Need something to spark up the romance in your life? Want to show your significant other how much you care? It doesn't have to be a holiday to have an excuse to make them feel special. These simple and fun ideas are guaranteed to bring a smile to their face.
A Love Journal
Tested and true, this is one of the best ways to get to know your partner better than ever before. This journal is based on honesty and creativity, and will create some great memories to look back on. It starts with any type of journal, even blank notebooks work great. It can be filled a variety of ways, but both partners work together on it. You could start with one person writing a basic journal entry and then passing it to the other for his/her entry. My soon-to-be hubby and I did it a bit differently though. Our preferred format is one that starts like this: I write a question at the top of one page (it can be about absolutely anything, but your partner must answer it with complete honesty). He then answers the question. His next page is something that he deems “creative”. The options are limitless - poems, stories, journal entries, drawings, letters, and so much more. We keep it very romantic and sweet. Last, he will leave me a question on the next page so I can start the process again and add my own sweet creativity. Our love journal is something we will cherish for the rest of our lives together.
Letters/Cards
At the store and see a cute card that reminds you of your better half? Get it! Girls and guys alike love to receive actual mail that isn't the typical coupons and credit card applications. Write him/her a letter and pour out your heart and soul into it. Even if you live together, you can still slip it in the mailbox with the rest of the incoming mail. Imagine how surprised they will be when they open it and see how much you were thinking of them. It's inexpensive, but will mean just as much (and probably more) than sending them something big like a bouquet of flowers. Sending letters and cards is also a good opportunity to include other little gifts, such as coupons they will actually use! “One Hour Long Backrub” or “Candlelit Dinner Made by Me”… It will sweep your guy or girl of his/her feet!
Make your sweetheart a website
As strange as it sounds, it works. Even those who aren't so web savvy can do it. It's incredibly simple, and if you know where to go, free! Freewebs is one such provider that gives users free space and the tools to create their own site. Include galleries of the two of you together, pages describing your relationship and special memories together, blog about what your future together will be like, even create your own forum for just the two of you or anyone else who'd like to comment on how adorable you two are together. This makes a wonderful surprise for any girl or guy. Imagine how amazed I was on this past Valentine's Day when I was told he was going to give me one of my gifts, and then emailed me the link to a website. I had absolutely no clue! It was one of the sweetest gifts I'd ever received, and definitely the biggest surprise.
Surprise Date Night
Show up when they least expect it (If you don't have a car, walk! That will really get their attention. My guy walked to my house while I was taking a nap, and it was absolutely the best thing to wake up to). Guys - Bring flowers (Keep it cheap and get the discount flowers at Walmart, or if you walked, pick them along the way! Even dandelions count.). Treat him/her to dinner at the favorite restaurant you share. Spend the evening revisiting all the significant places in your relationship. Relive your first date! How long has it been since you two visited the site of your first kiss? Make a habit of reminiscing on all the good times you've shared.
Make Up Games Together
These are romantic games that are easy to play, and the rewards for winning can be anything you name. One such idea requires nothing but a few pieces of paper that you can make fake money from. Create “__(insert partner's name here)___ Bucks” or even just use Monopoly money if you aren't into being creative. Set up a base of reward prices - such as back rub = $5, maid service = $7, or romantic dinner for two = $10. To earn the “bucks” you do sweet, romantic things for each other, and if you or your partner is impressed then you give them some of your “bucks”. They can then later redeem those for the bigger rewards. This game goes on forever, and both sides are really the winners, but the competition is more enjoyable than you can imagine. Create a variety of games with a variety of rewards, and you'll be amazed at all the fun times it creates.
