Perfectly Healthy Valentines Gifts

The pressure of another perfect Valentines Day is right around the corner and millions of people are searching for the gift that creates that “Wow Moment”. Others are less excited and feel simply obligated to just do something to stay out of the doghouse.  

Either way you look at it, let’s get one thing straight from the beginning, Valentines Day is about the love. This is the perfect day to show your partner you love them and you care about being with them for a long time. A great way to do that is by incorporating healthy activities or approaches to your Valentines Day gift. With a little planning, it is not difficult to make the classic Valentines gifts healthy, memorable, and fun for both of you.

There are always the old standbys of flowers, candy, and cards. These are the go to gifts for the day and most people will receive one or some combination of the three. The classic gifts are not bad presents but sometimes we all need a little inspiration to take thoughtful to amazing. With the statistic from the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association claiming that 53% of women would end their relationship if they received nothing for Valentines Day, why would anyone miss this chance to shine?

Rather than buying a dozen roses, buy one rose and eleven rose bushes that you promise to plant and care for with your partner. A wide variety of standard and heirloom roses are available online and ready to ship for Valentines Day. If you are worried about planting roses in the snow, the shipping can easily be delayed until your planting zone is ready. By taking this approach, a healthy and active experience is created for both of you along with a Valentines memory that will last for years to come.

If a sweet tooth is the thing that motivates the love of your life, that four-pound box of chocolates shaped like a heart does not have to be the gift to impress him. Chocolate has come a long way over the years in regards to quality and flavors combinations. Many cities have local chocolatiers that hand make amazing treats. Do not be shocked by the price and buy just a few; a little high quality chocolate goes a long way. The candy will taste fantastic, he will savor every bite, and the additional calories will not linger too long. Alternatively, make your own chocolate sauce at home and drizzle it over fresh berries, bananas, mango, or whatever else he loves. Using fresh fruit as the base to satisfy that sweet tooth uses fewer calories and creates an unusual homemade treat.

And finally, it is time to add a healthy flair to the ubiquitous Valentines Day card. Limiting yourself to just signing the card might be considered by some boring. Take your card from predictable to extraordinary by working on your message a few days ahead of time. Writing about your love is always a welcomed message in a Valentine card but also try inviting her on a walk in the park. If you are very ambitious suggest training together for a long hike, city-walking tour, or half marathon in the vacation place you both always dreamed of going. Also, why not two cards? Mail one to work or home and hand deliver the other on Valentines Day. The second card will easily create an extra little surprise that will bring a smile.

It does not take much to put a little healthy slant on Valentines Day. Remember to think outside of that heart shaped candy box and you are sure to impress and create the chance for more healthy days in the future.

Jennifer Fox is a diet and nutrition consultant who blogs on a variety of websites. She enjoys sharing her tips and insights. Visit Skinny Limits for information on healthy juices.