So, Massage Envy is marketing all over the place -- “MASSAGE GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR VALENTINE’S DAY!”. Great, in theory -- but 2 things.

1. $60 an hour plus tip is pricey (yes, I know you can get the introductory special for $39, but work with me people).

2. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want any other woman rubbing down my husband, regardless if it’s non-sexual -- call me jealous,  I’m just telling you how it is.

Why not make a special date out of it? If a Valentine’s Day massage doesn’t work in your plans -- give him/her a coupon for a later date.  This is a cheap easy Valentine’s Day gift your partner will absolutely LOVE!

Helpful hints for giving the ultimate Valentine’s Day massage:

Set the Mood!

Make sure the bed is made

Scatter some rose petals (you can get these for cheap from a florist! Just ask for a handful)

Turn down the lights

Light scented candles (please don’t set your house on fire!)

Play some relaxing music (no TV! think Enya)

Massage Oil is a Must!

Here is an easy Do It Yourself massage oil
You will just need a carrier oil such as grapeseed or peanut oil and a essential oil such as peppermint or rose.

Show Time -- Massage!

This is what you have prepped the stage for, don’t let the Valentine’s Day massage disappoint! Here is a quick video on how to give a good massage (ignore the music):

Shazam! This is a gift that your partner will love.

Happy Relaxation!

It’s time for your favorite Hallmark created holiday *drum roll please* … Valentine’s Day! Yes, Valentine’s Day is next Saturday and you most likely have not gotten anything for your special someone (or someones -- I don’t judge).  The next few days before this Hallmark holiday, i’ll be posting gift idea suggestions -- so stay tuned! Here is one of my favorite gift ideas -- and its super cheap:

Make a Mix Tape!

Cost: Blank CD & Cost of MP3s

Who doesn’t love a mix tape? Find your favorite songs. Burn them to CD. Decorate a cover. Wah-lah!  BTW -- If you are needing to buy MP3s -- make sure to shop Amazon -- great prices and DRM-FREE!  Mix the music up with sound clips! Throw in soundbites from your favorites movie or tv shows.

There are tons of these flying around the internet
MovieSoundClips.net
Movie Wavs
(please note: you will need to convert wav files to mp3 before you burn)

Want to get super creative? Here are directions on how to take a cassette tape and a USB flash drive and make a new age mix tape! Here is what is my mix tape list i’m giving my boo. What are your favorite mix tape songs?

From the High Fidelity DVD -- 5 Songs to Make Love To:

Happy Mixtaping!

These are too cute! Get 6 FREE Valentine Day Cards customized by you for FREE, wait.. did I mention FREE?

Here’s the one I created for my son. Too cute!

Offered by Scrapbooks ETC (owned by Better Homes & Garden) – here’s how to get em’

Enter the code valentine at checkout to claim your 6 FREE Valentine’s Day cards.
(Hurry, offer expires February 1, 2009. Not valid with any other offer.)

His and Her Cozy Quilted Robes – both for $30

Here’s a Valentine’s Day gift idea – a slight twist to the norm, but sweet and if your husband won’t dress like you in public – surely he will in the bedroom.

His and Her Cozy Quilted Robes – by of all people, Sleep Comfort. Yep, the people who do the mattresses where you adjust the number to your comfort.

His and Her Cozy Quilted Robe is luxuriously warm and cozy!  This is a set of two robes. One for him and one for her.

Size: one size fits most

Cover: 250-threat count 100% cotton reverses to polyester plush

Fill: 100% polyester down alternative fill

Care: Machine wash cold. Tumble dry, gentle, on low heat. Do not iron. Do not dry clean.