Routine Valentine’s Day gifts can be so uninspired. Because we know MOTHER EARTH NEWS readers are far more creative than the average Joe, we asked our Facebook friends to share their best ideas for low-cost or handmade gifts that convey the message of the day: “I love you.”
Visit Blurb or another book-making website to write the story of how you and your partner met. If you think your story is too uneventful, you can make up a tale with you and your honey as the stars. — Rebecca A. Behar-Johnson
Last year for my boyfriend’s and my anniversary, I bought a padlock. We decorated it with colorful permanent markers, sprayed a fixative on it, and locked it onto a bridge in Pittsburgh. We tossed the key off the side of the bridge to symbolize our unbreakable love. Search for “love lock bridge” online to see great photos of this being done around the world. — French Creek Gardens
My fella has turned my driftwood sticks into hiking sticks, and he collects rocks for me from all the places he goes with and without me. They mean more to me than anything store-bought because I know he was thinking of me while picking out each piece of nature. — Denice Ferree
Instead of a dozen roses, give the love of your life a dozen apple trees. Your love will bear fruit forever! — Jillian Berg
One year, I cooked a lobster dinner and set the table for two. While cooking, I noticed there was a mess in the fridge, so I cleaned it up. What was the one thing that stood out to my mate? The clean fridge. My advice is to pay attention to the small things. — Todd Richards
Go for an old-fashioned picnic with a basket, tablecloth and candles. Enjoy each other and the spirit of Mother Nature. — Carmen Bailey
We cook a heart-healthy meal of wild-caught Alaskan salmon, roasted fingerling potatoes and garden-fresh Brussels sprouts. We also share glasses of champagne infused with frozen raspberries from the backyard patch and Endangered Species Chocolate? for dessert?—?yummy for us and bird-friendly! — Kate Hughes Brown
Rather than buying cut flowers, try giving a potted moth orchid. Widely available, potted orchids are often more affordable than large bouquets and their flowers will last several months. — Cheryl Long