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Holiday Activity Ideas for Couples 

‘Tis the season to be holly, jolly, and romantic at the holidays! These 15 holiday activities for couples will warm your hearts and bring you even closer together. There’s so many fun things you both can do to make holiday memories and celebrate—whether it’s your first Christmas together or your fifteenth! Try a classic Christmas tradition like ice skating or get creative by whipping up new holiday cocktails at home. We’ve put together the coziest date ideas that will help you make new couple’s traditions. Pick a few to try and have the most magical holiday season! 

15 Magical Activity Ideas for Couples This Holiday  

Pick out and decorate your Christmas tree.

This is one festive couple’s tradition you can do every year. Spend a fun day at the Christmas tree farm and chop down your own tree. Or if you’re looking for something closer to home, pick up a pre-cut tree at your local tree lot. Decorate tree with your favorite ornaments, or create handmade ones that display fun couple’s photos.  

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Cozy up for a classic holiday movie night.

 There’s nothing more romantic than cuddling on the couch and watching a classic holiday movie like “Miracle on 34th Street,” “Home Alone,” or “Elf.”

Go ice skating.

Nothing brings you closer as a couple than ice skating (or maybe, wobbling and hanging on for dear life). Ice skating is a fun holiday activity where you can lean on each other and laugh at every trip or fall. It may be a cliché winter date favorite but it’s one of the best ways to make magical memories as a couple.  

Attend a holiday concert.

Check out local venues to attend a Christmas music concert. There’s so many different concerts to choose from during the holiday season—from orchestral to choral, pop to Broadway.  

Visit your local theater to watch “A Christmas Carol.”

Enjoy this holiday favorite for the first time as a couple! Go out for a fancy dinner before or after and make it a magical holiday evening.  

Make ugly sweater Christmas cookies.  

Take your cookie baking to the next level and exchange those basic sugar cookies for ugly sweater cookies you can decorate together. The best part? Ugly sweaters are supposed to look bad, so have fun making a mess and laughing over your amateur frosting skills.  

Experiment with boozy hot chocolate cocktails.

Discover your inner mixologist and whip up crazy holiday cocktails for two. Add spicy heat to your chocolate martini. Swirl peppermint into a pitcher of mudslides. Top your brandy alexander with cinnamon-infused marshmallow whipped cream. These sweet treats will make your holiday date night even sweeter.  

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Donate toys or supplies to a local nonprofit.

 Give back to your community by donating to a toy drive, food shelf, or animal shelter. Sometimes the best dates are when you do something good together.  

Take couple’s photos for your holiday card.

Take the cutest photos for your Christmas card and send them to friends and family. Make double use of those photos by adding them to a personalized card or gift for your partner. A custom book like the Book of Us is a sweetly personalized gift that tells your love story. Include loving holiday messages and a photo to create a unique Christmas gift that they will treasure for years to come.  

Host a friends or family holiday party at home.

Create meaningful memories by hosting a festive holiday party for all your friends or family! Just choose a theme, keep the drinks flowing, and turn up the holiday music. Hosting a party is a fun affair that helps you bond and hone your planning skills as a couple. 

Build gingerbread houses together.

 Get in the holiday spirit by building a gingerbread house together or making your own houses in a couple’s competition! This holiday activity is perfect for date night at home with a glass of wine.  

Have a date night in the snow with sledding, snow angels, and snowman building.

If you live in a snowy area, embrace the winter cold and build a snowman or go sledding. It’s the perfect time of year to unleash your inner kid and grow even closer to your partner.  

A Christmas Carol activity ideas for couples Book of Us Christkindlmarket Christmas card Christmas tradition Christmas tree couple's photos couple's traditions couple's activities cozy date ideas date ideas date ideasdate night donate getaway holiday activities holiday activity ideas for couples holiday card holiday cocktails holiday concert holiday date ideas holiday market holiday movie night holiday party holiday traditions host party ice skating personalized book romantic date ugly Christmas sweater winter date ideas

Drive to different neighborhoods and look at holiday lights and house displays.

Enjoy a romantic getaway right from your car! Drive around to look at beautiful displays in your neighborhood or drive a little farther to see a spectacular light display at an estate or park.  

Rent a cabin for the weekend.

If you’re looking for a longer road trip getaway, drive out of town to stay at a cabin rental for the weekend. The cabin already sets a romantic scene. All you need is a fire, hot chocolate, and puzzles or board games to make the coziest memories.  

Visit a Christkindlmarket or holiday market.

Going to a holiday market is such a treat! There’s music, spiced cider, warm food, vendors selling handmade goods, and festive photo opportunities. It’s the perfect winter date to enjoy this very merry season!  

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We hope these couple’s activities bring the fun and romance to your holiday season! Try a few this winter and celebrate the real meaning of Christmas: love.  

