The 12 Days of Love

This is an unbelievably romantic way to show your mate that you love her and that your love doesn't just start and end on Valentine's Day. This is a 12 day commitment that will show the love of your life that she is loved, valued, and appreciated for many reasons, and that the love you feel does not just show up miraculously on February 14th.

Plan ahead

This does not have to be a painfully expensive endeavor, but it does need to be one you gave some forethought. Create a list of things that she enjoys and focus on ways to make her feel that you appreciate her. You will create stress for yourself if you don't have all 12 days planned ahead of time. You might even want a back up plan or two just in case.

Day one

Explain to her via card, email, or verbal explanation that today (Feb. 2nd) is the first day of the 12 days of Valentine's Day. The initial gift should be something she can enjoy for the remainder of the 12 days. Something along the lines of a CD of all your special songs (first dance, first kiss, etc.) works well.

Day two through twelve

You can go one of two ways with the giving of the gifts. You can give her something at the beginning of each day so that she can enjoy the gift all day, or you can wait until the end of each day so that her anticipation of what's to come builds. You should also decide if the gift is going to be located in the same spot each day or if you want to make her "hunt" for her gifts. Base this decision on the personality of your mate. If the hunt will likely frustrate her, make it simple.

Creative ideas

As always, think about her individual likes and simple pleasures. You want these 12 days to be completely catered to her. Below is a potential list of ideas:

Create a calendar and fill in an explanation of her gift each day
List of 20 things I love about you
Flowers
A sample of her favorite candy
Chocolate covered strawberries
A piece of jewelry
Lingerie
A coupon for a free massage
A "free pass" to take a bubble bath while you care of the children, house, etc.
A night out (her choice, even if she wants to see a sappy chic flick)
Dinner made and cleaned up by you (ordering in is ok too)
Gift certificates (nails, hair, clothes, etc.)
A list of your favorite memories together
Pictures of your past (dig out the old pics and make a collage or frame a few)
A picture frame with a note saying you want to fill it with a new memory.
Champagne and candlelight
A book by her favorite author (with sweet notes handwritten on the pages)
A new pair of sexy shoes
A night of rented movies and popcorn at home (kid free if it applies)
A handmade card
Breakfast in bed
Dinner in bed :)

Don't forget

Once you start this gift, you have to carry it out. Don't forget to give her a little something every single day for those twelve days. She will grow to anticipate it, and the last thing you want to do is disappoint her.

Save the best for last

Make sure that you give her the most personal gift on February 14th. This does not have to be the most expensive of the 12 gifts, but it does need to be the most thoughtful. This would be a good night to fix dinner for her, since restaurants are quite crowded on Valentine's Day. If you work this right, this gift will keep on giving. :)

Make sure you get it all just perfectly by using our 12 Days of Love checklist