Most guys dread Valentine’s Day. It’s not that we don’t want to make the day memorable or bestow gifts on that special girl. However, finding that special valentine’s gift can be overwhelming. Here are 7 ways to make Valentine’s Day Special.
Men typically follow the same routine on Valentine’s Day: send a dozen roses and a box of dark chocolate in a red, heart-shaped box, followed by dinner at her favorite restaurant. It’s not that she won’t be pleased with this tried and true formula, but now is a great time to show her your creative side. After all, we’ve had lots of time to practice since those caveman days of dragging a club!
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My friends who own restaurants won’t be happy with my recommendation. However, the two worst nights to dine out include New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day.
In most cases, your choices include sub-par, overpriced, preplanned menus, and the wait staff is continually rushing you so they can have two additional seatings. Ordering flowers for Valentine’s Day delivery is never a good idea.
Make Valentine’s Day special with great wine.
This year (2024), Valentine’s Day is Wednesday, February 14. The 7-day outlined plan allows you to cover the basics with unique touches. While I can’t guarantee the amount of pleasure that may wait on Valentine’s night, I know she’ll be thrilled with the additional thought and effort you put into everything. Let’s get started:
Thursday, February 8
Many men feel the need to purchase lingerie or sexy sleepwear for their wife or girlfriend. I’ve always felt picking it out yourself was a bad idea unless you are entirely sure of what she likes.
Swing by a lingerie boutique or purchase a gift card. Enclose a handwritten note, in your handwriting, and not computer-generated. Suggest to your sweetheart that she enjoy a shopping experience. Inform her that you’ll happily accompany her or suggest she take a girlfriend. Giving a gift ahead of time allows her to find something she likes for the big night; believe me, she’ll find something special.
Spend the day doing something she enjoys. It may be shopping or visiting the antique market she mentioned last week. If she’s into sports, find a good sporting event. Basketball and Hockey are hitting their stride this time of year, and even if there’s not a pro team nearby, many college and high school teams are exciting to watch. Spurge for great seats or even box seats if possible.
Friday, February 9
Make dinner reservations at a fantastic restaurant. It doesn’t mean it has to be the most expensive place in town, but rather the best restaurant for your special girl. A 6 p.m. reservation is perfect. You have plenty of time for dinner, and you’ll be able to be back early enough for a nightcap and most likely some “special time.” It’s an excellent way to start the weekend for both of you!
Saturday, February 10
Today is the best time to have flowers delivered. Think about it; the availability of flowers is high, and the last deliveries most likely occur today. Arrange delivery for mid to late afternoon.
You’ll still pay inflated Valentine’s Day prices, so why not get the freshest bouquet of flowers possible? That way, she’ll enjoy them all week.
Find out what her favorite flowers are. Roses are only sometimes her top choice, and if it’s another, chances are they’ll look great. Oh, and if she works, have them delivered to her office. Women love to show off their flowers; she’ll be the first to get them.
Sunday, February 11
Watch her favorite movie. Find out what she’s been dying to see and purchase tickets ahead of time so you won’t have to stand in a long, cold line with the teenagers.
I’m not a fan of dinner and then a movie because you must rush through your meal to make the show. Instead, grab a late dinner, dessert, or nightcap after the movie. Better yet, stay in and binge Netflix.
Monday, February 12
Deliver a handwritten card to her office or place it on her car windshield. Tell her how great she is and how much she means to you. Depending on your relationship status, be creative and romantic. If you run it by her home or office, keep her from seeing you. Give it to the receptionist and ask that they deliver it to her. I guarantee she’ll text, call, or email to thank you and ask why you didn’t wait around. Just say you were busy but wanted her to know you were thinking of her.
Women always prefer handwritten cards.
Don’t even think about sending a text. It’s not the same. I’ll say it one more time: write the card by hand. Trust me on this one.
Guy’s, it’s like shooting fish in a barrel. It will be a fun week if you follow the plan! Oh, and purchase another gift or card to give her on Valentine’s evening. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but original. Plus, you’ve got plenty of time for Amazon Prime to deliver.
Tuesday, February 13
Have a bottle of wine, champagne, or her favorite beverage delivered to her home or office. It will be the second consecutive day she’ll receive a gift. Plus, if her girlfriends or coworkers will be envious. If alcohol is not an option, send her a gift certificate to a spa or better yet, arrange a visit for her. What you’re saving on the over-priced, Valentine’s evening meal will pay for these little extras.
Wednesday, February 14
Prepare a special Valentine’s Day dinner at home. Build a fire and make sure the kitchen and entertainment area are clean. Be creative and decorate the space with flowers you purchased at the florist or supermarket on your way home.
Prepare cocktails beforehand. Open the wine early so it has time to breathe and pour a glass or make a cocktail before dinner to relax. You can’t go wrong with chocolate-covered strawberries, either.
Don’t freak out if you can’t boil water, much less cook. Purchase pre-made dishes at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Publix, Kroger, Piggy Wiggly, or even your favorite restaurant. Please pick them up today or the day before so they’re fresh. Avoid delivering items today. Like the florist, this is a big day for restaurant delivery services, too, and you want your order to be on time and cold, so avoiding this option is wise. However, make sure she watches you preparing the meal. Show some effort here, guys; that is what she wants to see.
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Have some red, scented candles on hand. Use good china and silver. Tip: For you married men, the fine china is usually in those drawers below the china cabinet you’ve never opened. And please, use cloth napkins. Remember, it’s the details she’ll remember.
As for the schedule post-dinner, well, you can handle it from here. Oh, and remember that gift you purchased on the 7th? You’ll see the lingerie for the first time tonight, hopefully not for long.
If you just started dating or if Valentine’s Day will be a first date (a bad idea, but I still want to help you) and you think the 7-day plan is a bit much, follow this schedule instead.
1) Send her a handwritten card a few days before telling her how much you look forward to seeing her.
2) Send over a small gift a day or two before. Nothing big, maybe something she can use in the bathroom, but be cautious.
3) I still maintain cooking at home is a better idea, but if eating out is your only option, go early and pick a “unique” restaurant instead of a popular one. It will be much less crowded, and you’ll get better service.