Imagine walking into a home and being struck by the scent of freshly baked bread, or brewing coffee. These are two easy-to-understand examples of how the senses can stimulate pleasurable feelings. Indisputably, our noses play a significant role in the state of our emotions; that’s the promise of aromatherapy.

But have you ever considered that aromatherapy oils are a great way to let your partner know that you care? They are, because you are showing you care by giving them the gift of pleasure. Just as many medicines are derived from plants, so too are essential oils.

To make the experience the best it can be, if at all possible, consult a certified aromatherapist beforehand to ensure you are getting the most effectual essential oils.

The following oils are wonderful for increasing intimacy and revving up the romance: lavender, rose, patchouli, orange blossom and jasmine. One essential oil you may not be familiar with is Cananga odorata, commonly called ylang-ylang or the perfume tree. Cananga odorata’s connection to romance is evident in Indonesia where its flowers are scattered on newlywed’s beds.

Whichever ones you choose, be certain oils you buy come in dark bottles (or other non-reactive opaque containers). Such containers prevent brightness from breaking down the components of the oils. Also look for pure, high-grade oils, but be aware that ingredient labels, for better or worse, can be incomplete. Remember that you will be giving these to someone you love, so don’t go for the least expensive. While high quality oils may cost more, they are more than worth it for the warm feelings they evoke.

Aromatherapy oils may not be the first thing people think of for a Valentine’s Day gift (or any time a romantic gift is needed), but they are sure to be welcome. A fringe benefit of giving them as a gift is that you will be able to enjoy them together.

Valentine’s Day! What a great day for romantics at heart! Any excuse to celebrate a day of l’amour is in my opinion, a good excuse and on the 14th February cards, flowers and the whole love thing will be celebrated for many with romance and style.

The history of this day has origins in both Christian and Ancient Roman tradition. As a matter of fact there are many legends surrounding Valentine and the day it was yet to become. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia (1908) there are least three St Valentine’s recorded.

One legend has it that in 269 AD in ancient Rome, Saint Valentine was secretly performing marriages and engagements in direct contravention of the Emperor Claudius II, who banned marriages and engagements in an attempt to recruit and enlist more soldiers (recruitment numbers were down because the men wanted to remain with their loved ones). Alas and alack it was all too good to last, when St Valentine’s secret was discovered, as punishment for his crime, he was thrown into jail, beaten with clubs, followed by execution.

The legend goes that before he was beheaded on 14th February, he fell in love with his jailor’s daughter and wrote her a billet-doux (love letter). It’s said he signed off on his note with “from your valentine”. Many years later in 496 AD, Pope Gelasius declared a day of honour for Valentine and so began Valentine’s Day.

Meanwhile, in ancient Roman days the 14th February celebrated and honored Juno, Queen of Roman Goddesses and Gods who was also said to be Goddess of woman and marriage.

Another legend has it that Valentine was an early Christian who made friends with many children. The Romans apparently imprisoned him because he didn’t worship their gods. The children, missing Valentine, would hand him loving notes through the bars of his cell.

Whatever the legends, the 14th February is the day where many of us exchange cards (anonymously or not) and do something romantic for our partner.

Having a pretty good idea on what women want, flowers, chocolates, and a card (yes I know some of us are still waiting…) I wondered what men wanted and so asked a group of men if they could have something they really wanted what would it be?

The majority of responses I’m not able to reprint (side splittingly funny nevertheless) and asked them to think seriously about what they would like to have on Valentine’s Day. Never having been asked before, this proved to be a somewhat difficult question for them to answer, but soon started warming to this question.

For partners scratching for ideas, the following will give you some idea what he really wants if it were up to him. I was told, come up with any of the following and it’s guaranteed Valentine’s Day will go off like a frog in a sock:

Please note that the opinions contained herein are not necessarily those of the author…

1. A beautiful meal at a restaurant (probably because they couldn’t have what they really wanted first up so this was a safe start);
2. A good book and the silence to read it;
3. A weekend away at a resort or hotel;
4. Day-tripping around coastal or country areas, eating breakfast and lunch out at different places;
5. Hanging out with loved one;
6. Breakfast in bed;
7. Driving an open top sports car for the day;
8. A ride in a supersonic jet;
9. Nice bottle of single malt 100 year old scotch;
10. Police arresting and taking away the mother-in-law;
11. Massage in a day spa;
12. Complete day of wife or partner agreeing with everything said;
13. 24 hour nag-free day;
14. Someone else working at your day job for the day;
15. Wife or partner completely losing their voice for the day;
16. To be alone;
17. Visit an art gallery;
18. Visit a museum;
19. Play golf or go to a sporting event – whatever is in season; and
20. Ride a Harley Davidson.

Even if you’re not into Valentine’s Day, it’s the perfect excuse to have that frog go off in a sock by doing something wonderful for you and your partner, and if single, you can do something especially for you.

Michaela Scherr, Transformational Coach

When most think of gift giving on Valentine’s day, what comes to mind is typically what a man is going to get to show his love and appreciation for a woman. It’s a day of heavy marketing, sold-out florists, and celebrity engagements on the news.

However, love and romance is a two-way street, at least we all hope it to be, and there are still an abundance of women who feel the desire to find the perfect gift for their man on February 14th each year.

With Valentine’s day coming so soon after Christmas, and women not having the obvious choices like heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and a dozen long stem roses, there is usually a little more thought involved in the gift giving, decision-making process.

Or is there?

Just like Christmas, a Valentines day gift for him should come from the heart. The only real difference is that on February 14th, this particular gift should encapsulate your love for him and shine with a romantic beam. Keep in mind that sometimes it’s the way you present the gift that will spark the romanticism of the day as opposed to the gift itself.

Add a magic touch

When you are choosing a Valentine’s gift for him this year, give the following some thought and maybe add your own little personal touch to them.

For instance, are you always getting him to run errands for the smallest things? Why not insist that he goes to the grocery store for tampons right this second (as soon as he wakes up), but when he opens the car door he sees a note telling him to come back upstairs for a gift (and thanks for being a great guy!)

If you have this frame of mind when choosing a gift for him, then the possibilities of what to get him are really endless. Remember, it is about the thought, imagination, and you making him feel special on Valentine’s day, not the actual material things.