4 Valentine’s Day proposals that (mostly) avoid the clichés

Valentine’s Day may be a commercial holiday, but at the end of the day, many couples agree that it’s nice to take one day to celebrate your love.

Case in point? It’s also an extremely popular day for proposals.

While it’s tempting to go for a cheesy proposal option – the clichés are clichés for a reason, right? – it’s probably best to opt for a slightly more unique idea. The following are some good starting points, but you should tailor them for you and your partner.

Be Sweet

Using classic candy conversation hearts, make a trail of the edible endearments from your front door to the living room couch, kitchen table, or bedroom where a big paper candy heart with the words “Marry Me” awaits

Charm Her

Make her a charm bracelet filled with charms that represent wonderful memories and turning points in your relationship. Or, buy only hearts and inscribe each. The last one could be a miniature locket that opens to say, “Marry Me.”

Get a Lift

Hop a two-seater ski lift and propose as you sail over snow-capped trees and a winter wonderland as far as the eye can see. Plan the weekend with friends and have them ride in the seat in front of you so they can snap pictures along the way, or have them wait at the top with champagne to surprise your new fiance. Be sure to ride the lift down again if you imbibe some bubbly — or your knees are too wobbly with excitement!

Shower Them With Love

Buy a box of little Valentine cards like the ones you sheepishly handed around in third grade, and write one reason why you love your sweetie or a favorite shared memory on each one. Plant them everywhere — in a coat pocket, Palm Pilot case, in the refrigerator, behind the windshield wiper, and anywhere else you can think of. On the day itself, present the last and biggest card — and your proposal.