The expensive pomp and ceremony of Valentine’s Day can often obscure the heartfelt sentiments of the occasion. Afshan Ahmed offers a few suggestions for some more personal, heartfelt gifts that will not cost a fortune.
A shoe thing
If a gesture worked for Michael Bublé it might well be worth a try. Speaking in 2015 before a show in Dubai, the suave singer said the most romantic thing he ever did was place a pair of his old, beat-up childhood shoes in a box with some Hershey’s Kisses chocolates and a note that read: “I would walk a million miles for just one of your kisses” (cue a chorus of dreamy sighs).
What’s cooking?
Jamie Oliver knows the way to a person’s heart is often through good food – and to help you demonstrate your love, the British celebrity chef has created a special page on his website dedicated to “romantic meals” you can prepare for that special someone. So get cooking, then pack a picnic hamper with your partner’s favourite food and head to the park for a quiet open-air dinner.
Hearty meal
Prepare a special breakfast for your loved one first thing in the morning on Valentine’s Day. Make it special by getting inexpensive heart-shaped waffle moulds, and top them with a generous dollop of whipped cream and strawberries, to go with an omelette and a pipping hot cup of coffee.
Get active
Put your teamwork to the test with an outdoor activity such as a via ferrata trek and zip line in the Jebal Jais mountains in Ras Al Khaimah, or the climbing challenges and obstacle courses at Adventure HQ in Yas Mall.
Love songs
Everyone loves a good music compilation. How about putting together a collection of songs specially chosen to symbolise the journey of your relationship? What song was playing when you met? What was the first music at your wedding? You can also add the first song you danced to, or your favourite from the first concert you went to together. The possibilities are endless – and this gift has the added benefit of being able to include the cheesiest music with out fear of judgement.
Back to the beginning
There is a quietly growing movement in which seasoned couples recreate their first date as accurately as the era and location allows. So refresh those golden memories – best of all, if you have been together for more than two decades, you can banish those distracting mobile phones.
Historical romance
Take a stroll with your loved one in a historic place, scenic surroundings or a museum. The Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood in Dubai and the Sharjah Museums are treasure troves of cultural artefacts, and provide an enriching way of bonding over the country’s history.
Treasure each other
Who said treasure hunts are just for kids? Get your significant other guessing and thrilled with a hunt at home. Leave romantic clues around the house for them to find, ultimately leading to grand prize, perhaps including a heartfelt handwritten love letter.
aahmed@thenational.ae
