Not-so-boring Valentine’s Day ideas to spread some love in Hampton Roads – The Virginian-Pilot

Roses are red, violets are blue, say no to boring Valentine’s Day gifts, here are some creative ideas for you!

Forget the cliché Valentine’s Day gift of boxed candy, red roses, lingerie or a fancy dinner. Instead, surprise your loved one with an unexpected gift of love.

Order an adorable special delivery to your house or business. For $80, a goat arrives dressed in a Valentine’s Day costume. The lucky recipient can snuggle, feed or walk the goat on a leash during the 20-minute visit. Presents can be added to the delivery such as goat wine glasses, goat coffee mugs, keychains, charm necklaces or goat’s milk soaps. Goat Grams can be delivered for other holidays and birthdays too. To order a Goat Gram from the business based near the Virginia line in Moyock, North Carolina, go to the website: FunWithGoats.com, click on Goat Grams, fill out the information to schedule the Goat Gram.

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Virginia Beach artist Erika Hitchcock crafts a ceramic replica of a bride’s wedding gown. This thoughtful and cherished gift crafted in stone will remind the recipient of her beautiful dress and the special memories of the wedding day. Every detail is captured in the artwork such as the color, texture and bling. Go to stonewearceramics.com to order this custom artwork.

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This classic almond wedding cake-flavored confection has been the star dessert at Plaza Bakery in Virginia Beach for over 50 years. For the month of February, you can get the petit four super-sized into a five-inch heart with a decorative drizzle and flower buds. Be sure to customize the tasty heart for your sweetheart. It’s only $1 more.

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Do you want a crazy and racy Valentine’s idea that gives back to a charity? The Cupid’s Undie Run is a short mile-ish run that invites runners to participate while wearing undies, tutus or other costumes. The big party and run is a fundraiser for neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that affects one in every 3,000 children born. The fun starts at Calypso Bar and Grill on Saturday, Feb. 11, at noon. Go to my.cupids.org for more information.

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Some Valentine recipients may have dietary restrictions or could just be on a diet. Gift them a handcrafted bath and body treat in the shape of a cupcake, cinnamon bun, donut, Twinkie or frothy beverage. You can’t eat these treats because they’re bath bombs and soaps, but you’ll want to because they’re so realistic looking. You’ll find fun nonedible flavors such as Jamaican Me Crazy and Monkey Farts. These sweet soapy treats can be found at The Painted Tree in Virginia Beach.

Lee Belote jlbelote@verizon.net