Beech Tree News Network

Are you prepared for Valentine’s Day? I used to buy gifts for my husband and children, and now I buy small gifts for my children and grandchildren. For me, Valentine’s Day has become a family deal.

Selecting a gift for those we love is not always easy. I struggle to think of something a little different from the previous year. Wondering what people would choose for themselves as a Valentine’s Day gift, I asked friends and family for their opinions. My question was: If you could select your own Valentine’s Day gift (valued at $100 or less), what would it be? Their responses were:

•I would buy myself an hour massage and a pedicure!

•Flowers because they smell good and are very beautiful.

•An 8-ounce filet mignon – medium, a baked potato, a side salad with ranch, and strawberry ice cream for dessert.

•A dinner and a movie! Memories are so much more important to me than materialistic things.

•Oh, I would love a handwritten letter full of real feelings and love sentiments (Always my favorite present. The rare bird. But that makes it all the more special.). But if it had to be purchased … a renewal of Audible’s subscription service.

•No money necessary. A few words with my children to exchange unconditional love between them and me, regardless of what day it is.

•Candles, gift cards, kitchen items.

•I would like to go shopping for a new outfit.

•I just got my husband and me silicone wedding bands.

•If I could select my own gift, it would be something that made me feel pampered and special: a salon gift certificate, mani-pedi, makeup or great smelling lotions or candles.

•The perfect gift would be a candle from Drakes and chocolate-covered strawberries.

•Dinner and a movie.

•A nice dinner and movie without kids.

•I’d take our dog to the vet and get his shots! I think they are about $100.

•Massage, mani-pedi, flowers, new perfume…. I can think of lots of things! New clothes, too, which is what my husband got me, and I love!

•Let’s see, how about some weather tech floor mats for my truck?

•I have absolutely no idea.

•I think a Fitbit this year might work.

•Honestly right now, I would choose a crisp $100 bill! I could spend it how I please.

•Tickets for two to the theater to watch a play with my wife.

•Just a thoughtful card.

•Cash, candy and flowers.

Valentine’s Day gifts are fun, but the day is not really about the gift. Joanna Gaines said, “Since Chip and I try to go on a date night once a week, we don’t feel the need to keep holidays like Valentine’s Day all to ourselves. We set the table fancy, we all get dressed up, and we serve a big, beautiful candlelight dinner. It’s our kids’ favorite, too” (https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/valentinesday). Like Gaines, I’ve reached the family stage with Valentine’s Day. And I am blessed to have a large family to love.