<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">There's nothing wrong with traditional Valentine's Day activities: dinner, a movie, some alone time at home. The most important part of the holiday is making time to be together. But the enjoyment can last a lot longer than a day when you take a little time to plan for a more unique Valentine's Day experience. Try one of these special ways of celebrating the day to create memories that will last a lifetime.</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Give your loved one an in-home massage</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Going out for a couple's massage is fun; giving each other massages can be even more intimate. Dim the lights, put on some soft music, try out some </span></span>massage oils</span></span><span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif"> and see how relaxing your home can become.</span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Plus, couples who give each other massages can get other benefits. A recent research study reported by </span></span>Science Daily</span></span><span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif"> found that couples who massage each other have improved well-being and lower stress and perceive their relationships as more stable than before they started massaging each other. Interestingly, it didn't matter whether the participant was on the giving or receiving end of the massage. The results remained the same.</span></span>
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<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Play a new kissing game</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">On small slips of paper, you and your sweetheart should write down all the places you can think of that you could kiss each other. Put the pieces in a bowl or bag and take turns drawing out of it and kissing that body part. To make it even more interesting: Play in the dark.</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Plan a future date</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Being romantic doesn't have to be confined to twice a year, on your anniversary and Valentine's Day. But you may find you simply don't have time to plan fun date ideas at other times. Part of your Valentine's date could be planning a future date you both have always wanted to do but haven't yet. Set it in stone: Make a reservation or appointment or make a down payment. Then when the day is over, you'll still have something fun to look forward to.</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Send each other care packages</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Not all Valentine's Days can be celebrated together. But that doesn't mean you can't do something fun and memorable. You'll likely send each other something romantic when you're apart, but try to do better than a bouquet of roses and some chocolate.</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Your care packages could have a theme, such as everything in red. Alternatively, you could cut out paper hearts and write on each one a reason you love each other. Stuff the envelope as full as you can. </span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Create a romantic scavenger hunt</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Scavenger hunts you create are fun because you can personalize the experience to you and your significant other. Come up with hints only you two would understand, use inside jokes and reminisce about fond memories.</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">For instance, one item to collect could be something that reminds each of you about your first date. Or go find a restaurant neither of you has been to and try something you've never tasted. The options are only limited by your own creativity.</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Want to kick this game up a notch? Add </span></span>blindfolds</span></span><span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">. See what happens from there.</span></span>
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<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Celebrate enduring love</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">There's nothing so magical as a love story that never ends. Are there any people in your life who inspire you with their love or their commitment to each other? It could be a grandparent, a friend or an elderly co-worker. Choose a couple you'd like to help celebrate Valentine's Day and plan a date for them. Let them know ahead of time not to make their own plans and then surprise them with a romantic date. Sometimes, the best part of being together happens when you're thinking of others.</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Go on a staycation</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">With winter weather trapping you inside for the past few months, it's likely your skin could use a good tan. You don’t have to head to the beach to get in a vacation state of mind, though. Consider getting spray tans together and then get a room at a unique hotel in Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky. Enjoy a lavish dinner and indulge in some spa treatments. </span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Make a romantic bucket list</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Are there things you and your sweetheart have always wanted to try but have lacked the guts (or the time away from kids) to give a go? Use Valentine's Day as a chance to make a list of romantic things you'd each like to try. Be imaginative and use your Valentine's date to check a couple of things off your list.</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Do some romantic shopping</span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">How often do you go shopping for something just for the two of you? If you have kids, it probably isn't very often. This Feb. 8-14 you can hit up a </span></span>Pure Romance warehouse sale</span></span><span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif"> for men and women 18 years old and up. Consultants will be on hand to help you choose something that fits your relationship and your style. There are also prepackaged gift sets available.</span></span>
<span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Mention this article at the </span></span>Pure Romance warehouse sale</span></span><span style="font-size:10.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif"> in Loveland, Ohio, and get a free gift with purchase (valued at over $20). Coupons and specials cannot be combined.</span></span>
