15 last-minute Valentine’s Day gift ideas from actual military spouses
In our house, Valentine's Day isn't really a thing. As a general rule, the Marine isn't home for the "holiday," and since there are a lot of holiday's he spends away, courtesy of the USMC, this is one day we just don't really concern ourselves with.
But this year we ran into a snag. Their names are Bethany, Zachary, and Christopher — also known as the three youngest members of the Foley Fire Team.
On the edge of the dreaded teenage years, Bethany came home a few days ago armed with a love note from her "boyfriend" (that asshole), and sat down with her younger brothers to plot out "The Best Valentine's Gift Ever;" it apparently consists of a lot of bacon (they DO take after their mother, after-all), and a seven-hour nap time while they're at school. Because adulting is hard.
They presented their plan to the Marine, and then waited with bated breath for him to tell them his grand scheme for the Day Of Love.
"I just bought Mom curtains and a new curtain rod. I suppose I could hang them up before she wakes up?"
The two youngest of the fire team promptly ran off to tattle on Daddy. Not buy Mom a "love" gift? He's practically an abomination to them right now.
While the boys were relaying the horrifying ordeal to me, I wondered how the Marine was going to get out of this one. It's perfectly fine to explain to the 12-year-old that sometimes Dad just doesn't really subscribe to romantic things. As a girl she's going to have to come to terms with the fact that dudes like him really do exist.
But try explaining that to two 8-and 9-year-old boys who are currently at the dining room table gluing pink and red hearts all over their camouflage Valentine boxes because they know that, while they like camo and guns, girls sometimes like hearts. How Daddy doesn't understand this is totally beyond their capacity.
"Maybe Daddy is planning a surprise and he doesn't want to ruin it," I whispered conspiratorially. The boys nodded and agreed that that's exactly what was happening. It was the only thing that made sense to them.
"You're going to want to brain storm some last minute ideas, dude," I told the Marine later.
"Can you do that crowd-sourcing thing you do on your Facebook and I'll pick something from that?" he asked.
So that's exactly what I did, and let me say, I was surprised. Not one girl said she wanted flowers, chocolate, jewelry, or even anything expensive or time consuming, and a lot of their gift suggestions included food.
In fact, because I know the Marine isn't the only one out there who is finding himself in a gift pickle at the last minute, here's what actual military spouses said they really want for Valentine's Day, word for word and complete with all their annoying little emoji things:
1. Bacon roses
Because Valentine's Day just screams "pork," right?
2. Not celebrating Valentine's Day at all.
Jeesh, more "romance" in our marriage/dating? We already have enough of that already...
3. Homemade vouchers for cool stuff
How about a movie night, a kiss and makeup session no matter how upset I am, free kisses anytime all day, etc.
4. Stay at home "date"
My husband is hitting up the USO tomorrow during lunch for flowers and cheap chocolate. ?. Yes he told me he wants to do that. He's ridiculous. Lol. But in seriousness, even a nice walk or living room picnic on the floor. Super cheap, corny, and fun
5. Waffle House
Hands down. If you sneak them like $10, they'll let you smuggle in wine sometimes (not that I'm speaking from experience or anything).
6. Beach stroll
This year we are going to take a few hours during the day to run to the beach and just put our toes in the sand before kids get home from school.
7. Mom time
Netflix movie, homemade desert, and pjs. :)
8. Cheap sushi
We went to Hamazushi last night because it's very inexpensive (most items are ¥100 a plate), all you can eat, good quality sushi. Plus it's all served on conveyor belts and ya can't beat the novelty of that. ;) Also, [He] started college again and has a lab tonight, so he won't be home for "actual" Valentine's date stuff.
9. A cuddle
After being apart---just being together is enough. I know that may sound cheesy, but it's so the truth. Being preggo and sick, I'm hoping our date will include pj's and our couch and the latest "this is us" episode.
10. Couch time
We spend all our budget on the kids. We will stay home with popcorn and a movie to celebrate it.
11. Old School necking
In the car...in the driveway!! ??
12. A load of beef ... with love
I'll make him his fave meal at home... meat loaf!
13. Learn something new
We are taking a couples cooking class tomorrow ❤️
14. A full-on pizza and bubbly extravaganza
[He] & I have done the same thing every year since we've been together: Heart-shaped homemade pizza (with mini heart pizzas for the puppies) + our favorite prosecco (the same brand from our wedding) and chocolate covered strawberries (sometimes homemade, sometimes from HEB)... and then turning on a cheesy movie or tv show on Netflix.
It started out the first year or two as our "thing" because we really couldn't afford too much else. But now it's a special, almost sacred ritual for us. I wouldn't trade our little cozy tradition for a world-class meal. It's just too important to me. I should clarify and say "every year he was actually HERE to celebrate."
15. Some shootin'
Well, we got married Valentine's day. We celebrate by hanging out and we go to dinner either the day before or the day after (since payday is always afterwards)because it's always less crowded. This year is our 20th and we both took the day off. We're having a range and lunch date. Since it's a work day, lunch isn't as crowded and definitely cheaper.
So what are you doing for Valentine's Day?
And if the Marine is reading this, bacon roses are totally appropriate.
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