Last night I found myself with something crazy…twenty minutes of free time. So I sat down to paint my nails, pink, only to realize  that it was the eve of Valentine’s Day.

Ironically Jackson and I decided, long ago, not to ’do’ Valentine’s Day.

Instead, our goal is to do something, just us, around the same time so that we still have the chance to spend some time together, without going the red roses route every February 14th.

Recently Jackson quietly mentioned that I was so hard to buy for. For every guy out there who has uttered these words, I have one thing to say to you.

Give me a break!!

First of all, massages and pedicures exist for exactly this reason. What mom out there wouldn’t love a little pocket of time all to herself to be pampered!

I have Wish Lists of things I’ve fallen in love with online on my Pinterest Board and Amazon Wish List (does it get easier than that?), as I’m guessing many other ladies do as well.

If you don’t want a softball like that (which, I’ll admit, it’s always slightly less exciting to get something you’ve already picked out…my favorite presents from Jackson are always something he’s picked out himself), there are some go-tos that, in my opinion, you can never go wrong with.

• Flowers…especially her favorite. (peonies, stargazer lilies, and tulips for this girl)
• Make her dinner. And do the dishes.
• If you have a little one, give her the gift of not only sleeping in, but taking your little babe out so that she can really sleep without feeling guilty about it.
• Make breakfast.
• Clean the shower/tub (maybe that’s just my dream, as I hate that chore more than anything)

The list goes on, and I know it’s different for every person, but to me gifts are a fun little way to treat someone you love to something they will (hopefully) love. And more than anything, it’s a reminder that you think of that person. Even on a day when no one is telling you to.