I recently came across a cute idea in a magazine and thought I'd shake things up a bit this year for Valentine's Day. It was an idea for a "family gift exchange." I liked it. We would all pick names and then on Valentine's Day, you were only responsible for giving that person a gift. So on Family Night, 2 weeks ago, we drew names and gifts would be exchanged on Valentine's Day during our Family Night. I announced the rules to the family: The price limit was $5 - $10 and you also had to do one random act of kindness for your gift recipient, anonymously.
In the end, it turned out great and I've decided to adopt the idea as a new family tradition. It definitely eliminates the pressure surrounding this holiday, and allows the kids to get involved on the giving end for a change. And it's also very easy on the wallet which is always a plus in my book! Everyone did a great job picking out their gifts.
Wouldn't you know it? I picked my husband's name -- the man who is IMPOSSIBLE to shop for, nor does he even like gifts that much anyway! I decided to keep it simple and give him a box of some of his favorite things, and created a fun little tag for each item, describing how I feel about him. I also added some amazing hand repair cream that I am hoping will heal the cracks and dry skin on his hands from washing them several times a day. (He works in a hospital.)
In case you can't see it, that is a jar of marinated artichoke hearts and the red package is beef jerky. These are two of his favorite snack items.
He loved everything. :)
Do you have any fun Valentine's Day traditions in you family?
