OK, i really want some feedback on some V-day ideas i have. first let me explain that V-day has been a big holiday for my girl friend and i since we started dating. i think its a good idea to not let v-day be some diluted holiday where u dont really do much. IMO, going all out on V-Day is one of the best things a guy can do for his girlfriend/wife. This year im really racking my brain for ways to 1-up myself on the gift part of the holiday. Here is what i have have planned:
Main Gift: half-day special at Spa Sydell. This lets her pick any combination of 2 from 3 things: a 60 min full body massage, a deluxe pedicure/manicure, and ummm.... ehh, one other thingy. she doesnt have to do 2 different things. she could get 2 massages if she wants to. also she doesnt have to do both things in the same day and there is no expiration date for this gift.
Meal-wise: For our first V-day, we went out for a nice dinner. Last year i went over and cooked us a really nice dinner and got some wine. This year im all out of ideas for dinner stuff and was thinking of cooking a fancy brunch / late breakfast for the two of us. so far the menu ideas are heart-shaped bannana pancakes, mini-omlets, sliced fresh fruit, sausage links, and for drinks there would be mamosas (sp?). mamosas are orange juice and champaign, and my family usually drinks them when we go out for Easter brunch at the ... Hyatt, or some other hotel every year. anyway, they are delicious.
Now, ladies, do you think it will be OK that im doing breakfast-ish stuff instead of making plans to go eat dinner somewhere? im afraid it will come off as trying to be cheap, or getting out of having to dress up and go somewhere (of which i am completely guilty)!
Ive spoken to some people and its split down the middle as far as feedback. typically most guys say im spending way too much money and V-day isnt really that big a deal. Most women think my ideas are OK, and/or agree that their men dont really make V-Day out to be anything over the top. When i get that remark, i remind the people im talking to that the biggest gifts of the year for us are usually our v-day gifts. Birthdays usually involve going out to a club(s) and drinking/dancing, and x-mas invloves buying stuff for lots of people. Keep in mind that the first V-day we had together, i thought i was going all out on her, and ended up getting blown away by how awesome the gifts i received were. Last year we were about on par, and this year i want to really impress her without having to buy jewelry. jewelry is too easy and she already has a necklace and bracelet from me.
OK, that about sums up what i wanted to say/ask. wow its a lot longer than i thought it would be. suggestions about why any of my ideas are bad or ways to make them better would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Brunch is fine, as long as you at least take her dancing and do dessert at night. I would feel cheated if I didn't get dinner or SOMETHING that night. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
(Of course, I have an almost two-year-old and am pregnant, so night time is the time I have been busy all day and would like to relax. In the morning I just woke up and don't care. She may feel differently.)
Posted by krynn (Member # 524) on :
hmm, im not sure im up for going dancing. im a terrible dancer and i only ever dance when i let her get me pretty drunk. im not sure im up for that this year. yeah, ive heard that too before about dinner. im worried that she will feel cheated if i dont do dinner like every other person does on V-Day. sometimes the line between trying to be original and being cheap gets blurred. so the Spa-Sydell gift is not cheap by any means.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Well, how about just taking her out for dessert and a nice romantic walk, then? Dessert is almost always under $10, even at a really nice place. Like I said, it's nice to wind down at NIGHT, when you need it.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
I can't imagine she would feel cheated after all that business. Brunch (or you might consider breakfast in bed), especially one as elaborate as what you describe, sounds like a good v-day to me. It's not as cliche as dinner, and you guys can just hang out and watch a movie that night.
Not to mention the spa stuff. All things considered I think she should love it. But women are strange creatures, and as soon as I think I've figured them out they surprise me.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
See, watching a movie would count. Especially if there was a special box of chocolates to go with it. But you gotta do SOMETHING at night.
And breakfast in bed would be nice. As long as she enjoys that. My mom was always a little uncomfortable with it because she worried about crumbs in bed and such.
Posted by amira tharani (Member # 182) on :
Dessert and a walk sounds lovely. You could even make dessert if you felt like it. I guess if you are doing brunch then neither of you are working that day, so you could make a day of it. You could, for example, have your brunch, and then later go out for a walk and a picnic dinner, then out for dessert. Is there anything that she loves doing that you don't particularly like? For example, I love ice-skating but my boyfriend doesn't like it that much, so I always see it as something of a treat when he takes me skating. Of course, if there is something you both love doing that you don't do very often, that's even better!
Posted by krynn (Member # 524) on :
ooh, good one! she loves going to pets tores to look at the puppies and kittens, and i dont really like it cuz neither of us are allowed to have pets where we live, and we are both gone for most of the day.
