5 Last Minute Romantic Gifts for $10 or Less!

Valentine's Day is Sunday!! If you haven't already taken me up on one of the ideas I shared a few years ago, here are some of my favorite last minute Valentine's Day suggestions that will keep your sweetie and your wallet happy for $10 or less!

1. Full Body Massage
Who doesn't love being pampered by someone they love? You can upgrade the ingredients if you want, but just some simple Baby Oil & a glowing Lavender Candle will go a long way to creating a relaxing environment for a partner who needs to take some time to relax. For extra points, start by surprising your sweetie with a hot bubble bath already drawn for them to slip into and then pull a warm towel or robe fresh from the dryer to keep them warm when they step out of the tub.


(PS. I don't advocate smoking, but if makes you feel better, that was a clove cigarette.)

2. Fondue
There's something incredibly sensual about dipping little bits of veggies, breads, and fruits into a melty concoction of cheese and/or chocolate. Perhaps it's the temptation to feed each other, or that it's simply decadent to smother perfectly healthy food in luscious fats and sugars. Either way, most people have what it takes to pull this off already in their fridge or cupboard. For a little boost of excitement, add a touch of spice to the cheese and a kick of coffee or espresso to the chocolate. Spices and coffee can be aphrodesiacs on the one you love! Pair fondue with a nice wine, liquor, or tea and you're guaranteed to have a lovely evening!

3. Music & Movies
We all know that anytime you add a soundtrack to life, you're guaranteed to get a little emotional about whatever is happening- it's just the way we're wired. I actually shared some of my favorite sweetheart songs a few years ago, but there are so many awesome hidden talents waiting to be discovered in the iTunes Store right now that you can fill an entire CD for less than $10 with a quick search of love songs! Or, for those who keep putting off seeing those romantic dramas and romantic comedy flicks that your counterpart is always dropping hints about seeing together at the movie theaters, be proactive and make a movie night out of some serious romances that will make you fall in love with each other all over again. To save yourself some cash on both movies & music - check out your local library for a surprising selection of free new releases!

4. Make Art Together
It's so simple and sweet, especially since your sweetie doesn't already have expectations about you becoming Michelangelo overnight! So have a little fun with some paints, pens, markers, or whatever you have laying around the house. Try drawing pictures of each other, or do a photo shoot of each other (you decide the wardrobe.. or not), or just put the paint right onto each other. The longer you observe something and try to interpret it in another way, the more appreciation you have for it - so creating art out of the one you love is just another way of falling in love with each other. Believe me, I have a hard time not falling in love with my clients after observing them for an entire day full of beautiful emotions!


(Above photo from my Adventures in Dorm Life, taken during a student pumpkin decorating contest. Remember, art is in the eyes of the beholder!)

5. Do all of the above!!
Since almost everything above could already possibly exist in your home, why not do it all and make it the most memorable Valentine's Day or weekend EVER!? Then, when your sweetie pops the question because they can't imagine the rest of their life without you, call me to see if I'm available for your wedding! ;-) I couldn't help myself... I love love.

Which reminds me, check out "Inches & Falling" from The Format...