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9 Cozy Fall Date Ideas

Snuggle up with your partner and try these nine cozy fall date ideas! The first day of fall is coming on September 22, which means we finally get to enjoy crisp air, colorful leaves, oversized sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes (so basic and SO good) and fall activities. We’ve rounded up the best romantic fall dates to fill your calendar. Take advantage of autumn’s arrival with a date at the apple orchard or visit the brewery for Oktoberfest. Every activity will bring you closer together. And with a crisp chill in the air, autumn is the perfect time to cozy up next to each other. Add a few of these creative ideas to your calendar and snap pics to capture the memories.

9 Cozy and Fun Fall Date Ideas for Couples

Spend the day at an apple orchard.

Visiting an apple orchard is the most quintessential fall event and deserves top spot on your fall bucket list. Local orchards offer apple picking, hayrides, homemade bakery treats, and spiked apple cider to stay warm. Walk among the apple trees while you share a caramel apple and make the coziest memories!

Visit a brewery with live music.

Fall is the perfect time to grab a pumpkin ale and listen to live music on the brewery patio. Many local breweries also hold Octoberfest events, with food trucks offering apple cider donuts and bratwurst with spiced apple slaw.

Go hiking at a state park.

Wrap yourself in cozy plaid flannels and enjoy scenic strolling at a local state park. Hiking requires a certain level of teamwork and patience, as you navigate the trail—sounds like great practice for marriage! Snap pictures to capture these memories and upload a cute video or two for your Instagram story.

Have a pie picnic.

Bake delicious apple and pumpkin pies and then have a pies-only picnic in the park. Find a spot near some gorgeous trees, sip on a thermos with warm apple cider or cocoa and dine on homemade dessert with a fuzzy blanket on your lap. Fall picnics are the coziest!

Enjoy a bonfire group date with s’mores.

Bonfires are even more fun when you can enjoy them with friends. Invite some couples out for a group date and have a bonfire in your backyard. Roast s’mores, sip on mulled wine, and cozy up by the fire. Swap spooky or funny stories until the fire burns to embers and stargaze to end the evening.

Plan a bookshop and coffee date.

Plan a date that’s straight out of a fall rom-com. Visit your local bookshop and find a quaint spot in the corner to sip on coffee and read. Talk about your favorite books and explore the shelves for a hidden gem to read. Turn up the romance a volume by surprising your partner with a book gift. Hide a book among the shelves and give them hints to find it. A personalized book like the Book of Us captures your unique love story. This surprise gift makes a big impact, as a unique way to say, “I love you.”

Attend a Renaissance festival.

Bring on the cheesy fantasy faire with a renaissance festival! Grab your goblet of mead and listen to musicians play sweet (and sometimes raunchy) love songs. You can also enjoy some yummy fair food, take in a comedy or juggling show, and find props for your couple’s Halloween costumes. These festivals have all the elements of a perfect romantic date.

Make soup and watch a movie.

Sometimes the most romantic date idea is getting cozy at home. Make butternut squash and pumpkin soup—a fall staple—to warm your bellies and watch a fall-themed movie like “Practical Magic,” “When Harry Met Sally,” or “Hocus Pocus.”

Watch a football game.

Football in the fall brings back nostalgic memories of homecoming high school games. Tailgate before the game to enjoy barbeque grill food and attend a university football game. The fans cheering, the fall foliage, and the crisp chilly air create the perfect fall date night!

 

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7 Wedding Day Gift Exchange Ideas

Make your wedding day even more special by exchanging gifts that morning! Many couples decide to exchange wedding gifts, as a way of celebrating their love. Through gift exchange, you create an intimate and romantic moment that’s just for the two of you. The wedding day is busy, scheduled, and planned. Among the timeline of events, consider making room for a quiet moment when you can send a special, thoughtful gift that shows how much you care. Your partner will love receiving a personalized present that says, “I promise to love you for better or for worse, and for always.” These wedding gift ideas for a bride, groom, or partner all come from the heart, if you decide to follow this beautiful wedding tradition.

7 Wedding Day Gift Exchange Ideas for Couples

Plane tickets for a surprise vacation.

Plan a vacation to surprise your spouse! On the morning of the wedding, send them a wrapped gift containing plane tickets to embark on a surprise trip sometime in the future. Pick a bucket list vacation spot with couple’s activities. Your partner will love the thought and effort you put into planning a dream getaway.

The personalized Book of Us to capture your love story.

Celebrate your journey together as a couple with a personalized keepsake gift! The Book of Us tells your unique love story on paper, with illustrated characters that resemble you both. You can edit the text on every page, to include loving messages, inside jokes, and wedding wishes. Customize your book to include date night ideas for after the wedding, memories about your first date, and a list of “things I love about you.” It’s a heartwarming wedding gift that your partner will cherish forever.

