It’s easy to get comfortable in a relationship with loved ones when you no longer feel the need to go out of your way to express how much you love or appreciate them. This year, take the time to do something creative to show your love. Here are 12 creative ideas to inspire you!
1. Hide a card in their bag to unexpectedly find.
Hide a card that simply says I love you or possibly a picture of the two of you together. Such an unexpected find can completely change someones mood. It can also create a big of excitement waiting to hear from your loved one when they find it!
2. Send your love a thoughtful letter.
When all you get in the mail is bills and advertisements, it may be a nice to come across a letter from someone you love, especially if you are living apart. It can serve as a simple reminder that you are thinking of him or her when they aren’t around.
2. Make a memory list of your time together.
This doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Just make a list of great memories that you can remember and write them down. Review the list together for an abundance of laughs and love.
3. Start an adventure fund.
Once a week, skip your coffee or lunch out and bank the extra dollars to save towards a special night out or vacation. Tell your partner about it to get him or her involved in this trip (if you want), or you can keep it a total surprise!
4. Email a song you know they love.
While you are busy during the day trying to keep on task, it is always a pleasant surprise to see an email pop up that is not work! Give your partner a reason to smile, relax and thing of you! An easy way to do this is to send them a quick email with a song, letter, or picture of something you know they would enjoy.
5. Give him a meaningful greeting.
It’s easy to want to come home and do absolutely nothing after work. Help you partner connect with you when they walk through the door with a meaningful greeting. Totally embrace him or her and plant on right on the lips. Nothing says welcome home like a warm embrace.
7. Meet for lunch.
Not only will this give you something to look forward to, but it will be nice to see each other in the middle of a work day. Want to surprise them? Show up at the office with treats or call in delivery!
8. Leave notes in unexpected places.
Leaving “I love you” notes around the house is a constant reminder of love. Amp it up by leaving them in surprising places that will give your significant other a smile or a laugh (like in the glove compartment, pants pockets, coffee mug, inside the shower door).
9. Plan a surprise date.
I’m sure we are all familiar with the dinner debate. “What do you want to do this weekend?” “Whatever you want to do.” “Where do you want to go eat.” “Wherever you want to go.” It never ends! This is the perfect opportunity to surprise your partner with a preplanned date out.
10. Support a cause you know matters to him.
Make a donation (big or small, as the dollar amount doesn’t matter) in his name, to his favorite charity. You end up supporting your loved one as well as helping to make a difference!
11. Do one of her favorite activities with him or her.
This can also fall under the surprise date category. Pick a hobby you know they like and plan an afternoon of it. Even if you don’t particularly enjoy or excel at it, you send the message that you want to be more of a team and care about your partner’s interests.
12. Make a gift certificate.
This isn’t your typical Groupon on the go gift. This is filled with meaningful opportunities that your partner can appreciate. What does your partner need? Maybe it’s a weekend free of the honey-do list or possibly a deep back massage. Whatever it may be, you know what your partner needs and how you can help!
No matter how you do it, be sure to show the ones you love how much you care about them this holiday season.
