Tyler and I have been married for just over two years now (SO crazy to think about) and some of our favorite nights have definitely been the time we take away from the grind and routine of daily life to just be together. It's so great to make time to enjoy each other and be intentional with growing our relationship. One line Tyler even included in our marriage vows was that he would continue to "date" me the rest of his life. While sometimes its difficult to make time specifically to go on a date to talk and spend quality time together its worth it every time. When I say "date" I'm obviously not talking about sitting together watching football/tv or sitting next to each other while on the phone scrolling through Facebook... which definitely happens sometimes… Rather, its the times we take specifically to celebrate one another and to be a "student" to one another- because there is always something to learn!
Last November, as Christmas time approached, my mother-in-law kept asking us for what we wanted for Christmas. We had a hard time coming up with things we really wanted. When we couldn't come up with a list of things we wanted, Mrs. Robyn then came up with the fantastic idea to get us 12 dates that we could use throughout the year whenever we wanted! What a great gift- and a gift that keeps on giving! This made coming up with date nights so easy!
A HUGE thanks goes out to my wonderful and THOUGHTFUL mother-in-law Robyn for coming up with these ideas and giving us lots of experiences and memories together!
If you are struggling for an idea for a gift of a married couple, give the gift of experiences! Here is the list of the AWESOME dates she gave to us!!!
She had 12 envelopes with slips of paper in them that had a descriptive poem to go with it telling us what the date entailed. She had it all planned out to a tee.
It's a great way to make memories together and we enjoy deciding which date we will go on & when we will do it! We spread them out over the course of this year, so we still have some left!! :)
*The 12 Dates of Christmas*
Amusement Park Date
"Silver Dollar City
All year round
Tickets for you
The fun will abound."
It just makes sense to get the season tickets to SDC since we live so close and there is ALOT to do there. With so many festivals, the parades and lights during Christmas, yummy food, and rides, there is no lacking of fun at this amazing theme park. We are able to go for free whenever we want to by ourselves or with a group of friends!
Coffee and 20 Questions.
"Coffee and questions
To communicate well
Find a quiet little spot
to share and to tell."
This was a fun date that included money to get coffee and a box that had 20 questions to ask eachother while on the date. It was fun to get to know each other even more and talk about life, dreams, & funny things. You think you know someone so well when you are married to them, but some of the answers can surprise you. Ultimately this date is fabulous to help you continue to be intimate and hear from each other.
Dinner and Shopping Date.
"The love that you share needs special care
And we know you need time alone as a pair.
Off on a date night you are welcome to go
To be close together so your love will grow.
Famous Dave's gift card and shopping too,
The rest, they say, is all up to you!"
Enclosed was a gift card to a local restaurant called Famous Daves and gave us each money to shop for one another. [We actually split this date into two separate ones because we got a late start on dinner and all the shops closed once we were finished… whoops.] We each got a certain amount to spend on something we really wanted! It was a fun date and it secretly forced tyler to enjoy going shopping with me! :) It usually is a huge stretch to get him to come shopping with me. But not this time! :)
Couple's Massage
"The two of you
will enjoy this day
A couple's massage
is on the way."
We were so excited to receive this gift certificate to Body Works Day Spa for a couples massage. We saved this date until after Tyler graduated from grad school and work let out for summer! Definitely a treat!
Baby Each Other Date
"A quiet at home date
Is special for you
Take turns with massages
Only the best will do."
This envelope came with a box filled with fragrant lotions and oils, back massager, and tea light candles. Definitely makes for a romantic evening. ;)
Stargazing Date
"Find a perfect plea to enjoy the stars,
Search for different constellations and even Mars,
Take a blanket, book, goblets and wine,
Enjoy the night and together time."
This date came with a box filled with all of those things mentioned! Moscato, cheese, two glasses and a blanket! Recipes for a great date for just the two of you.
Dollar Tree & Ice Cream Date
"With $5 to spend
A time limit in mind,
An unusual or interesting gift
for your mate, you will find.
Then off to ice cream
at Jimmys store
Enjoy your visit and so much more!"
I'll keep you updated on what we find each other for $5 when we go on this date! Should be fun! She also but money in there to go to Cold Stone's afterwards (Jimmy is a friend of ours that owns the local cold-stone.) Can't wait.
Adventure Date
"Rock Climbing or zip lining
the choice is up to you
Money is provided
for something fun to do."
Enclosed was money to go to the Big Rock Climbing Gym at Southwest Missouri's largest indoor rock climbing facility. We can't wait to go on our "adventure date."
Movie Date
Pick out a movie
You've wanted to see,
Get a soda and snacks,
time together is the key.
Included were several "Imax Bucks" to use at the Imax or Branson Meadows theatre. We have enjoyed using these tickets to some great movies this year!
Game Night
"Pull out the chairs
Get out the snacks
Play some games
Have fun & Relax!"
This came with some great games to play together.
Baking Date
"Sugar Cookies are fun
to prepare and to bake
Cut them each out
And together, decorate!"
This envelope included a yummy sugar cookie recipe card and a box filled with cookie cutters of all shapes and figures. This will be a fun and SWEET date. :)
Sport Date
"Put on your running and/or walking gear,
Drink your water,
Take the dog,
It's the perfect date for this time of year."
This included a present with two water bottles and Nike t-shirts and shorts for both of us! Fun and active date with my little family are always fun!
There you have it, some FaNtAsTiC ideas for gifting that new (or not so new) couple in your life. Give them the best gift ever! They will be thanking you all year. :)
xoxo
Dorothy