Honeymoon essentials.

Surprise your partner with a gift that’s thoughtful, romantic, and practical. Honeymoon essentials will always come in handy when you embark on your dream trip together. These may include a bathing suit, pajamas, sunglasses, or a hat.

A photo book of your couple’s journey through the years.

Create a photo book of your relationship that chronicles your “greatest hits”—first kiss, first trip, engagement and more! We guarantee your spouse-to-be will be breathless and emotional looking back at your journey together and remembering your sweetest moments.

Mini spa kit.

Deliver a relaxing gift and make a mini spa kit with bath salts, body wash, a mud facial mask, perfume/cologne, lip balm, and lavender body lotion. These are all things they can use the morning of the wedding to relax and unwind before the big ceremony and long into the marriage.

A set of handwritten love letters.

Love letters won’t cost a dime but mean the world to your partner. Write a set of three love letters: one to open the morning of the wedding, one to open on your honeymoon, and one to open a month into your marriage. Love letters are a special way to express your love and appreciation. Even after the wedding is over, they can open the final letter and get swept up in the magic and romance all over again.

Calendar with pre-planned events.

Mark a calendar with events you have already planned, for a few weekends into your marriage, like dinner reservations, a couple’s spa treatment, a golf tee time, a booked campground for hiking, and a time to visit the movie theater (with tickets pre-purchased). The wedding day is a magical time, but it’s also important to think about life after the wedding. These fun activities will continue the romantic spark in your relationship, long after the wedding is over. This calendar is a sweet gesture that shows you are thinking about your life together.

As you make this special commitment, express your love with personalized and romantic wedding gifts.

 

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Best Anniversary Gifts for Loved Ones

Impress your romantic partner with unique and creative anniversary gifts! Whether you are celebrating a first wedding anniversary or tenth, these are the perfect gifts to express your love and show how much you care. Anniversaries are special milestones. You deserve to celebrate and remember your best moments together. A special gift can put your celebration over the top. Choose a gift that will spark memories and bring happy tears. As you exchange gifts, you can remember your journey together and commemorate the rare gift of having a long-lasting relationship. Discover the best anniversary gift ideas for your husband, wife, or partner that will fire up the romance.

7 Anniversary Gift Ideas for Your Husband, Wife, or Partner

The “Bridgerton Experience” Gift

By now, Netflix’s steamy hit show is the talk of the season! If your partner, like the rest of the country, is intoxicated by this romantic fantasy then throw them a Bridgerton-themed anniversary party! Set the mood at home and create a sweet escape that ends with you and your partner playing Duke and Duchess in the bedroom.

Begin the celebration with afternoon tea, biscuits, and cakes. Use floral china, a tiered cake tray, and decorative accents like a lace tablecloth and ribbon. If you don’t have these already, you can find most items at your local thrift stores. After tea, re-watch some of your favorite episodes as you cuddle together. For dinner, prepare a rich meal with dessert. Here are some Date Night Recipes to Make at Home, if you’re not sure what to make. Along with your partner’s gift, give them a romantic card that says, “I burn for you” (our favorite Duke line—swoon) and dance to classical tunes or favorite pop songs. Perfect for couples who enjoy a little role play fantasy, this anniversary gift is a whole day of escapist romance and intimacy.

Shopping Cart Surprise

Does your partner save items in their online shopping cart, to wait for a sale or their next paycheck? Pick their favorite retailer—Target, Amazon, Pottery Barn, etc.—and surprise them by buying their entire shopping cart! To make sure they don’t purchase the items, you’ll want to do this the day before or the morning of your anniversary. You’ll also need to play detective and get access to their account in advance so you can note all of the items. If the items are all online, you can give them the shopping receipt along with flowers, a bottle of wine, and a small present. Your partner will love how much thought and effort you put into this creative gift!

Book of Us: A Personalized Book about Love

Your relationship story is a rom-com worthy of its own novel. Capture your love story on paper with this personalized book for couples! Tell your unique love story by customizing the title, characters, and text on every page. The book details all the ways you spend time together. Add your own loving messages to every page and create a personalized anniversary gift that your partner will treasure.

“Never Have I Ever” Activity Gift

Choose a relationship “first” and do it together on your anniversary! If your partner has always wanted to get a tattoo, gift them a tattoo as their anniversary present. If you both have never taken a cooking class, sign up for a virtual cooking class at home. Relationship “firsts” are exciting and strengthen your romantic bond. An anniversary gift doesn’t have to be something physical. It can be an activity you enjoy together. By doing something new together, you will make unforgettable anniversary memories.

