by Eva Pronovost

Created on: October 30, 2009

The heady, head-long rush into love brings a couple together, but it is the small, romantic gestures that keep a couple together for the long haul. Romantic gifts are a way to say "I'm thinking of you," that keeps the flame burning brightly and the romance lively.

From a bouquet of mini-donuts on skewers to flowers left under windshield wipers to mushy post-its hidden in the house, it's the thought that counts when it comes to romantic gifts. Huge bouquets and diamond necklaces are nice, but expensive gifts are prohibitive to give often, and romance thrives on attention.

Try buying a favourite chocolate bar, wrapping it, and leaving it on the seat of your partner's car as a morning pick-me-up. Wrapping even simple treats make them special by demonstrating that they're worth spending time on - and who doesn't enjoy wrapped packages?

Surprise your partner by getting up early on a weekend, brewing coffee, and running to the nearest bakery for cinnamon rolls and pastries. The gift of a sweet, leisurely morning is both thoughtful and appreciated. On a busy week day, a cup of hot coffee brought into the bedroom while they wake up or get dress demonstrates how much you care by taking care of them when they least expect it.

Sneak snacks into a movie theatre and present them to your partner when the lights go dim. It'll make you both feel like teenagers! So will driving out to the country late at night to watch the stars - don't forget a blanket to sit on and a thermos of hot chocolate to keep warm. The gift of an evening together is both fun and meaningful, and will help bring you together as a couple.

Flowers, as cliche as they are, are always appreciated - but not every bouquet has to be red roses. Daisies, carnations, and freesia are lovely to receive and often less expensive to buy, and everyone appreciates a bouquet of hand picked wildflowers.

The most romantic gift of all, however, is the handwritten love letter. It doesn't need to be long or written on fancy stationary, but a few lines saying "I love you" and why will make anyone melt. Sending the letter in the mail or hiding it in an unexpected place will make it an extra special surprise.

The best romantic gifts are the ones that the giver has obviously taken time to plan and execute, and that shout "I've been thinking of you!". Romance lives on attention, and keeping the thrill of first love as easy as showing your partner how much you care.

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