I love you. Three little words but one big sentiment. Whatever the occasion, sometimes those words just aren’t enough. Whether it’s a milestone anniversary or to say “I love you” to family and friends, at times you just need more. Think about the person you are saying those words to and how they would love to hear or see them. What’s their love language? Make them feel special with these 10 creative ways to say I love you.

RELATED: CREATIVE WAYS TO SAY THANK YOU

1. Write a Poem

Is there anything more romantic than a poem? Especially one that’s written just for you by someone who loves you. Even a simple poem that has thought and love put into will always be well received.

2. Write a Love Letter

Love letters are a lost art, but that just makes them even more special. Spritz of perfume. Exquisite paper and a beautiful envelope. Maybe even a wax seal! And of course, handwritten. They may keep this forever so make it pretty. Write down specifics about why you love them and how they make you feel. Send it in the post for the extra surprise.

3. Reasons Why I Love You

No matter how many reasons you choose, from 5 -365, present it in a unique way for a special gift. Try these creative ways to say I love you:

  • A poster
  • A box of tiny envelopes
  • A jar of scrolls
  • A little book

SHOP Printable Mini Matchbox Craft Kits

4. Create a Set of “Open When Letters”

“Open when letters” are a package of letters that have labels on the outside. The recipient opens one when they have an experience that matches the label on the envelope, e.g., a bad day, feeling lonely etc. It’s such a cute idea and especially great when looking for creative ways to say I love you for long-distance relationships.

5. Create a Love Book

Create a treasured memory book with things that you love about them. Add notes about your memories together, how you first met, or your travel adventures. Include photos, paraphernalia, and little love letters inside. You could create a theme like “Our First Year” or “Our Story So Far”.

RELATED: FIRST CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR HUSBAND

6. Make a Coupon Book

Create a coupon book for things they can claim. What’s their love language? Do they value romance like a massage or a hotel stay? Or do they feel loved when you do the chores? Great for personalised and creative ways to say I love you.

7. Send a Pocket Hug

Ahhh, hugs. They make everything better, don’t they? Give them a hug that never ends. Paint a stone with a sweet picture or paint the words ‘pocket hug’. Alternatively, use polymer clay to create a little animal. Put it in a tiny bag or box and add a mini card.

SHOP Printable Pocket Hugs

8. Make Their Favourite Food

Nourish their soul with food. Create a playlist, light some candles, and set the table. You could even create a menu and make it like a restaurant experience. Spend the evening chatting and reminiscing about the great times you’ve had together.

9. Go To a Comedy Show

Not everyone’s love language is a super romantic gesture. Some prefer to keep things low-key. And what better way to show someone you love them than by having a good laugh together? You can get some good deals on local shows or grab a free seat for an online streamed comedy show.

10. Plan a Surprise Trip

Spending quality time together doesn’t have to be expensive. Plan a surprise trip, type up an itinerary, and spoil them for the day. Take in some free attractions in your hometown, maybe wander around the museums, grab a bite to eat and just enjoy each other’s company.

11. Make Breakfast in Bed

Step away from the cereal. Think more along the lines of creating a hotel experience at home. Get them to fill out a breakfast/room service hanger the night before. Let them choose from things like pastries, yoghurt, and cooked options. Hungry yet? Add those cute little jam (jelly) jars and some fresh bread. Present it on a nice tray with some fresh juice and coffee. Or pop a selection of teas next to a pretty teapot.

12. Give Flowers

I adore flowers. And if you do too you may have already thought about this. But you may be thinking, “There’s nothing creative about flowers”. Wrong! There are so many creative ways to say I love you with flowers without presenting a fresh bunch (though, that’s always lovely too). Think along the lines of paper flowers, paper mâché flowers and even Lego flowers! I know! Lego flowers!! I received Lego flowers as a gift last year and I am so in love with them.

13. Gift a Plant

Plants last longer than flowers plus they come in all shapes and sizes. You could get a tiny one and write a lovely little note that goes alongside it. Name the cactus and it will be even cuter. Yeah, I’m that person. I gave a cactus (called Spike, obviously) to my partner for one past Valentine’s Day and added a sweet poem. Poor spike only lasted a year though. RIP Spike! If you also know a plant killer, make a mini clay plant instead and that will last even longer!