Maybe that day we could go to a local pets tore and see the puppies, then catch a movie. there is a ColdStone right next to the theater, and she loves their icecream.
Posted by Shanna (Member # 7900) on :
I would die if my boyfriend made me breakfast in bed. Especially really sweet the way you're doing it. The spa gift sounds great. It shows real care.
I'd recommend doing something in the evening. Is there any past date you can replicate? Maybe rent a movie y'all saw together on a date when you first started dating? My first date with my boyfriend was a 3 hour talk sitting in a parking lot and then a 2am run to Walmart for frozen pizza to eat while watching Adaptation. Nothing fancy but I cherish that memory and am planning on having a picnic with him in that parking lot on our next big anniversary.
Its Valentines so its a good day to go sappy and nostalgic.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:Maybe that day we could go to a local pets tore and see the puppies, then catch a movie. there is a ColdStone right next to the theater, and she loves their icecream.
Wow, that sounds wonderful. I'm sure she'd love it!
That would be like if my husband got a babysitter and agreed to spend the whole day browsing at IKEA with me. *nudges KPC*
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
quote: IMO, going all out on V-Day is one of the best things a guy can do for his girlfriend/wife.
I would rank it somewhere below "live every day of your life with your love for her foremost in your mind," frankly.
Valentine's Day is a sweet little concoction, and it's nice to occasionally go all-out, but I wouldn't weight it with unnatural significance.
Posted by krynn (Member # 524) on :
well, thx for that Tom. cant wait to see what else u have to post!
so far it looks like ther eis no way of getting out of doing something in the evening. not sure i even have a problem with that, but i really dont want to dress up and go anywhere nice. i hope i can convince her to just have a lazy day/evening with me.
Posted by signal (Member # 6828) on :
If you want to do dinner or something, V-Day isn't the greatest day to go out. How about making reservations somewhere the night before. Then the brunch, which is a great idea. You'll already be out the rest of the day with her, so a quiet evening to wind down seems good. Maybe have some movies ready and have some snacks that you both can enjoy while watching the movie.
Posted by JenniK (Member # 3939) on :
I don't have a problem with Valentines Day, but I see it for what it is.....a heavily promoted prefab holiday designed by the card and candy companies to increase their business.
I still get her something, and make a point of doing something speciall on V-Day if we can work it out, but I realize some people really don't like the commercialized version.
I try to let my wife know on a regular basis that I love her, not just on V-Day. SOunds like it is something you really like though, so go for it.
I am sure she will love whatever you do for her.
Kwea
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
quote: so far it looks like ther eis no way of getting out of doing something in the evening.
Why not? Do you two live together? If not, just call it a day at noon, then go home and do your own thing.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
That was me, BTW... JeniK forgot to log off again, and I forgot to check before typing. Posted by krynn (Member # 524) on :
we dont live together. she is in athens at UGA, and im just outside of atlanta. She likes going getting all dressed up, and i hate it. plus im a very conservative dresser i think. i cant stand all those fancy things on a lot of women's clothes. the more simple a dress or shirt is, the better i like it usually.
So, we only really get to spend time together on the weekends or surprise vists during the week. good thinking signal about having V-Day being so crouded no matter where u go to eat. that is kinda a pain. i think we might just go see a movie or rent a couple and and stay in. staying in would get my vote, but i guess i can leave that up to her. it all depends on what movies are playing. i really dont want to spend 2 hours of my weekend with her watching Broke Back Mountain if that is all she wants to go see.
anyway, thx for the feedback so far. i think the two of us are celebrating V-Day the weekend of the 17-19. luckily i get paid that thursday.
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
Getting all dressed up is so fun, though!
Any date for which I can wear my Little Black Dress (tm) is a wonderful date.
I think you should definitely take her out that evening. What you have planned now sounds really adorable, though.
-pH (who would kill for a night out that didn't begin at midnight)
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
pH, I would kill to be able to do something at midnight! Amazing how your opinion on that can change with your situation. Posted by Historian (Member # 8858) on :
What about a B&B? If you are going to be in Athens there is the Grand Oaks Manor ( Link ).
Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
Since our anniversary is March 3, Valentine's Day has always been sort of a quandary. I'd much rather go all out for our anniversary. So I usually don't do anything huge for V-day, just the normal and expected. But I always feel guilty about that.
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen: pH, I would kill to be able to do something at midnight! Amazing how your opinion on that can change with your situation.
Oh, I would still require being out AT midnight. I just wish I could START the night around 8-10 and come home around 1-2.
Last time, we didn't get home until 4am, and he had to be up at 10. I always feel so bad about the sleep he loses because of me.
-pH
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
quote:I just wish I could START the night around 8-10 and come home around 1-2.
