Flowers, chocolate, lingerie, jewelry…but you know the best kind of unique gifts for her? Time. Minutes, hours, whatever you can spare. I’d much rather have an hour with my loved one than a bucket full of diamonds.

Wait. Let me think about that for a minute. Heh.

Honestly, I’d really rather have time with my peeps than gifts that die, put weight on my ass, give me a scratchy wedgie, or sparkle coldly in the sunshine. Not that I don’t appreciate gifts, mind you, especially buckets full of sparklies, but there’s nothing that takes the place of a hug, a kiss, a snuggle.

When the kids were little, I’d spoil them on Valentine’s Day. It’s supposed to be the day where you show the people who mean the most to you how much you love them, and that doesn’t mean lovers only. Although VD has become disgustingly commercialized, much like Christmas, I still like the idea of showing the people whom I love so dearly just how much they matter to me. That goes for friends, family, and lovers.

So, when you think about a special Valentine’s gift, think about the gift of time. It’s unique, one size fits all, and there are no calories.