Handmade Photo Book

Preserve your most precious memories in a handmade photo book that your partner can keep forever. You can create a photo book online or make one by hand. To make one from scratch, print and glue photos to paper, write handwritten messages, and bind the pages with rings. This sweet and thoughtful gift comes from the heart and is personalized just for your S.O.

“Marriage is a Journey” Travel Gift

It might sound a little cheesy, but life is an adventure that’s best traveled together! Inspire wanderlust and adventure in your marriage with this travel-themed anniversary gift. Mark a world map with all the places you want to visit. Fold it and put it into a gift box. Add travel books for the destination you want to visit first. Include some fun travel accessories. And finally, surprise your partner with future travel tickets. The couple who travels together, grows together.

Snack Lovers Gift Basket

Does your partner constantly look for snacks every night? Put together a custom gift basket full of their favorite sweet and savory treats! Make it even more special by adding snacks associated with your first kiss or first date.

 

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Celebrate a Wedding Anniversary at Home

Whether it’s your first wedding anniversary or 50th wedding anniversary, these fun ideas will help you celebrate at home! We’ve put together a creative list of things to do on your anniversary that will keep your relationship strong. Love in the time of quarantine can be challenging. We are spending more time at home, performing the same daily routine. But this time has also helped us realize what really matters: human connection, love, and kindness. Spark the romance with a sweet and intimate celebration at home. For these ideas, you won’t need a big budget—just a little creativity and lots of love. Show your husband, wife, or partner how much they mean to you and make this wedding anniversary one to remember.

Wedding Anniversary Ideas

Go on a virtual date.

Through the power of technology, you can take a cooking class, explore Europe, or attend a concert all from the comfort of your couch. There’s lots of online sites that let you experience virtual travel or sign up for a class to learn French cuisine. Have you always wanted to see Germany or learn how to make a chocolate souffle? Now’s your chance! These virtual dates are budget-friendly, costing far less than actually traveling overseas or buying concert tickets. For your next wedding anniversary, experience something new and grow together!

Enjoy dinner and dancing at home.

Nothing says happy anniversary more than a romantic dinner and dancing. Unlike a loud restaurant, dinner at home is intimate and peaceful. Cook your favorite meal or try some of these date night recipes for your wedding anniversary dinner. After dinner, dance together in a candlelit room with soft music playing. This wedding anniversary idea offers simplicity and closeness. Make your relationship even stronger with good food and conversation. The best part of celebrating at home? You’re just a few steps away from the bedroom!

Create an at-home movie theater.

Transform your living room into a movie theater for two! This anniversary idea is easy to set up and super cozy. Follow these steps to create an at-home movie theater:

  • Black out your windows with dark curtains to make sure it’s extra moody inside.

 

  • Repurpose your Christmas lights and hang them inside. We recommend using Command™ hooks—they make hanging easy and don’t leave nail holes in your wall.

 

  • If your TV is on the small side, purchase an inexpensive video projector and hang a sheet on a blank wall to watch on the “big screen.”

 

  • Cover your couch with pillows and heaps of blankets. Or, you can create a floor picnic set-up and layer blankets and pillows on the floor.

 

  • Have your favorite movie snacks on hand or make fancy snacks you can’t find at a theater like chocolate chip cookies, caramel popcorn, and ahi tuna nachos with spicy sriracha mayo.

Experiment with mixed cocktails.

Release your inner mixologist and get a little crazy with fun boozy drinks. Here’s one of our favorite drink recipes to get your started:

Mint-to-Be Mojito

This romantic anniversary cocktail is sweet and tangy. Add a little spice to your night with a red drink that says, “we were meant to be.” You’ll need:

  • Cranberry juice
  • Simple syrup
  • Mint leaves
  • Lime juice
  • White rum
  • Sparkling water

Place 6 mint leaves and ¼ cup lime juice in a jar and muddle together. Add 2 tablespoons simple syrup, ¼ cup cranberry juice, 3 ounces white rum, and a handful of ice. Mix everything together. Pour into two glasses and top each glass with sparkling water.

Play mini golf at home.

Set up a mini golf course around your apartment or house! You can make it together or surprise your partner. Get creative with your course. Construct ramps out of leftover cardboard. Cut holes out of shoe boxes to make tunnels. Stack plastic cups as obstacles. Try laying out yoga mats for a smooth playing surface. To make this mini golf really extra, craft little houses or castles from cardboard and decorate your mini golf course. Mini golf is a classic anniversary activity that’s perfect for any couple. The couple that plays together stays together! (We made that up but it could be a thing.)

 Exchange wedding anniversary gifts.

