BidMyCleaning.com Banter

Some Ideas for Valentine's Day

Posted by Candice on January 30, 2009 at 23:33 pm

Didn’t we just get done packing away the Christmas tree and here we are just a couple of weeks away from Valentine’s Day.  A trip to you local grocery retailer now begins with the walk down the aisle of garish red boxes of chocolates, plastic hearts and synthetic bears! But, what are your options if you don’t want o buy into the direct-from-china supply of useless items that will end up in our landfills?

Well, we’re happy to say that we have one for you and some other ideas you might like.

First up, a Gift Certificate from BidMyCleaning.com – now this may not seem too romantic at first but think about what you are really saying.  You’re saying I care about you enough to see that you really need a break and thought a week off from house cleaning would be a great way to give you some more me-time!  The other great thing about gift certificates, especially online gift certificates is that they are entirely digital.

Your Valentine will an email with your message, the gift certificate and an invitation to visit the website to make use of it.  They will enjoy the convenience of being able to get bids from local providers instantly, read customer reviews to help them choose one and then immediately schedule online – no hassle, no fuss!

Another eco-friendly idea that you can purchase online is http://www.treegivers.com/valentines.html.  Having a tree planted in your sweetheart’s can be symbolic of your low growing just as the tree grows. You can arrange for your  gift tree to be planted in the State or listed Country of your choice. Your Valentine will receive a framed certificate of planting together with a personalized gift card.

If you want to be traditional and still give chocolates and flowers (Who doesn’t love a big heart shaped box full of various chocolates) then Fair Trade is the way to go.  Choosing fair trade is important in two ways: support for traditional agricultural practices (small scale, shade grown, and chemical free) and support for small farmer families who own and operate organic cocoa and sugar co-operatives in the developing world.   Here are some yummy ones that were featured on Oprah.com – http://www.globalexchangestore.org/heartofminis.html

For Fair Trade flowers order online at http://www.1800Flowers.com The Fair Trade Certified label guarantees that flower workers in developing nations receive, fair wages, childcare and schooling for their children, paid maternity, vacation and sick leave, training to implement development projects including scholarships, microlending, adult literacy and gardens to feed their families and protective gear and training on safe handling of agrochemicals.  More than 30 of the highest quality growers in Ecuador, Colombia and Africa are Fair Trade Certified, producing more than a billion stems every year.

For a different take on a delicious treat send some oven fresh cookies with a little inspiration!  Feed Your Soul sells the most divine cookies in a range of gourmet flavors and for Valentine’s Day they add a little heart here and there.  What makes these cookies special is that  tucked inside each silver keepsake complete with tissue lining, tied with plush satin ribbon is an inspirational quotes from people like Proust, Ghandi and Maya Angelou.   All cookies are baked fresh the day they ship, sealed individually in bags to maximize freshness.  You can feel even better about your purchase knowing that  a portion of net proceeds from your purchase will be donated to your chosen charity.

Whichever gift you choose the most important thing is really just to look your loved on in the eye and say ‘I Love You’ from the bottom of your heart.