Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/459448
XV maltatoday, Sunday, 8 February 2015 Valentine's Valentine's cliché attractions and hidden gems in your home town. Have a group date at someone's house Gather a bunch of people for a stay-at-home group date and split the duties. For instance, the men buy flowers, cook and serve the women dinner, while the women plan games, decorate or provide gifts (we suggest baked goods!). Keep in mind that if your party consists of both singles and couples, there should be an even number of single men and women so that no one ends up feel- ing like a third wheel. Volunteer Valentine's Day is a celebration of love, so consider branching out from romance into charity and friendship. Volunteer at a shelter, send flowers to nursing home residents, or check online listings for Valentine-themed fundraisers for reputable non-prof- its. Contact local women's and do- mestic violence shelters to ask how you can best show love to those who live and work there. Baking cookies or sending letters of appreciation to caregivers can make all the differ- ence for people who have suffered because of corrupted relationships. DIY your gift By do-it-yourself, we don't just mean cooking dinner and making mix a CD. Scout around for a per- sonalize present she won't expect. Does she love warm drinks? Hunt around for a new, interesting tea or coffee she might like to try. Is he a big reader? Trawl through some trash to find some second-hand literary treasures at the local flea market. Have a date at the dog park A global poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos revealed that one in five people would rather spend Valentine's Day with their pet than a partner. If you're having a hard time picking between the two, spend the afternoon at a local pet park before hitting the town on date night. Or, if you're single, forego the ice cream- laden night alone and take Fido out to play in your city's dog run. Who knows, you might just meet the dog- lover of your dreams. Celebrate on a different day Restaurants sure are expensive and crowded on Valentine's Day, so post- pone your date night to 15 February and spend the holiday itself indoors, relaxing with takeout and a couple of romantic movies. Go all-out the following night with bouquets and a reservation at a classy restaurant you've always wanted to try. Give an alternative bouquet Roses may be the symbol of love, but they're also a little generic. If your lady's down with non-traditional presents, try substituting roses—heck, even flowers—with a different kind of 'bouquet'. Send a potted plant, a bonsai or even a miniature tree to her home or workplace. If she's got a sweet tooth, send her a candy bouquet, and if you're good with crafts, make flower bouquet using origami.