Updated January 2018 with new ideas
Here at the Insider we’re ditching the usual Valentine’s Day gifts in favour of something a little different. We’re going for gifts as special and unique as your partner, something that will help you get to know them better and give you both the time and space you need to rest and grow closer together. We’re saluting the fact that not every gift has to cost the earth, too – sometimes the best gifts take more brainpower than budget, and a little thought can go a long way.
Without further ado here are some ideas for gifts that focus on giving something truly precious, instead of another possession.
1. A Day of Complete Relaxation
The antidote to modern life, the massage and spa combination is still hard to beat. Throw in a beauty treatment or go for a couple’s massage for a different spin on the theme.
2. ‘Me’ Time
This could be as simple as buying them a new book and giving them a whole day in peace to read it, or taking the kids out while your partner chills out. Whatever provides them space to do something they love, just for themselves.
3. A Shared Adventure
A tandem bungee jump, a race on paired ziplines, a sunset snowmobile tour – spice things up with a shared adventure neither of you have tried before. That’s what memories are made of!
4. Break Bread Together
A shared meal is the classic date idea, but there are more than fine dining options available to you here. How about fondue, or champagne on the mountain, or discover a new sweet treat, or a snowshoe through the forest with a surprise picnic in a backpack?
5. A Good Sleep In (Ahem)
A night in a fancy hotel room is hard to beat – just remember to get late checkout so you don’t have to rush. Or just stay another day…
6. A Gentle Walk
When was the last time you just hung out together? Places like Whistler Village are ideal for wandering hand in hand, with plenty of people to watch and things to see. And with plenty of patios along the way you can always grab a little bubbly by a firepit to celebrate love and life.
7. Boost Their Confidence and Skills
Never underestimate the power of giving someone the opportunity to be challenged, to learn or expand their interests. Whether it’s an advanced ski camp, a chance to bungee jump or a box of drawing pencils for the aspiring artist, these gifts are a way of saying ‘I believe in you’.
8. The Gift of Time
In a busy world, time is without a doubt one of the most precious things you can give anyone. Make it happen – take a couple of days off, go somewhere new and turn off the work email. Time to get back to being a couple rather than just overlapping schedules.
Bonus: The Gift of Commitment
Are they The One? Taking the next step is incredibly daunting, but when it’s the right thing to do, you know it. Whatever you do, make that proposal unique – you’ll only get one shot, make it count!
If you’re still in the early phases of dating, check out our first dates article for courtship advice the Whistler way. For assistance to create a romantic getaway, the folks over at Whistler.com would love to help you out.