*laugh* Have kids. Your night starts at 5 and ends at 8. Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
Children frighten me much in the way that some people are afraid of clowns.
-pH
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
I gotta say, the people who can listen to everything krynn's planned and then say that they would be disappointed if they didn't get taken out in the evening as well. . . I just don't get it. I would not expect, on being presented an expensive day spa package and made a nice brunch, to also be taken out in the evening. *shrug*
Posted by Celaeno (Member # 8562) on :
I don't do gifts on Valentine's Day, but that's a personal preference.
krynn, everything you have planned sounds absolutely wonderful. If you're worried that she'll be disappointed that you have no evening plans, maybe you can tell her that you'll split the day. You'll plan the morning/afternoon stuff (the pet store idea is adorable) and she can plan the evening. I mean, if you're both into going all-out for Valentine's Day, then she'd probably love some of the planning power. Posted by krynn (Member # 524) on :
hmm, yeah good idea Celano. im sure she would love to think of places to drag me and take me out. that actually sounds like something she would really go for.she is definently the planner between the two of us. again, great idea. thx eljay and celano for the support. i must say im not sure i could spend too much more money since her birthday is about 6 weeks after v-day. tho, we are a really weird couple. we have never really gotten any great gifts for eachother on our birthdays. maybe its cuz all i ever ask for is more boxers and new socks. lol, for some reason i lose pairs of socks only weeks after i buy them.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
ElJay, it doesn't have to be "taken out". Just, you know, something special together. Renting a video and baking brownies from a box and pigging out on potato chips while cuddling would be great. Just as long as there was some evening togetherness and enjoyment. I am not a morning person at all, maybe this is why I feel this way.
Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :
I know what you mean, kq. I'm just not coherent enough in the morning to enjoy much of *any*thing. I'd be grateful for the thought behind, but I'm too cranky at being awake at all in the morning. I'm awake and human in the evening, though, that's when I'm most likely to be able to appreciate anything nice done for me. As it is now, the only morning kindness I can handle is to simply let me sleep.
Also, I don't and can't usually eat breakfast. Breakfast in bed is nearly an impossibility. My stomach just can't handle food until I've been up and moving for an hour or so.
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
Well, my big thing right now with being taken out is that we haven't been seeing each other that long, and no one's ever really wanted to put in the effort to take me anywhere before. /emotear.
-pH
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Do you know for sure she would enjoy the spa package?
I ask only because I myself would not, and I know quite a few women who wouldn't. I'm just not into it, I don't want a stranger giving me a massage and I don't like going out and getting all pampered by myself. Now I don't want to discourage you because you've gone to a great deal of trouble, but my husband did some work for a local spa and was asking her about business and she said it's wonderful around Valentine's because they sell thousands of dollars worth of gift certificates but only a fraction of the women actually come in, because many of them just aren't comfortable with the whole "spa treatment" thing. I would much rather a gift certificate to a book store or to Bath and Body Works where I could buy something I really wanted and needed.
I don't think you need to worry about doing something for the evening, brunch sounds lovely.
Posted by krynn (Member # 524) on :
i think she would really like it. she is having a tough semester and since there is no expiration date, im going to mention she could get a full body massage after her finals are over. btw, she is an accounting major, and she has to get a 3.75 this semester to get into the accounting graduate school.
Posted by Kasie H (Member # 2120) on :
quote:Children frighten me much in the way that some people are afraid of clowns.
Do you have a (tm) on that phrase too or can I borrow it on occasion?
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
I give you permission to use it.
It's so true.
-pH
Posted by whiskysunrise (Member # 6819) on :
My husband and I don't really celibrate Valentine's day, but it's a great idea. I would also say that you wouldn't need to do anything in the evening.
Posted by Chris Bridges (Member # 1138) on :
You folks are going to love my column tomorrow... Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
Dang! I'm happy if I get a piece of chocolate. My hubby is very practical, but now I've learned to value his practical (and exquisitely thoughtful) gifts. For instance, this Christmas he gave me a pair of house slippers that I wear every day. I think a most romantic gift would be something a lady could encounter every day and think of you.
Posted by cheiros do ender (Member # 8849) on :
Off topic, but there are currently 8 threads on the first page of BFFC that have 0 replies. Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
I want to know what I'm getting for Valentine's Day.
I also want to know what to get him for Valentine's Day. He says chocolate. I maintain that that is the sort of gift that I will buy for him and then keep for myself.
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
*nudges KPC*
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
I just wish I could START the night around 8-10 and come home around 1-2.![[Frown]](frown.gif)
I always feel so bad about the sleep he loses because of me.![[Angst]](graemlins/angst.gif)
Children frighten me much in the way that some people are afraid of clowns.![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)