Valentine’s Date and Gift Guide

  By Nicki Johnston 

VALENTINE’S DAY. It’s the toughest holiday of the year. You have to be sure your gift fits your girl – not literally, of course – but think about the woman in your life and what she likes most. This guide will help you decide what will make her happiest, and, let’s face it, that’s the whole point of this holiday, isn’t it? (Ladies, you might circle or highlight what you like in this guide and “accidentally” leave it within “guysight.”)

Here are a few fun date ideas for you and the special woman in your life. Whether she’s a “Pampered Princess,” “Entertaining Goddess,” “Adventure Muse” or “Fashionista,” hopefully you will find an idea that suits your needs. For the woman who’s a bit of all of these, mix and match the ideas to make your 2010 Valentine’s Day event absolutely perfect. 

“Treat Her Like a Queen”

The Pampered Princess understands the importance of taking time for herself and relaxing. A day at the spa is the perfect way to help her regenerate. You can set up a hair and make-up session for her at a full-service salon, or a relaxing massage. This might be a great time to set up a special service she’s been hinting about from a medical spa: Reflexology to relieve tension or whatever ails her; Botox, Juvederm, Microdermabrasion or Laser Genesis for fine lines; Latisse for her eyelashes; hair removal; permanent make-up application; or lip plumping. Her dentist can schedule teeth whitening treatments.

After your Pampered Princess has spent the day enhancing her natural beauty, treat her to a romantic night on the town. Make a dinner reservation in advance – many restaurants will serve a set menu especially for Valentine’s Day. She’ll be thrilled when you pull out that little velvet box full of shimmer and shine – diamonds are not just for engagements or weddings anymore. Many designers are offering right-hand rings. Mémoire’s gorgeous Rolling Ring collection features three to six interlocking bands in 18K white, yellow or tri-color gold, platinum, or a combination of metals, some of which may contain round channel set diamonds… perfect for her right hand. Curious about the significance of the right hand ring? The right hand ring says you know she’s her own woman and deserves sparkly diamonds on both hands!

“Home is Where the Heart Is”

Betty Draper, from “Mad Men,” has nothing on this woman! Your Entertaining Goddess enjoys having her friends and family over, and loves to put out a fabulous spread. Valentine’s Day will be no exception when she prepares a fabulous meal for the family. An elegant Prime Rib, Pork Crown Roast, or Rack of Lamb, paired with an incredible champagne, will knock you off your feet!

Your Entertaining Goddess will love flowers for her impeccable table. By showing some creativity, you can avoid the cliché “dozen red roses” by having Tony Foss Flowers create your masterpiece of floral artistry. Tony’s creations include salsa-colored gerbera daisies, purple dendrobium orchids, zebra orchids, vivid orange birds of paradise, hot pink tulips, stargazer lilies, or roses in shades of pink, lavender, peach, white, orange and even “black.”

Satisfy her sweet tooth with a box of delicious imported Belgian or Parisian chocolates. She’s not a fan of chocolate? Do something a bit different by filling glass jars of various heights with pink and red jellybeans and gummy candies  – both a gift and a decoration.

After working all day to make a delicious Valentine’s Day meal, treat your Entertaining Goddess to beautiful lingerie. Depending on the mood you wish to set, gifts can range from sweet, delicately embroidered chemises to sexy, sassy black lace intimates, or a daring corset or bustier. A fluffy robe will make her giggle with delight as she slips the luxurious softness over the lingerie you’ve picked out for her.

“Adventureland”

For your Adventure Muse, an afternoon of rock climbing or kayaking would be perfect. At Rocktown Climbing Gym, you and your date can climb as high as 155 feet, one of the highest indoor climbs in the country. You can even arrange a little gift pack for her with her own chalk bag and ropes.

Weather permitting, schedule an afternoon of kayaking on the Oklahoma River. For rowing enthusiasts, keep with the Valentine’s Day theme and arrange for a gorgeous, streamlined red kayak and matching paddle in her gift pack. But don’t forget dry bags to keep your electronics dry while you’re on the water!

Cap your adventurous day with a fun evening of dinner and bowling at Red Pin Bowling Lounge. Red Pin isn’t your basic bowling experience – your lane has cozy couches and cocktail tables to keep the Valentine’s Day vibes flowing, as well as your own video screen that can be personalized with your favorite movie or video.

“The Sky’s the Limit”

This Fashionista knows exactly what she wants and enjoys the finer things in life. Her world revolves around fashion, style and couture, and a copy of Vogue or Women’s Wear Daily is never far from her fingertips. She knows what makes her look good and what shows off her true spirit.

The Fashionista would like nothing more than a day of shopping for Valentine’s Day, and she’ll find the best along Western Avenue. After a light lunch at Saturn Grill or CoolGreens, wander through Nichols Hills Plaza and watch her eyes sparkle as your arms get loaded down with bags and boxes filled with items to please her fashion loving palate.

Finish off your Valentine’s Day in serious style by hitting the nightspots in Bricktown – she’ll love the opportunity to show off her new purchases. Whether you prefer a movie, Thunder game, or cocktails overlooking the canal, romantic carriages are waiting to take you and your lady to your dream destination for Valentine’s Day 2010.