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 Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing, as well as in event planning for corporations, not-for-profit organizations and private clients. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics. |
| Love is in the air. With the holidays long gone, thoughts of love come to mind and, with them, come the need to for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. For those with a package neatly tucked away, congratulations on planning early. For those searching for inspiration, please read on for some ideas to get you started. A perfect gift needn’t be the one that cost a great deal of money; it is the one that shows you care. Gifts with a personal touch travel to the heart at seemingly light speed. So forget the box of chocolates or pre-packaged roses. Instead, give thought to the things that bring a smile to YOUR love. These are the things that will touch his/her heart and set the stage for a wonderful Valentine’s Day. Gifts are always lovely when they are personal. A trinket box, painting, or pair of wine glasses has much more sentimental value when imprinted with something personal (your anniversary or names). A pair of his and her bathrobes (perhaps with a bottle of champagne) personalized with your names makes a lovely gift if you are a couple that enjoys evenings of snuggling at home. A simple frame [with a favorite picture of something you did together] is made lovelier with the date printed in the corner (Sharpies work wonders here). Gift baskets are a great way to show someone how special they are. Fill them with small items your loved one enjoys. Whether spa items, movie favorites, or gift certificates to favorite places, your sweetheart will appreciate the effort you put in to create a special gift. If putting a basket together seems like too much of a challenge, fear not! There are small businesses that specialize in creating the perfect basket. Based on your budget and ideas you provide, they can create the perfect basket. Gift certificates for a special experience are also a great idea. Giving a certificate for a special day or evening doing the things your special someone loves is sure to please. Whether it’s a favorite restaurant, a local concert, a day of fishing or a visit to a spa, an experience always something that brings a smile. It shows you took the time to select something they love. Valentine’s Day is all about the experience. So do little things that will have an ‘all out’ impression. Sprinkle rose petals from the doorway to the gift or create a path made out of candles to the table set with your romantic dinner. Imagine the impression that can be made with a short poem about how much your special someone means to you. Big budget or small, you can say how much you love your spouse, significant other or special someone – even mom or dad – with a gift that shows you gave it thought. So keep it personal…consider their favorites…and remember it is the little things that go a long way. Wishing you a Valentine’s Day to remember! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 