Ten “just because” gifts for your girlfriend / wife

Gifts are necessary for any serious relationship and the more random a gift is, the more meaningful the sentiment on the receiving end. Here are ten gift ideas that are either time-consuming or relatively inexpensive:

1.) Flowers. Not the traditional dozen of roses before dinner. Find your favorite flowers and go to work and leave them in your car. The element of surprise that you see is more important than the gift. If you live near a Price Chopper, get flowers there, they are great and cheaper than a local florist.

2.) Custom underwear. There are websites that charge ten dollars for an embroidered thong or thong. Get “Property of YOUR NAME” and then with a heart at the bottom. Give them on a non-special occasion.

3.) Take a day trip. Look in your own ‘backyard’ for tourist spots that you might not even know about and take her there for lunch. If it’s an hour drive, who cares about the ride is half the fun. For the people of New York, visit iloveny.com for some interesting places.

4.) What little things do you love? My girlfriend loves candles. Some of them cost no more than $ 15 total and it’s a guaranteed good night if I turn them on upon arrival.

5.) If you’re trying to save money, invite her to a movie night at home. Then buy all your favorite candy brands (don’t ask on movie day which brands you like) and your favorite bottle of wine.

6.) Buy one of your favorite books / DVDs. These are cheap and easy gifts as you really can’t miss.

7.) What reminds you of a good childhood memory? My girlfriend was an ice skater in high school and she loved it. I picked her up one day and took her ice skating without telling her. Do something like this with your past interests.

8.) Get something special framed. A photo of the two of you or your favorite painting or poem. Have it in view when you come home or come home.

9.) Take a mini vacation for no reason. Use discount hotel sites to find a good deal and save it for when you’re both a little stressed, then get out of town. Even if the place is boring, she will be excited by your spontaneity.

10.) Save them for when she’s mad at you: If you have shelves in your bedroom, buy cheap little candles around and light them. Turn off the lights and take her there. Or buy a dozen roses, but also a dozen individual vases. Line up outside your front door. And finally, write her a love letter. A genuine letter. Like why is she the one for you. Reflect on a past memory just when you first met or started dating someone. Hide the note in a place where it won’t take long to find, but long enough for when you’re not around (i.e. your purse).