Baked chocolate chip cookies or a box of chocolates are often viewed as the typical presents to show some one your love. This year, why not think out of the box? There are many alternatives to chocolates that may be a sweeter deal all around.
And while you’re choosing your not-chocolate-gift, why not cater it to the way your loved one feels most loved? There are five primary “languages” of expressing love, including positive affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service and material gifts. Below, we’ve explored an option for each one of these, so you can go above and beyond to show you care.
Ways to Show Love Without Chocolate
Positive Affirmation: Fill a Jar with Reasons You Love Them
People who prefer positive affirmation feel most loved when they receive it through words. This idea is not only heartfelt and sincere, but also very inexpensive. Find a glass jar or another container that’s been cleaned out (and has a lid) and fill it with individual little notes of reasons why you love the person you’re making it for. 183 can be a nice, because then they get 1 a day for 6 months. If you’re feeling especially ambitious, try writing 365 reasons! This can also enhance your love for them because writing down reasons they love you reminds you why you care so much.
Quality Time: Plan an Outing
Does your special someone adore quality time? Chocolate isn’t going to bond with them the way you will- opt for gifting them tickets that you can use together. Wanting to stay on the less expensive side? Get movie tickets to a discounted or old fashioned theatre in your area. This adds an element of romance to the experience, and meanwhile can save you some cash.
Looking to make the night completely free? Turn it into an invitation for a hike or walk in the park- you could even pack a picnic to enjoy a healthy lunch while you get some exercise and fresh air with your loved one.
Physical Touch: A “Massage Coupon”
Some people feel the most loved when they make physical contact with others. A great way to make this person’s day sans chocolate would be giving them massage coupons! A nearly free gift option, just write “free massage” on a slip of paper (or however many you’d like to include) and place it in their card. The nice part about gifting this is the experience can be completely personalized to what you’re willing to offer; don’t be afraid to throw in disclaimer such as “one time use only” or “must be used on a weekend.”
Acts of Service: A “Chore Coupon”
In the same way that certain people love touch, others are especially grateful for a helping hand! You can make a similar coupon to the massage example given above, but instead specify it to chores that you know the receiver would appreciate the most. A much more productive present than chocolates, this also offers the added benefit that with less to do, your loved one might have more time to spend with you.
Material Gifts: Photo Frames or Collage
People who prefer tangible gifts aren’t necessarily materialistic- they may just like having something they can hold that reminds them of their loved one (which is you!). Where chocolates can only be enjoyed for a moment and then are long gone, the gift of photos can be timeless. Making a homemade photo frame, photo book or picture collage allows your beloved to cherish some of their favorite memories for years to come. A picture’s worth a thousand words…or maybe in this case a 1,000 chocolates!
Don’t get me wrong, chocolate can totally be a part of the celebration, just not the center of attention. My love language is acts of service, so hopefully the hubs will get a hit about the chore coupon!!
What about you? Do you know your love language? How are you and your lovie going to celebrate Valentines Day?
