Inspirational Valentine's Day Gifts for Last-Minute Shoppers

The only thing worse than not yet having a Christmas present for someone special on Christmas eve? Not having a Valentine’s gift for them ahead of Valentine’s Day! It is the most romantic day of the year, after all, and your partner is certain to take offence if you show up empty-handed… No matter how cliché they may say they find it. As such, here is some inspiration for Valentine’s Day gifts geared towards last-minute shoppers, as well as those who have been holding out for the ‘perfect present’.

Something Personal

They are personal and sentimental. Yes, we are talking about the cream of the crop when it comes to gifts for Valentine’s Day - custom photo gifts. You simply cannot go wrong with the various photo gifts from RapidStudio. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind:

• Beautiful Photobooks:

  Many of us have forgotten about the value of a beautiful tangible photobook or photo album. Before technology took over, these photobooks could be seen on display in every single home, and it made for a great talking point when anyone came to visit. It is time to bring these photobooks back and relish in the nostalgia of it. RapidStudio makes it possible for you to choose your favourite photos and create your own design for your book. Furthermore, you can choose between a hard and softcover finish depending on your preferences. The photobooks are easy and convenient to create online for your convenience.

• Canvas Clocks:

  If you are sure that your love for each other is going to stand the test of time, a canvas clock is the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift to consider. Select from a wide variety of different shapes and sizes and share with us your favourite romantic photograph. From there, we will print it around the sides of a 20 mm thick frame that is effortlessly elegant and stunningly seamless.

• Wall Calendars:

  How about a personalised Valentine’s Day wall calendar? It is a great way in which to celebrate the good times and ensure that your partner looks forward to your future together. Choose your size and layout, and upload 12 of your best photos. Submit your project once complete, and we will print it for you.

• Custom Valentine’s Day Spoils:

  If you are putting together a gift that is full of a mish-mash of special items, there are numerous smaller custom photo gifts to choose from. They include custom photo flippers, puzzles, keyrings, mousepads, magnets and more.

• Custom Canvas Prints:

  What is more romantic than displaying your love for each other on the walls of your home for everybody to see? You can create custom canvas prints of all of your best photos of the two of you together as a couple, be it wedding photos, first date snaps, and the like. When you order your custom canvas prints from RapidStudio, you will be able to choose from boxmount canvas, contemporary canvas, floating canvas, as well as skinny canvas.

• Homeware Gifts:

  Our custom homeware photo gifts are sure to add interest to any and every room in your home. They include coasters, mugs, cutting boards and placemats, to name a few. We also offer stone tiles that are ideal for home and office décor. The stone tile comes with a stand that allows for either horizontal or portrait orientation, whichever will suit your photo better.

Something Cosy

As we slowly move into autumn, another great idea for a Valentine’s gift is to get your partner something cosy. This could be a fluffy throw for the couch, a cuddly bath robe or a plush pair of slippers – or why not all three! According to psychologists, touching soft items has a way of comforting us and making us feel good. If your partner associates you with this, you can be sure that they will (almost) always feel warm and fuzzy towards you!

Something Satisfying

No need to spend hours traipsing through the mall in search of the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day. Remember, not all gifts have to be tangible. In fact, some of the best gifts are those that provide the receiver with a memorable experience. If your partner is someone who enjoys their food and trying different cuisines, why not take him or her to a new restaurant or on a tasting adventure? Nowadays, there are many more options to choose from other than wine or beer tasting, if you have done either one before. There are also coffee tastings, truffle tastings, chocolate tastings, olive oil tastings and more!

Alternatively, you could buy your partner tickets to one of the country’s best-loved foodie events, such as The Bubbly Festival in Cape Town or The Curry and Craft Festival in Gold Reef City.

Something Thrilling

Are you the kind of couple that loves trying new things and enjoys a good, old-fashioned spike in adrenaline? If so, you will have a host of fantastic gift options to think about. From a tandem bungee jumping adventure to hiking in a new destination, the sky is the limit – literally.

