Valentine's Day, the dreaded holiday. Why is it that chicks completely buy into this Hallmark holiday? Nobody knows why. And it doesn't matter, they do; which means you have to play along. Girls always seem to have high expectations for Valentines; romantic but also unique, thoughtful but not cliché. They get these crazy ideas in their heads from all those sappy-ass movies. Well we feel for you brother and we're here to help. Forget the flowers and chocolate. Here are some creative gift ideas for the woman in your life.

 

SNOWBOARD PASS

If you do not live in a snow state, this can be converted to whatever winter sport is popular in your area. Be sure to get a day pass and any equipment that she is lacking. Buy two and you can tag along – or she'll take her best friend who doesn't shut the hell up.

YOGA 

There are so many advantages to this. She'll be so relaxed when she gets home, she won't even notice that beer in your hand. After a few weeks, she'll be flexible enough to wrap her legs...

 

COOKING CLASS

 

This is a lesson for you and a gift for her. Look on the bright side, at the end of the night, you get to eat whatever you make! And your little lady will be so enamored with your willingness to jump in, that you'll get some home cooked meals for the rest of the week.

 

ROCK BAND, GUITAR HERO

 

Games are no longer a guy only gift. These are probably two of the most fun games ever created. Plug in and play, especially on these cold winter nights – it involves more skill and focus than watching television. (link: Rock Band, Guitar Hero)

 

A 3 HOUR TOUR

Girls always want to do something touristy or artsy – what about devoting some time to a gallery crawl? Or checking out your city's famous architecture? Government buildings?

 

POTTED PLANT

A different take on the traditional gift of cut flowers, a potted plant will last longer and with all the talk of saving Mother Earth, you'll be doing a good deed too. Certain plants, like ivy, are hardy through the winter and act as air purifiers for the house as well. It never hurts to ask a green house employee questions.

 

PERFORMING ARTS TICKETS

  

I am going to encourage a concert, but if no one good is playing in town, theater tickets usually go over well. Most major venues have a good production on tap for holidays. Check out smaller venues for more alternative shows.

 

MAID SERVICE

 

This is the life! Not to have to clean the house for a week is a Godsend. Who really has the time or energy after a work week to get down on hands and knees to scrub the floor that you have been trampling all over for days with muddy boots? Better yet, while the maid is cleaning, send her to a spa.

 

 

CAR DETAIL

 

Girls hate dealing with car crap and so, taking the car to a local wash for detail work and a scrub down is one more thing she can check of the list of procrastinations.

DIGITAL FRAME

 

A little hokey, but if your girl is romantic, try scanning in some early photos of the two of you, or her cat. She'll end up gazing at your face and the floating photos of you will ward off any predators that drop by the house. (link)

 

 

RING

 

Digby & Iona have created an original design for a ring that wont look like all the others, and it won't break the bank either. The centerpiece is not a gem, but formed gun metal, so she'll look tough and glamorous simultaneously. (last ring pictured) 

 

 Go ahead and surprise her this year with one of these wonderful gifts. You'll surely get some play brownie points. Which is unfair because we did all the work. No worries, we'll take one for the team; but you owe us one.