Whether you’ve been married one year or ten, an anniversary gift goes a long way to show how much you care. A special gift can put your celebration over the top. The best anniversary gifts don’t have to be extravagant but they should be meaningful. Surprise and delight your S.O. with a present that speaks to your relationship. For example, if your first date was at a vineyard, surprise your partner with wine from that same vineyard. Take your most treasured wedding photos and frame them. Write a series of love letters for every year you’ve been married and give them throughout the day as little surprises. Impress your partner even more with a gift like a personalized book about your relationship. The Book of Us is a sweet keepsake that tells your unique love story. Personalize this gift with your names, appearance, and photo. You can also edit text on every page to include inside jokes and loving messages. A personalized anniversary book is a special present to cherish and read year after year.

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Virtual Dating Ideas

Dating right now may seem a little strange, but these virtual dating ideas will keep the romance alive and bring you even closer together. It can be challenging, at the best of times, to find creative things to do together. Besides takeout and a movie, you may find your options limited. But virtual dates are just as fun as in-person activities and help deepen your bond. Bring the magic of date night to your home whenever you need some “spice” in the relationship. Whether you are in a long-distance relationship, maintaining social distance at home, or quarantining together, these creative virtual dates will help you spark intimacy and laughter.

7 Virtual Date Night Ideas

Listen to a concert at home.

Concerts have been put on hold, but that doesn’t mean you can’t tune into performances from the comfort of your couch. Check out music artists who are holding virtual concerts. The tickets are inexpensive, and you can stream it directly to your laptop or TV.

Take a virtual cooking class.

Have a fun virtual date night in your kitchen and learn to cook! Through the power of technology, you can video stream a cooking class by a professional chef and learn how to make a delicious meal.

Learn a TikTok Dance.

We know this idea isn’t for everyone, but few can deny the addictive power of TikTok. So if you want to get a little silly, try a popular TikTok dance and laugh at yourself and each other.

Stream a workout together.

Find a fitness class you can take together, no matter the distance. Stream a yoga class for a more relaxing couples’ workout or try a strength class to get sweaty, healthy, and happy together. Look for workouts on fitness apps, YouTube, and Instagram.

Plan a themed video call dinner.

Set the mood with candles and music during your Zoom call. But rather than a boring blah date, pick a theme for your romantic dinner like “The Great Gatsby.” Dress up and play themed music in the background. Take a virtual trip to Paris and create a themed “Together in Paris” dinner event—complete with French cuisine and violin music. Don’t forget to take pictures or screenshots on your video date night, so you can remember this time together.

Start a new hobby together.

Pick a hobby that fits both of you and dedicate some time each week to work on it. You and your partner can call each other to track progress, make it a competition if you’re feeling feisty, and create something special to send in the mail. Try picking up guitar and writing your S.O. a song. Crochet a scarf and mail the surprise package for their birthday. Practice painting and make your partner a piece of art to hang on their wall. Learn a new language and record an “I love you” message for your boo. There’s nothing sexier than hearing “Tu es l’amour de ma vie” (You are the love of my life).

If you want to surprise your loved one just because, a thoughtful gift surprise can make their whole day! Try sending them a personalized couple’s gift like the Book of Us, which captures your beautiful love story on paper. You can customize the title, illustrated characters, and the text on every page to include loving messages.

Hold a virtual game night.

Shake up date night with an exciting round of games. Choose a video-friendly game like trivia, murder mystery cards, an at-home scavenger hunt, or Battleship. If you’re into video games, try an online multiplayer video game or the trending computer game “Among Us.” Virtual game nights offer friendly competition and keep you connected.

 

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9 Ways to Practice Self-Care for a Better You

For this year’s New Year’s resolutions, focus on overall health and wellness, making yourself a priority. Here are nine ways to practice self-care for a better you. The pandemic has taken a toll on our mental and emotional health, our stress levels, and our self-love. By focusing on self-care this year, you can build your physical and mental strength. Practice these self-care tips throughout the year to build your self-esteem and confidence.

The trick about self-care is that it’s all about practice. When was the last time you made yourself a priority? It can often feel like there are more important things to think about or do. But it’s equally important to take time for yourself—take a breath and focus inward. Self-care is the effort of putting yourself first. We hope these self-care suggestions give you a daily dose of happiness and peace.

9 Ways to Practice Self-Care for a Better You

  1. Focus on getting enough sleep.

Sleep can have a huge effect on your emotional and physical state. Consider your nightly routine and ways to improve. Try to avoid caffeine and sugar before bed. Make sure your bedroom is dark—blackout shades are life changing! Stay away from your computer, phone, and tablet before bed. The stress of being an adult, especially during a global pandemic, can sometimes mean it’s harder to self-soothe compared to when we were children. Find ways to relax and decompress. Listen to music, read a book, or meditate. Above all, establish a sleep schedule. Go to bed the same time every night and wake up the same time every morning. This steady routine will help you stick to the schedule and get plenty of rest.

