This is an idea I had when trying to think of a fun way to spend valentines a few years ago. I’d already done the whole meal thing, early night in thing and all the other cliche things to do on valentines, and wanted to do something a little different.
It’s a simple idea yet one that is both fun and also promotes romance and laughter throughout the day, (or however long you continue it for).
I basically call it the ‘Love Tombola’ and to carry this out you’re going to have to visit a market or shops that sell all sorts of gifts and bric-a-brac, and spend about fifteen minutes at the computer back at home.
Find a gift shop and buy a large gift bag, the type with handles and fancy patterns. Then go round and buy a selection of gifts your partner would like. This can be as expensive or as cheap as you like. Either buy high tech gadgets for your man or simply chocolates or bath soaps. You could get a selection of toiletries or maybe a mixture of DVD titles, perfumes and books. Whatever you think your partner would like, try and get a selection of about ten different gifts.
Wrap these up and put them in the gift bag, ensuring there’s plenty of room for the next bit!
Along with the gifts, you’re going to scrumple up newspaper sheets into balls, or rip them into pieces and put all these paper bits into the bag. Make sure there’s plenty to hide the gifts and mix everything together in the bag. You now have a lucky dip of all your partners’ favorite items!
Now they just have to earn the right to take a dip!
On a computer, search for a simple piece of clip art of a dollar bill. Load the picture into a paint package and alter the bill so that there are love hearts on it and name it as ‘One love dollar’. Print out a sheet of about 20 separate love dollars (or however many gift items you have), and cut them up separately.
And now you’re ready for the fun to begin!
Greet your partner on your special day and show them the bag full of surprises. Don’t tell them whats inside but instead let them know they can have a dip and pull out a gift in exchange of one love dollar. “How do i get love dollars?” you’ll hear them cry. It’s simple – they have to earn them!
Tell your partner that for every romantic gesture they make, or for any loving words or moments they share with you, they will receive one love dollar. For instance, you could be walking in the park and they could treat you to an ice cream, kiss you when you least expect it, tell you you’re amazing when you’re feeling low, buy you some flowers, hold open doors, cook you dinner, run you a bath, light candles whilst you watch T.V,..anything.
For each romantic gesture they make, you give them one love dollar, and when you’re ready you can let them exchange their dollars for a dip in your love tombola! Tell them that any gifts that are left over will go to a charity shop, that way they won’t expect to receive everything, even if they don’t earn their love dollars.
You’ll see that the prospect of surprise gifts waiting for them will promote your partner to be a little more loving, romantic and caring which will make a fun and unique way to celebrate your special day.
