Posted by Eleni Prokopeas on Feb.13, 2010

ⓒ iStockPhoto - CarloFranco

Just because it’s Valentines Day does not mean you have to resort to the same old gifts: chocolate, flowers, teddy bears. The standbys are great, but ladies, don’t you want something different and original for a change?

Drop some gift-giving hints to your partner with these seven great ideas to make this Valentine’s Day the best ever.

7 Great GreenDivaMom Valentine Ideas

1.  Set the Mood

Gift giving is more about the feelings it brings out of love and appreciation. Living in a busy world, we sometimes forget the ones closest to us who do the most for us. Use Valentine’s Day to set a new mood for every day that follows.  Valentine’s Day should last all year, not just one day. Sometimes we need reminders, but make this a New Year’s resolution that will last forever.

2. Keep it Simple

Women love the little things you do, not the big expensive gifts. This year try making a little craft, try a new outdoor activity together or make dinner for her. A little treat or even a great cup of good-quality hot cocoa in front of the fireplace is a simple way to say “I love you.”

3.  The Gift of Time

Give her what she wants most: your time. Make the time to listen or do something together. Even a chore can be fun if done together. Life is really what you make of it, so don’t take your loved ones for granted. Make the time to get to know and love your Valentine all over again.

4.  Take Over

Running a house, working and raising children is no simple task, so if you can step in for the day or a few days and take over some of the everyday tasks she does, your lady has more time to herself to relax and pull herself together both physically and mentally.

5.  Flowers for Life

Woman love flowers, and a bed of roses or flowers planted in her garden gives the gift of flowers to enjoy year after year. A simple trip to a nursery is all you need to get started and ready for spring. Now is the perfect time to start and just in time for Valentines. If you’re under snow now, keep potted plants indoors until you can heel them in or plant them in the yard when the snow and frost retreats.

6. Chocolate Treats

Women love chocolate, but not the extra few pounds that come with the creme-filled sampler. Try Cacao products. They taste just as good, are healthier for you with a higher concentration of antioxidants, and they generally have less fat than milk chocolate.  Many good products made from cacao, like raw cacao nibs or cacao-goji snack mix, are ready for a simple, elegant presentation..

7. Choose the right color

Valentine isn’t just for your partner; it’s also for your mother, sister, friend or neighbor, as a day of appreciation.  Take the time and thank the people in your life by choosing the right color gift. Here is a little list of the traditional meanings of colors in floral arrangement that we found to help find a themed gift:

• Red: Romantic love
• Yellow: Friendship and Freedom
• Pale Pink: Grace and Gratitude
• Light Pink: Fun and Happiness
• Deep Pink: Thank You
• Lilac: Love at first sight
• White: Truth and Innocence
• Coral: Desire
• Peach: Gratitude and Sympathy

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Posted under Family, GDM Men.