 

  1. Eat healthy and get into a self-care eating routine.

Eating healthy can boost your energy level, improve your physical health, and enhance your overall happiness as a result. Try to eat healthy meals regularly. Create a schedule and eat meals at the same time each day. Avoid eating or snacking after 7pm because your body is less likely to break down and process the food. Take care of yourself by taking care of your food health.

 

  1. Say yes to fun activities weekly without the guilt.

Put yourself first and do things that make you happy every week. Avoid guilt-tripping yourself like, “I should be working” or “I could be cleaning.” Push aside those negative thoughts and make yourself a priority. Do things that you love like reading, bicycling, watching your favorite movie, eating dessert in bed, tuning in to a virtual concert on your laptop. Set aside time to have fun!

 

  1. Make a list of fun to-dos each month.

If you love lists and checking boxes, this self-care practice is for you! Journal a list of activities you want to do each month. By listing them out, you’ll be more likely to do them. Cross them off or check the box every time you finish one. Create a list of activities big and small. For example, here is a possible list for February: eat a piece of chocolate cake, join a virtual fun run, have a friend over for socially-distant catch up, watch a favorite movie, sleep in on Saturdays, knit a scarf. Don’t make a crazy list you can’t finish. Instead, try listing activities that are simple, easy, and fun. When you look at the completed list, you’ll feel good knowing you devoted time to self-care.

 

  1. Make time for self-care trips.

Take a self-care trip every now and then to disconnect and rejuvenate. Whether you go on a big bucket list trip or a mini road trip, a self-care vacation can make a big difference in your mental health and wellness. Schedule weekends when you can get away. Just make sure to check that the locations you want to visit are open. Unwind by visiting a beach or find peace in nature by hiking in a state park. Even taking a trip to another local town helps you escape your regular routine. Boost your health and happiness with some dedicated self-care time.

 

  1. Show up for others to build a healthy community.

An important part of self-care is providing support to others. If you want positive, healthy support from others, you also need to reciprocate. Healthy relationships are two-way. By giving and receiving, you will build a healthy community of friends and family who care. They will show up for you when you need them. Self-care isn’t about isolating yourself. It’s about giving time to yourself as well as spending time with others who build your confidence, self-esteem, and healthy mindset. You will also feel good when you provide support to someone else.

 

Doing something kind for someone else is a great way to provide support. Surprise a friend or romantic partner with a thoughtful gift, such as the Book of Us®. This custom book about love is full of kind, sentimental messages that will make your loved ones feel special and valued.

 

  1. Create a hygge space in your home that’s just for you.

Design a corner or small spot in your home that has all your favorite things. Create your space with “hygge” in mind. If you haven’t come across the hygge trend yet, “hygge” is a Danish word—without a direct translation—that generally means a feeling of cozy contentment and enjoying the simple things. Embrace hygge by designing a spot in your home with warm blankets, a good book, candles, hot chocolate, fuzzy socks, twinkling lights, pictures of friends and family, and self-care products like nail polish, face masks, and body lotion. This inviting space will encourage you to relax and enjoy a few self-care hours in cozy happiness.

 

  1. Find a creative outlet.

Discover a creative activity you love that also helps release emotions. Self-expressive activities focus your mind, pushing out negative or persistent thoughts. They also help manage stress. If you are looking for a creative outlet, you can paint, draw, crochet, craft, write poetry, or take up an instrument. Express yourself creatively to work out problems, cope with stress, and embrace the beauty all around you.

 

  1. Schedule an appointment with a counselor.

Counselors can help teach mindfulness and self-talk techniques for making a better you. Therapy isn’t just for those who are experiencing extreme anxiety or depression. Therapy is for everyone, to help establish a positive state of mind and to handle day-to-day frustrations—or the enormity of a pandemic—a little lighter. Speaking with a counselor is self-care for your mind and emotions. Consider therapy to build an even greater love for yourself and those around you.

Resources:

https://www.countryliving.com/life/a41187/what-is-hygge-things-to-know-about-the-danish-lifestyle-trend/

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Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him and Her

Discover thoughtful and affordable Valentine’s Day gifts for your girlfriend, boyfriend, or romantic partner! This Valentine’s Day, think beyond a card and look for creative, unique gifts that will surprise and delight your S.O. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to express your love and show how much you care. It’s even more important to spread love, with the pandemic putting a strain on our plans and emotional health. Whether you’ve been together for a few months or years, a sweet present helps you connect with your partner and make memories together. We’ve rounded up some of the best Valentine’s Day gifts below. Surprise your sweetheart and celebrate the most romantic holiday of the year!

Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him

Romance the special man in your life with a meaningful Valentine’s Day present. He’s sure to be impressed with these gift ideas below.