14. The Language of Love

I love you. So simple to say but very romantic to see and hear in different languages. Did you know that I love you in Tagalog is mahal kita? Make them a card or poster with the words written in different languages. Or give them an envelope with a note or postcard for each language.

15. Bake a cake or cookies

Who doesn’t love homemade cake and cookies? Seriously. You can make the cookies heart-shaped for the cute factor. Add red or pink icing or write a little message. Red velvet cupcakes would be quite striking and bang on theme! Pop them in a nice box or tin.

16. Create a Spa Day

Start by offering them a bath menu. Yes, it’s a thing! Whether that’s a selection of bath bombs or making a personalised bath oil, this is a real treat. Essential oils like orange, ylang ylang and lavender make a lovely balanced combination that smells heavenly. Add them to a base oil like almond, avocado or coconut. Run the bath for them. If you don’t have a bath, you could get a bowl for a luxury foot soak. Next, you could offer a back or foot rub. Peppermint tea and relaxing music will make the whole experience feel like a spa. Combine this with the breakfast-in-bed option above and you will have one pampered person!

17. Arrange a Picnic

Prepare their favourite foods in a hamper. Sandwiches, homemade cakes, and finger foods are perfect for a romantic picnic. Grab a couple of glasses, a bottle of bubbly (or a non-alcoholic alternative), and a cosy blanket. You could chat about your future plans, read poetry to each other, or just watch the world go by. Perhaps hire a bike and make the day into a little adventure.

18. Plan a Treasure Hunt

Make your house into a treasure trove! Hide little clues that each lead to the next one in different rooms. Or take it outside and hide the goodies in the garden. In the last one, you could write them a note about how much you love them, add a poem, or even a gift, like some tickets to a show.

19. A Special Book

Give them their most loved childhood book or the book that changed their adult life. Write a message in it (if it’s not a first edition or valuable!) or you could write a message on a bookmark and pop it inside. Books are wonderfully personal and if you know what book they hold dear it will be something they treasure. Remember the Velveteen Rabbit that Chandler bought Kathy in Friends?

20. Plan a Movie Night

Let them choose any movie they want to watch. Make fresh popcorn and add some snacks. You could even make a whole day of it. Shut the blinds and get ready for a movie marathon. Do a movie quiz and order a takeaway. Or just cuddle on the couch in your PJs. Now that’s love!

21. Recreate The Day You Met

Have yourself a bit of a rendezvous. Try and recreate the day you met. Do it on the actual day you met (can you remember?!) and that would be even more romantic. Go back to the location, sit in the same place, and take photos to compare the before and after.

22. Do a Chore

You get them. You know what they like and what they don’t like. Maybe even what they really hate! Do this thing. If it’s a chore, offer to do it for an extended period for extra points. No washing up or loading the dishwasher for 2 weeks? Excellent!

23. Pack Your Bags

Whisk them away to a hotel for a night or two. Depending on if they love surprises, you could have their bag packed for them. Pick them up from work and take them straight on an adventure. Or tell them in advance so they can look forward to it. Add on room service for the added luxury.

24. Give Chocolate

Pop their favourite chocolate bar into their bag for a nice surprise when they get to work. Or get them their favourite bag of sweets to enjoy when they get home. You could add a little note if you want or let the sweet treat speak for itself.

25. Create a Playlist

If music is your/their love language you could create a playlist of their top tunes. If the songs hold fond memories for you, write a note about each one.

SHOP Yellow Cassette Gift Card Holder

26. Send a Postcard

If you’re on a trip together find a moment to sneak away and buy them a postcard. Write them a cute note about much you love them and enjoy spending time together. Mail it to their address. When they get back it will be such a wonderful surprise. Can you imagine receiving several postcards from lots of different places after a month’s trip? Very romantic.

In conclusion, there are so many creative ways to say I love you to your favourite person. Whether it’s a gift you make or an experience you take them on they will appreciate the effort that you have made to make them feel special. And don’t worry about working with a small budget either. You can express your love by being thoughtful and showing that you really ‘see’ them. Consider their personality, hobbies, and love language and you will be able to say ‘I love you’ in a way that they will really understand.