My Favorite Thoughtful Valentine’s Day Gifts (That Aren’t Flowers)

Like it or not, Valentines Day is right around the corner.

But the holiday is made up!

All holidays are made up, I reply.

you oughta get your partner a gift."

Hallmark will never know about your act of resistancebut your loved one sure will.

So,should you get roses?

What do the different colors represent again?

Are lilies equally romantic, or will they be a faux pas?

Capture a memory

Show your love with a drive down memory lane.

Framing can be expensive, but unlike flowers, it symbolizes permanence.

A candle with a bath bomb, slippers, and a bottle of wine?

Now youve created a DIY day of decadence.

Heres the most heteronormative thing Ill write today: The girls don’t need anymore lotion.

She knows what kind of lotion she likes, and she has enough already.

Try anew game for game night, acouples bucket list,or printed out surprise concert tickets.

Remember that your Valentines gift doesnt need to be romance themed.

Personalization is the most important thing here.

Do they have a favorite hot sauce that you’re able to only get at a local restaurant?

Do they need new merch for their favorite sports team?

Have they needednew earphonesfor months now?

This assumes that you have, indeed, been paying attention to your special someone for some time now.

Otherwise, wring every word they say from now until Feb. 14 for gift ideas.

Put on some music while you cook together.

Youre literally nourishing them.

A plate of spaghetti is always a gift.

Physical touch: Brush hands while stirring marinara sauce.

Words of affirmation:Youre such a good cook!

Lets stay together forever.See?

Instead of flowers, what about succulents?

Or any other plant that can become a more permanent, less cliche fixture in their home?

Although I think a ficus can be mighty romantic.)

Instead of confining yourself to overpriced Valentines chocolates, why not get treats that are actually your valentines favorites?

Maybe that means one of thosegiant tins of flavored popcorn, or personally arranging abouquet of beef jerky.

At the end of the day, it really is the thought the counts.

And if that gift happens to be flowers, I wont stop you.