Valentines Gift & Date Ideas

A lot of people think valentine day is a con for retailers and restaurants to whack up their prices and make a tidy profit. I however am an old romantic and love putting that little extra effort in to remind my fiancé how much he means to me. Its only one day a year, and it’s a nice little pick me up following the January blues. So if you’re a romantic at heart like me and looking for ideas on what to get your loved ones this valentine’s day or for inspiration on how to celebrate? Look no further, here are my gift ideas for whether you want to splurge, spend or save and they’re all available on the high street for those last minute shopping sprees!   

For Her

Pamper treats. Girls love to be pampered- I know I sure do! Spa days are a great present to treat your loved and it’s something the two of you can do together. Recently me and James went to Thermae Bath Spa for their Twilight package, it was amazing!  We spent ages just reclining, gazing at the stars and admiring the spectacular views of Bath in the open air roof top pool, before hoping back into our complimentary robs & slippers and wandering down to the aromatic steam rooms. There was 4 different steam rooms to choose from which all smelt divine and after spending time in each room, we came out feeling refreshed and relaxed. 

Once we’d spent a couple of hours enjoying the spa we then headed up to the Springs Café for a meal and drink, which was all included in the package. The food was delicious, and it was a lovely way to end the evening. All in all it was a great experience, I would definitely recommend it. However if Bath isn't local to you Champneys have spas across the country, and I've heard great reviews about them.

One gift I always look forward to receiving is luxury body washes and moisturisers, so I can pamper myself whenever I have time. Molton Brown have an amazing range of gift sets for both men and women, which all come beautifully wrapped in tissue paper and then packaged in their iconic brown boxes. Their Japenese Organge gift set smells incredible!

If you’re looking to save the pennies create your own spa and pamper treatment at home. Run a bath, light some candles pour your partner a glass of wine and get a box of chocolates at the ready. 

Make it personal. You don’t have to spend a fortune to show your love for someone, it’s that personal touch that means the most. Buy a nice picture frame and print of your favourite photo of the two of you, or a photo that marks an occasion like first date, anniversary or wedding day. Next and Asda have a great range of photo frames. But if you do want to splash out, Thomas Sabo has a gorgeous selection of engrave-able necklaces and bracelets for you to add a special note- there currently offering 15% off all heart jewellery too! 

Fragrance. Buying perfume is a popular gift, and there's nothing better than getting another bottle of your favourite fragrance, when  your close to running out.  If you don’t just want to give the same old perfume, get it as a gift set, then it's something you know she'll like but with the added extra of a body lotion too. My fav fragrances are Micahel Kors Sexy Amber, Paco Rabanne Olympea and Viktor & Rolf Flower Bomb (which I've just ran out of hint hint!).

Be cute. Cheesy presents are always a winner on Valentine’s Day. Whether you stick with the common present of a dozen red roses, grab a mug that declares your love, or buy a light box to leave soppy messages to each other. 

For Him

So what can you get for the man in your life? I always struggle finding the perfect gift for my partner, as he is too good at buying gifts. It’s not even like he spends months planning what to get, he will literally go out the day before my birthday or on Christmas Eve and come home with amazing presents.

Fragrance. Like girls, guys like to shower themselves in their favourite fragrance, so you can play it safe by picking them up a bottle of their favourite aftershave. Joop Homme & Davidoff Cool Water smell great.

Clothing. Unless you know your partner really well I wouldn't suggest buying clothing, as it can be a real hit or miss at times. Me and James have been together over 5 years now, so I know what styles he likes and his favourite brands. He really like Ralph Lauren shirts, so he would be well chuffed to receive this. 

Beard Grooming. If you're like me and like a clean shaven man, then a new beard trimmer and grooming products is the gift for your beau. Nivea have a great range of men’s toiletry’s and Babyliss have lots of different shavers. 

Accessories. If you really want to treat your boyfriend you could splash out and buy him a new watch or designer wallet, something you know he'll use a lot. This Citizen watch currently has 50% off at H Samuel- Bargain! 

Date Ideas
If you’re not into buying each other present's, here's my top five ideas on how to celebrate v-day with your love...

1. You could grab a couple of glasses, bottle of Prosecco, blanket and head to your local park for an evening star gazing.  

2. Cook up a storm in the Kitchen! Who needs to go to a miscellan star restaurant, when you could don your apron and whip up your own three course meal of your other half’s favourite foods.

3. Have a date night at the cinema, it’s Meerkat Tuesdays and there’s loads of new films out. Maybe you could persuade the boyf to watch 50 shades darker?

4. Pack a picnic and head out on a bike ride exploring your city.   

5. Let your loved one have an extra hour in bed, whilst you do the morning jobs like walking the dog, dropping the kids to school and putting the washing on- the little things really do mean a lot.

Happy Valentine’s Day! 

AJ Blogs x 

P.S. Don’t forget to pick up a card!