Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.  If you’ve been with someone for a long time, you might find that you’re running out of ideas on what to give them that’s fresh and new.  If you’ve recently become half of a couple, you probably want to come up with a unique gift that will show how much thought you put into it.  Either way, we’ve got some great gift ideas for you!

Bouquets

Flowers are always a big deal on Valentine’s Day.  Most women love receiving flowers at work, where everyone can see what their sweetheart gave them!  If you know your sweetie’s favorite types of flowers, you’ll probably want to incorporate them into the bouquet. If not, put the project in the hands of a professional who can create something truly unique. If your sweetheart would rather not get flowers, many floral shops also have great plants that will last much longer than your typical flower bouquet and can be brought home and repotted (if necessary).

Salon or Spa Services

Whether you are shopping for a man or woman, salon or spa services are always a great idea for a gift.  What woman wouldn’t enjoy getting a relaxing facial or a cut and color for a Valentine’s Day gift?  And don’t forget, men need haircuts and enjoy spa treatments as well.

Many salons offer gift certificates that can be used for any service.  This is a great idea if you’re not sure if your significant other would rather have a hair, nail or spa service.  A gift certificate to Eve a Salon or White Orchid would make anyone’s sweetheart happy!

Clothing or Accessories

Got a special girl in your life who loves fashion?  Consider getting her a new outfit, some shoes or accessories this year.  If you’re comfortable with her sizes and style, you can pick out a full outfit for her.  If you’re not, you can choose instead to settle on accessories like jewelry, scarves or handbags or even gift certificates.  You could also consider taking one of her friends or family members with you to shop and they could help you pick out the perfect gifts.  Another fun idea is to take your significant other on a little shopping spree.  Surprise her with a trip to Blu Velvet or another local boutique and encourage her to pick out an outfit or a few pieces of clothing for her gift.

Plan a ‘Staycation’

Why not have a little getaway this year without ever leaving the city?  Staycations are great for either an overnight on the 14th or you can push it until the weekend and enjoy and a couple of days away from home.  You won’t have to worry about driving or airfare but will still get that vacation feeling by staying in a local hotel, such as Embassy Suites, eating at nearby restaurants and maybe taking in a show, a band or a movie.

If you have children, consider asking the grandparents to watch them for a weekend or plan for them to spend the night with friends so you and your sweetheart can spend some quality time together.

Boudoir Photographs

A unique and probably unexpected gift for your sweetheart this year would be the gift of boudoir photographs.  Boudoir photographs are tasteful studio pictures taken in your lingerie.  “I have been happy that women not only love giving the images to their guy, but they walk away from the experience feeling empowered and sexy,” says Jaime Incontro, CPP with Boudoir Boutique a division of Purple Sky Productions.  “It is a great confidence boost and a great gift, no matter the occasion.  We also have a fun idea for a group of ladies: A Girls’ Night Out.  This is for 4-12 ladies and a super fun experience whether it is for a bachelorette party or birthday.”

Home Décor

Does your significant other enjoy decorating her house with fun pictures, signs, candles and other décor?  If so, you should take a trip to Plum Creek Gifts, Lincoln’s ‘best kept secret’!  Plum Creek has a number of rooms filled with items that would make perfect gifts, from seasonal décor (why not help your sweetheart start decorating for St. Patrick’s Day now?), to Americana-themed items to an array of framed prints and pictures that would look great on any wall in the house.  If you’re not sure what to pick out, Plum Creek also offers gift certificates and your sweetheart is sure to love wandering from room to room, picking out those perfect pieces to fit in with her home’s theme.

Curio Collective is another great destination for unique Valentine’s Day gifts.  “We always encourage people to shop local,” says Linda Barna, owner of Curio Collective.  “Why would you give the person you love most a present from a chain stare that hundreds of thousands of people are going to get as well?  Your love is unique and your present to them should be, too.  We carry a great selection of locally made jewelry, accessories, music, poetry, pottery and many other unique one-of-a-kind gifts.  Our gifts tell the person receiving them that the person giving them cared enough about them to find something special and not mass produced in a foreign country.”

