Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010
(Another) Valentine’s Day
John Beaudoin, Journal Publisher
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I guess I would say Valentine’s Day is a little different when you are married. Let’s at least be honest about that.
Not that guys (and gals) can’t be romantic on this day after they say “I do,” but it does get tougher and tougher to come up with something unique, spontaneous and, well, exceptional.
I won’t go so far as a co-worker, who declared, “I’m married. I don’t need to do anything…”
That’s just crazy talk.
But dinner and a movie has been done to death. Flowers, sure, those are nice. But I seem to get far more mileage out of spur-of-the-moment flowers during the rest of year than I do for Valentine’s Day.
I’ve done the cookie bouquets. Cool idea, but they go quick.
And I’ve done the teddy bear grams. That’s a solid gift once or twice, while you are dating and maybe again when you’re married, but you can’t keep going back to that till. Besides, those darn teddy bears are pricey. But, such is Valentine’s Day.
As kids, I would crack into the piggy bank to buy the box of cartoon-themed Valentine’s Day cards in eager anticipation of the class party. I mean, I wish I could get that excited about Valentine’s Day again. I couldn’t wait to break out my makeshift card box – covered in red paper hearts and glue – and see which girl secretly had a crush on me or, as was usually the case, simply “liked me as a friend.”
I suppose I could revert to sixth grade and make something homemade for my wife. That would either come off as sweet or lazy. I can’t decide.
As many husbands will likely do, I turned to the magic 8-ball (read: the Internet) for guidance.
That turned out to be less than helpful.
There is a Web site that features, their words, “unique Valentine’s Day gifts.” OK, I’m intrigued.
First on the list, Love Tokens. Price: $22. Each Love Token has a message that says “Kiss,” “Hug,” or “Massage.” I’m pretty sure if I gave my wife a Love Token, she would probably fall to the ground laughing.
On to the next suggestion: Sweetest Day Message in a Bottle. Price: $45.
This gift is a bottle. Seriously. You write a message, they put it in the bottle and your honey opens it up. Oh yeah, and it’s filled with rose petals.
I’m pretty sure I have an empty wine bottle around the house. If I really want to have some fun, I could stuff a message in it that says “I spent $45 on a bottle with a slip of paper in it instead of taking you to dinner.” Now that would be funny.
OK, now I am sounding cynical and I don’t mean to. This Web site did have some good, unique ideas, like the Recordable Talking Rose for $16. This could be entertaining as you say whatever you want into the “Rose” and it will play it for your gal.
Or the Chocolate Lovers Body Pen Set, just $25.
I’m not even going to comment on that.
Suffice it to say, I suppose there are plenty of original Valentine’s Day gifts still to be found out there.
Since this is my column, I will start the holiday off with a simple message: Happy Valentine’s Day, Aimee!
John Beaudoin is publisher of the Blue Springs Journal. To respond to today’s commentary, call 816-282-7001 or e-mail jbeaudoin@bluespringsjournal.com.
