Valentines day is around the corner and the stores have left their heart shaped chocolate boxes as hints on nearly every shelf. 

Mugs adorned with hearts and teddy bears clutching roses are the order of the day. Lingerie shops are giving sneak peaks of the sexy wares they keep just for the occasion and happy spouses are counting down the days till they receive the gift they’ve been hinting for since the last Valentine’s Day.  For the gift giver the day can be quite stressful as you’re never sure if what you get is what your lover wanted.

So for those who need help, here are five gifts you can give that will last beyond Valentines Day

Use what you know

Create a gift that caters specifically to your significant other’s needs. Your partner loves to have a glass of wine while soaking in the tub but also loves instagram? Get them a bath buddy. A bath buddy is a wooden block that has slots for a cellphone, candle and wine glass. You can have it made at a pretty reasonable price, and they’ll always think about you every time they use it! 

Go for drama

In this day and age most people have a TV show or series that they love. Bring the drama (in a good way) for your significant other by getting them subscribed onto an online streaming service. In SA you can choose between Showmax and Netflix, a subscription service is a gift that will keep on giving. Plus both of you can decide on a series that you’ll watch together, which means more moments spent cuddling.

Get lost 

If you and your amour don’t spend a lot of time together this one is for you. Take the day off and embark on a mini road trip. The time spent alone will help you get reacquainted and get to know each other better. If taking a road trip is not possible, get lost at home, or get in touch with your inner child, build a fort for the just the two of you, get some adult colouring books, talk.

Start something new

Start a small garden together that you can maintain and keep adding to; you could also do something that you’re afraid of. Help one another conquer a fear.   Switch off your phones, and try something new and fun together like meditation or yoga.

Love somebody else

Valentines is the day we celebrate love and what better way to celebrate than to spread love?  You can do so by supporting a local charity. You can extend your support by giving of your time or money. Have a Valentines day charity drive, everybody needs love after all.