5 Free Gifts to Give this Valentine’s Day

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, I don’t think I’m into celebrating it as much as the next person. My memories of Valentine’s Day as a teenager are pretty meh. See, I never really had a boyfriend in high school. Yes, there were guys I dated (I wasn’t allowed to), guys I had a crush on, guys who had a crush on me, and maybe, the occasional-week long boyfriend. Nothing serious.  I usually liked the bad boys, and well, they didn’t like girlfriends. And I don’t know, I’d say looking back, I didn’t really like boyfriends. High school was a fun time for me. Trying, yes. But it was fun more than it was anything else. It wasn’t a time to get all serious with anyone.

Maybe it’s because of high school, or maybe it’s because I married someone who’s not that into gifting physical presents, like me. But the hype of the day, just like let’s say; overly gifting each other on Christmas is a bit lost on me. Not as a mom, just as a partner. With that said, despite not wanting to gift a physical gift, I’d still like to continue to give my husband something. More than the everyday “ I love you.”

Here are a few gifts that won’t cost you a penny, but that will still make an impact this Valentine’s Day!

Less bickering. More love–  Peter and I have this funny relationship like most couples. We work together in a small apartment and we raise two kids in this same small apartment. This leads to the occasional bickering. During this holiday week, we both want to do this less. We know it will have a huge impact on the way we see love. In general, this is something I’d like to work on beyond the holiday.

IOU– This isn’t you normal IOU. This is the IOU your mama won’t want to know about. Find some colorful cardstock and get crafty. Is there something lacking from the bedroom?  Needing a little spice on from time to time? I’ve found that redeemable IOU cards are a great way to make this holiday special and also incredibly fun.

Sleep In- I remember hearing a friend say that all she wanted for Mother’s day was to be able to sleep in. It really rang true for me, and I continue to ask for it every holiday. I noticed that both Peter and I are lacking in the sleep department. If you and your partner have a heavy workload and/or have kids, you’re probably going through the same. Unexpectedly, offer your love a morning to sleep in. It will make a huge difference.

Hold down the fort- Time alone is essential. Offer up a few hours away while you man the fort.

Cook a favorite- I know that Peter is pretty obsessed with my blueberry pie. I don’t make it nearly often enough for his taste buds. It seems very fitting for Valentine’s Day. Cooking or baking, for the one you love is such a huge gift.

photography by Luke Griffin and Katherine Rose for #maxandfriends