Guy Gifts

Collectibles

Sometimes men can be incredibly difficult to buy for, especially if they are the type of guy who always insists he ‘doesn’t need anything’.  A unique gift to consider would be a die-cast collectible toy, such as those offered at Jeff’s Collectibles.  Think cranes, semis, tractors and more, perfect those guys who collect miniatures or models.  These would make especially good gifts if you have a son in the house as they are perfect gifts to hand down and keep in a family for generations.

Gifts for the Car

Most guys are proud of their cars, but probably would rather someone else clean and repair it for them.  That’s why a gift of a detailing, wheel alignment or paintless dent repair from Ming Auto Beauty makes the perfect ‘man gift’!

Custom Wood

Imagine his delight when you bring in a custom-designed wood television stand or a one-of-a-kind end table.  Classic Wood can make this a reality!  Although it’s too late to make your custom order now, you can always tell your guy his gift is on the way–and well worth the wait!

Time Together

“The best present that you can give your loved one is time together,” points out Linda Barna with Curio Collective.  “Cook a homemade dinner, watch one of the first movies you watched together, listen to the music you were listening to when you fell in love.  If J-Lo’s love don’t cost a thing, neither should yours.”  The best part about staying in on Valentine’s Day?  You don’t have to worry about waiting in line or having to deal with all of the restaurants being super busy due to the holiday.  You can have a leisurely dinner (in your pajamas if you want!) and watch a movie, all without having to spend a lot of money or even leave the house.  If you have kids, you can include them in the festivities and celebrate as a family or you can get a babysitter for the evening so you can celebrate as a couple.

If You’re Single

Valentine’s Day does not have to be a day to dread if you’re single.  There are plenty of fun things you can do!

Girls (or Guys) Night Out

One of the reasons single people don’t look forward to Valentine’s Day is because they don’t want to be alone.  Even if you’re not currently part of a couple, there’s no reason why you should be spending the 14th alone.  Almost everyone has friends who are also single and who are probably wondering what to do today just as much as you are!  Get them all together in a group and hit the town!  While you probably will want to avoid the restaurants (unless you have made reservations), you can make plans to see a movie, have a few cocktails or attend a sporting event.

Treat Yourself to a Salon Service

Why not make Valentine’s Day a day of pampering for yourself?  Take yourself to the salon for a new cut and color or to a spa or massage therapist for a relaxing or rejuvenating massage.  If you don’t have time to do this on the actual 14th, consider scheduling it for the weekend before or after so you can have a relaxing Saturday all for you.  You’ll remember this as a Valentine’s Day where you were treated wonderfully—by yourself!

Spend it with Family

Get together with your siblings, your children, your parents or even cousins who you haven’t seen in a while.  Make a big family dinner and just enjoy each other’s company.  By the end of the evening, you will probably forget that this was ever a day you weren’t looking forward to!

Valentine’s Day is not only for couples.  It’s a day to spend with those you love and celebrate that love for each other.  Make plans now to spend the day doing fun things with those who are closest to you and you’ll never dread another February 14th!

Eve a salon – “Wow” that’s what they’ll say!! Go from blah to WOW see us today. 402.483.0158

White Orchid Spa & Salon – Luxury Facials, Microdermabrasion, Brazilian Waxing… Stop in.

Blu Velvet – Lincoln’s Hottest Boutique for Women’s clothing and accessories. Check us out today!


Embassy Suites Lincoln – Suite Valentine Overnight & Dinner Packages Available.


Boudoir Boutique – Give him a sexy gift. Flirty, Fun & for His Eyes Only. Check it out today.


Plumb Creek Gifts -County Home Furnishings/Decor, Candles,  Florals, Handmades & More.


Curio Collective – Unique one-of-a-kind Gifts with a Local Focus. Shop outside the BOX today.


Jeff’s Collectibles & Sportswear – Unique Die cast Collectibles for the Big Boys on your list.


Ming Auto Beauty – Let your vehicle look it best year in and year out with Ming of Lincoln


Classic Wood – Classic and Quality Woodwork done the Old fashioned way Guaranteed.