 

Sampler Pack of Hot Sauce

Spice up his life with an awesome sample pack of hot sauces. If his mouth waters at the thought of spicy food, he’ll be fired up to try these at your next Taco Tuesday.

 

A Personalized Book About Love: Book of Us®

Show him how much you care with a deeply personalized book about love! Customize the illustrated characters to resemble you and your partner. You can also include loving messages, photos, and your favorite relationship story on the back cover. Surprise him with a unique and lasting Valentine’s Day gift you both will treasure.

 

Video Game Console

Surprise him with a splurge gift he can play for years to come! If you love video games, this is also a win-win for you!

 

Suitcase and Surprise Trip

A hard case, high-quality suitcase is only part of the present! Put plane tickets or a road trip map inside to surprise him with a fun, romantic weekend together. Even if it’s not possible for you to travel now, this gift gives him something fun to look forward to!

 

Sports Fan Gift Pack

DIY a gift basket full of sports wear for the fanatic sports fan! Include a jersey, hat, and even a pair of shoes. The next time he watches a game, he’ll be decked out in his sports wear and thinking of you.

 

Custom Coffee Cup and Matching Dog Bowl

A man’s best friend is his dog. Melt his heart and give him and his dog matching cups they can drink from in the morning, with their names customized on the front.

 

Indoor Skydiving Gift Certificate

Give him the experience of skydiving without the extreme risk! He’ll love the rush and thrill of flight. Some skydiving locations also offer VR googles, immersing you in the flying experience. This is also a fun activity you can do together on Valentine’s Day.

Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her

Find thoughtful and affordable Valentine’s Day gifts for your wife, girlfriend, or significant other.

 

Blow-Dryer and Curling Iron Kit

Upgrade her style tools with a high-end blow-dryer and curling iron. This cuts her time in the morning, giving her more time with you—not to mention fabulous hair!

 

Cute and Soft Pajamas

Every woman loves a cute pair of pajamas that are soft to the touch and cozy for snuggling and sleeping.

 

Bath Salts and Candle

Draw her a bath in the evening and surprise her with bath salts and a candle she can use right away. This soothing and relaxing Valentine’s Day gift pack is perfect for her to unwind after work.

 

Book of Us – Personalized Valentine’s Day Book

This custom book for couples is the perfect way to show your love! Create a thoughtful gift in only five minutes. Your book is personalized with your names and loving messages about your relationship. She will definitely be awe-struck by such a sweet and sentimental Valentine’s Day present!

 

Date Night Scratch Off Poster

DIY a poster of 25, 50, or 100 date night ideas. She’ll love all the thought and love you put into this special gift. Inspire your next date night and scratch them off as you spend romantic time together!

 

Engraved Cutting Board

Customize a cutting board with your names for a beautifully personalized Valentine’s Day gift. Whether you use it for chopping food at dinner date nights or creating a charcuterie board for your next couple’s party, this engraved gift is a sweet reminder of your loving relationship.

 

Food or Wine Subscription Box

If she’s a wine lover or a major foodie, get her a subscription box that delivers delicious joy at Valentine’s Day and year-round!

 

Give the unexpected this Valentine’s Day with these unique and creative gift ideas! Above all, have a fun and romantic Valentine’s Day with your partner that is filled with love.

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5 BFF Trip Ideas: Affordable Vacation Planning with Your Best Friend

Make unforgettable memories with your best friend this year and plan an epic BFF trip! These five trip ideas promise laughter and fun at affordable prices. Best friend getaways are the perfect time to grow even closer together, so why wait to start your next adventure! 

Labor Day weekend trip to Vegas 

Unwind with your best friend with a long weekend vacation that has everything: pools, warm weather, casinos, shopping, fine dining, clubs for dancing, and dazzling shows. Las Vegas offers some of the best hotel deals during Labor Day weekend. Share a room to split costs, purchase discount show tickets on the strip, and forget taxi costs because you can walk everywhere or take the free tram! Be sure to check out the Bellagio fountain show and the Mirage fountain show.  

Condo rental on the beach 

Enjoy a luxury best friend getaway without the hefty price tag of a four-star hotel! Online rental sites like Airbnb™ offer affordable condo rentals right on the beach. Stock the fridge with food and snacks and spend your days relaxing on the beach.  

Best friend road trip across country 

Grab your bestie and take an amazing cross-country road trip together! A summer road trip is the perfect adventure for making new memories. Be sure to snap pics along the way! When the vacation is over, create a personalized best friend gift such as the Book of Us™. Customize the book with funny stories or quotes from your adventures together and remember your vacation forever! BFF road trips aren’t just about sightseeing—they’re about the little things too: singing road songs in the car, feeding each other snacks while driving, watching the sunset, and telling each other funny stories and secrets. This best friend vacation is the perfect way to live your best life, spending it with someone you love!  

