time and location of your wedding day or pair one of your favorite photos with a favorite quote. While you wouldn’t be able to get your order in time for Valentine’s Day, you could give her a beautiful card with a promise for a heartfelt gift to come. Check out the Geezes website for a few more ideas.

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Special Spa Day $$$

A gift certificate for a massage is always a great gift, but the Valeo spa in the JW Marriott is an extra special treat. In addition to more traditional services like massage, manicure, pedicure and facial, Valeo offers body treatments in a clarity chamber that has the look and feel of a Turkish bath. I went recently and it was unbelievably relaxing. I lay down on a heated slab of marble by a roaring fireplace and my personal care consultant Amanda did a full-body exfoliation, pouring hot bowls of water over me between scrubs. She finished with a sweet-smelling citrus lotion then sent me off to enjoy the sauna and steam bath. I left with my skin sparkling, soft and shiny!

And the best part? Valeo has generously offered to give my blog readers one of two special deals. Just mention the promo code SPAIN!

1. A complimentary glass of wine/champagne with each experience 40 minutes or more
OR
2. 10% off the purchase of a gift card of $100 or more.
(Valid until 2/29/12)

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Good luck gentlemen, I hope your ladyfriends reward for your sweetness on Valentine’s Day! ; )