Men have done their best to craft ways of getting out of it for years. Calling it a Hallmark holiday has been a technique used to make the event seem too commercial. Late-night work assignments have been a famous get-out-of-jail ticket to sidestep any guilt. But as clever as we think we are with our tall tales and elaborate excuses, there are only two possible options in the lady’s opinion—a good Valentine’s day, or a bad one—and whether you were busy drinking a beer out in the shed or saving the continent from an asteroid apocalypse, it makes no difference. If you skip Valentine’s Day, you are officially in the doghouse, so why try to avoid it when, with just as much effort, you could be Romeo for a day? Better to be a hero than a mutt, so we’ve whipped up some good tips to help you get started.

1. Breakfast in Bed: For most guys the phrase “Valentine’s Day” summons images of white tablecloths and Italian food, walks along the lake and romantic sunset smooches. This makes sense. After all, most men cram all Valentine’s activities into the after work/before sleep window and treat the rest of the day like any of the other 300+ non-holiday days of the year. Nothing wrong with traditional strategy, but the bottom line is it’s predictable, and since we’re taking it to the next level, predictable is the last thing we want to be. Try waking up an hour early this year and treat that someone special to her favorite breakfast in bed before you take off to work. You’ll make her day before the day even begins and she’ll have plenty of time to call and brag to her friends while you’re busy on the job.
2. Honey-Do it Right: We shouldn’t feel too bad for ourselves. By now we understand it’s part of life. There will always be the list of projects we want to work on and then, in bright red ink, the projects our significant other wants us to complete. Somehow it’s the honey-do list that seems to keep getting longer as the year goes on. Surprising her with a box of chocolates and a stuffed bear may seem like cliché Valentine’s gifts, so give the gift of your own labor around the house. Tackling a few desired tasks on the list is a great way to please her while helping yourself out at the same time. You’ll show her you care about the things she wants completed, as well as clear up some space for next weekend so you can get back to the projects you want to work on.
3. Bring in the Kids: Valentine’s Day isn’t a holiday for the young ones. Sure, they might exchange cards in class and have fun giving mommy cut out hearts, but once night time rolls around it’s time to call in the babysitting squad and let the parents go out for some fun. Just because the kids aren’t with you when you go out, doesn’t mean that mom has forgotten about them. This bit of alone time gives you the great opportunity to spring her with a gift that is both original while keeping the kids close to heart. Take some photos of the little ones helping you out around the house during the previous week, buy some photo paper and a frame, and turn a print into a professional shot. A framed photoof the kids is a gift that will last longer than roses and is a non-cheesy way to remind you of the proud family you’ve created together.

TIP: After creating a homemade photo frame, use WD-40® Multi-Use Product to help remove glue and other residue from your work area.  You can also use WD-40 Multi-Use Product to remove the price tags and adhesive labels from your frame.