Glamping in California 

Take the traditional camping trip to the next level with this best friend vacation! A glamping trip combines the beauty of nature with comfortable accommodations. California offers beautiful weather year-round and gorgeous places to go glamping. Stay in a luxury tent with electricity and running water, a ranch, a mountain park, a luxe RV, or even a safari tent in the heart of wine country on the Sonoma Serengeti! Bond with your bestie on this summer vacay.  

Backpack through Europe (on the cheap!)  

A best friend trip to Europe might seem beyond your budget, but it’s definitely within reach! Backpacking through Europe is an exciting and affordable trip for you and your bestie. The most expensive part is the round-trip flight. Check out flight deals on Expedia, Hotels.com, and other online discount sites. You can also save up and use a program like Delta Skymiles®  to comp your flight. Consider a rail pass like Eurail Pass to travel between countries. This pass is a single ticket that allows unlimited travel on nearly every train in Europe! Review all the rail pass options and select the best one for your travel needs. As you hop to different countries, book your stay through Airbnb™ or stay at hostels for affordable accommodations. The best part about Europe is that sightseeing is free! There are countless monuments, buildings, and free museums to visit and explore.  

A BFF trip is the best way to make lifelong memories! Take a vacation with someone you love and grow stronger together. You will remember this vacation for years to come.  

Resources:

https://thesavvybackpacker.com/rail-pass-europe-guide-eurail/ ​

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​Pride Gifts for All Your Loved Ones

Celebrate pride year-round with these thoughtful LGBTQ gifts for all your loved ones. Whether you want to send love to a romantic partner or show support to your gay best friend, these pride gifts say, “I love you and I’m proud of you.” Pride Month is an annual celebration in June, to commemorate the 1960 Stonewall Riots (also known as the Stonewall Uprising) in Greenwich Village, New York. These riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States. Today we celebrate activists’ efforts with Pride and embrace our authentic selves. This Pride Month, spread the love with fun and unique presents for all your loved ones! ​

Pride Gift List

​Hydro-Dipped Rainbow Shoes

Send them bright, rainbow vibes with handmade, custom shoes they can wear year-round! Hydro-dipping is a viral phenomenon and we can see why. This unique process turns your boring sneakers into a prism of colors. Just purchase their favorite pair of shoes in white and get dipping. Besides how cool they look, your gay bestie or partner will also appreciate the time and effort that went into making them! Rainbow gifts are especially perfect for all your LGBTQ friends.

Pride Month TikTok Video

Pride gifts don’t have to cost a thing! Show your loved ones how much you care by sending them a fun TikTok video they can play over and over. Get your friends involved and make a surprise video of love and support.

Book of Us®

Show your romantic partner how much you love them with the personalized Book of Us! This custom book is a unique, creative way to say, “I love you, now and always.” Customize this pride gift with your names, two illustrated characters that resemble you both, and loving messages. You can write about your love story on the back cover and even customize the book title—theme it to Pride Month with titles like “Happy Pride! 4 Years Together” or “I’m Proud to Love You.” Express your love and gratitude to a partner with a gift that shows all the ways you spend time together. Book of Us also supports the One Love Foundation, so you can feel good knowing your pride gift gives back!

Coming Out Support Package

For your friend who’s just come out, give him or her a care package of goodies that celebrates their big announcement. This gift basket could include: calming tea and bath salts (for those who need to de-stress after making such a huge life decision), an journal full of inspirational quotes, rainbow-colored candy, and a picture frame of you both—a constant reminder that you are proud to be their friend.

Meditative Yoga Class

Yoga is a series of empowering poses that takes you on a journey to self-love. Both meditative and strengthening, a yoga class guides you to find a peaceful relationship with your body—finding self-compassion and self-love. Pride Month is likewise a time to embrace your authentic self and to radiate your power and self-acceptance. This Pride gift is a joyful activity you can do together—even remotely if the class is online—bringing you even closer as friends or partners.

Rainbow Heart Cross-Stitch

Give them a gift from the heart with a cross-stitch hoop that beautifully displays a rainbow heart. Perfect for the home décor lover, this lasting gift can be hung on the wall or placed on a bedside table.

Rainbow Flower Bouquet and Glitter Cupcakes

Wish happy Pride to the LGBTQ person in your life with a colorful bouquet and edible sparkles! Arrange flowers in rainbow colors and tie the stems together with rainbow ribbon. Bake confetti cupcakes and add edible glitter to your frosting for a sparkalicious treat.

Pride Month is a time to show love and celebrate. Spread the love to your LGBTQ community with gifts from the heart. ​

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Resources:

https://www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/the-stonewall-riots ​