Something Pampering

Nowadays, we all live fast-paced lifestyles and rarely have the time to indulge in that all-important ‘me-time’. This can not only lead to burn-out, but also to feelings of depression and anxiety. Luckily, now is your chance to ensure that your partner begins to take better care of themselves. Whether you invest in a few luxurious bath essentials, like bath salts and a creamy body wash or whether you really go all out and splurge on an all-day pamper session for them and their friends, there is no better gift than the gift of relaxation. They will thank you heartily for it!

If you and your partner have kids, another wonderful idea within this realm is to create a book of home-made ‘coupons’. These coupons could include things that your partner rarely gets to do because they are constantly running around after the children. A few ideas include ‘1 hour of uninterrupted television’, a ‘get out of cooking free’ card, ‘a 45-minute bubble bath’, ‘an evening out with friends’ or ‘a half an hour massage’. Your partner then has the freedom to ‘cash in’ on their coupons as needed, and you have to (happily) comply. This is a great gift because it is one that keeps on giving!

Something Big

Is there something extremely expensive that the two of you have had your eye on for a while now? Why not strike up a deal and go in on it together? Call it a ‘joint’ Valentine’s Day gift...

Alternatively, purchase it on behalf of the both of you and agree to call it a dual Valentine’s and birthday present. It is a cost-effective way in which to get what you both want and to put a big smile on your partner’s face.

Something Adventurous

When was the last time you and your love headed out on an adventure together? Travelling is one of the best ways in which to reconnect as a couple outside of your demanding daily routines. It allows you the freedom to get away from any issues that might be putting a strain on your relationship and making it difficult for you to nurture your bond and focus completely on each other for a short period of time. This process of reconnecting often means that you not only return from your holiday more in love than ever before, but also that both of you have a full and renewed commitment to continue to work on your partnership, regardless of how long you have been together.

If you are worried about the cost, you do not need to invest in an international trip that costs thousands. In most cases, a domestic excursion just a few hours away from home over a long weekend is enough to have the same effect – and without crippling your bank balance.

Something Different

If you have been giving your partner the more traditional Valentine’s Day gifts up until now, it is time to mix it up a little bit. Say ‘no’ to chocolates and teddy bears and ‘hello’ to something more unexpected. Even if the two of you are people who love their routines and all things familiar, trying something new and exciting together can make for a memorable experience and a special opportunity for bonding. It does not have to be anything extravagant (like sky diving or swimming with sharks). It could be as simple as visiting a restaurant that specializes in a different cuisine than what you are used to, taking up a dance class or heading to the cinema to catch a movie of a genre that you tend to shy away from.

Something They Love

So, your partner tends to lead an active lifestyle, while you prefer to spend the night on the couch? Your partner cannot get enough of romantic novels, but you tend to find them boring? Now is your chance to show them that you are keen to get involved in what they love! Sometimes, simply showing an interest in your partner’s interests is enough to put a smile on their face on Valentine’s Day. Buy yourself a pair of running shoes and tell them that you are going to hit the gym with them for a week. Or, promise to read their favourite romance novel so that you can talk about it with them. A simple gesture, but one that is sure to promise excellent results – and does not necessarily have to cost a thing.

Something Humorous

You have to be very careful about this one, as it could backfire if your partner does not have quite the same sense of humour as you do – or if he or she tends to take Valentine’s Day quite seriously. However, if you know that your partner will appreciate a good laugh on the most romantic day of the year, do not be afraid to buy them a humorous gift. Think mugs with funny captions like “You are so lucky to have me” or “I like you a latte” or T-shirts with the same hilarious sentiments.

Ultimately, just like with every gift for any special event or holiday it is the thought that counts. As long as you buy a thoughtful gift that has meaning to your partner and the two of you as a couple, it is certain to go down a treat. Enjoy the special day!

For more information about the various custom photo gifts at RapidStudio, please be sure to browse our website or to get in touch with our team.