Looking for an emergency Valentine’s Day gift? If you’ve left it to the last minute and panicking about what to buy your partner, don’t fret. We’ve put together a quick list of super-easy, emergency gifts for him (or her!) that just might save the day.
1. Picture it!
Book a photo session for you and your partner, and give it a personal slant such as having the shots done at a location special to you- perhaps the spot where you got married, or where you went on your first date. For extra sentiment, recreate the moment by ordering the same meal or even dressing up in your wedding outfits! There are plenty of great snappers on the North Shore (for some great ideas, check the North Shore Mums directory here) and many have special NSM photo session specials available. You’ll end up with some amazing images to treasure forever.
2. Make your own ‘love mug’
All you need for this sweet gift is a plain mug (or plates) and a set of markers, which you then use to inscribe your message of love on the cup. Every time your significant other grabs a coffee they’ll remember how much you love them. Awwww!
3. Work it out
Help your partner get in fit by booking them into a fitness program like 28 by Sam Wood or scheduling a few one-on-one sessions with a local personal trainer. Your other half will enjoy the chance to de-stress with exercise and you’ll reap the benefits of enjoying their brand-new bod and extra energy! For a more relaxed version, try an annual pass to the local pool or a rock climbing centre.
4. Make a meal of it
There’s nothing like a romantic dinner to rekindle that spark, so book into a feast at a delicious local eatery! Our Valentine’s Day guide has plenty of options, and some spots even offer North Shore Mums a glass of champagne on arrival and a free box of chocolates! Check out all the options right here.
5. Get a gift box delivered…FREE!
Artisan Gifts specialise in creating gift boxes that are a little unusual, including some hard to find items, that stand the test of time and stand out from the crowd. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, they have created three gorgeous gift boxes to give to the one you love.
6. Have a reel good time
A couple of Gold Class movie passes are just the ticket! Order online and print them out (and add some value to your voucher for popcorn too!) for Dad – then get him to take you on a date night! Go for Hoyts (with local cinemas in Chatswood and Warringah Mall) or Event Cinemas (with local cinemas in Hornsby, Macquarie, Top Ryde and Castle Hill).
7. The big grin
Skip the soppy gifts and go for an ‘experience’ present by booking tickets online and heading to Luna Park for a day out . You’ll all get a thrill out of the jaw-dropping rides and you can finish the day with a romantic ride on the harbourside Ferris Wheel and enjoy a memorable meal overlooking the water, where you can toast to your enduring love.
8. Big breakfast
If you want a luxury hotel experience without the hassle and cost of carting the whole family somewhere for an overnight stay, or just some one-on-one time with your partner where someone else does the cleanup, try booking into a 5-star resort for a buffet. For an added special touch, book somewhere with water views and take the kids to play on the sand afterwards. Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific or Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach. Or, get creative and make a ‘breakfast in bed kit’ complete with a Do Not Disturb doorknob hanger and custom-coloured teabags that you can print out here.
9. Vouch for it!
A homemade voucher can be the perfect (and very personal) gift! Get creative with some cardboard, markers and glitter and DIY a set of vouchers valid for anything your partner most needs- try a gift certificate for 30 minutes of peace and quiet while you take the kids for a walk, a set of ‘chore vouchers’ they can redeem any time so you do the washing up, or spice it up and fill out the details with an offer for something more intimate…the only limit is your own imagination!
10. Say it with a ‘bouquet’
You don’t have to use flowers to make a bouquet! Simply collect a few of your partner’s favourite things (such a chocolate or even alcohol options) and use some skewers and sticky tape (plus ribbon and any other bits and pieces that might look lovely) to create a bunch of ‘flowers’ they’ll really appreciate!
