Top 10 Valentine’s Day Gifts to Keep your Sweetie Safe

What can be better than giving that special someone a Valentine’s Day gift that will keep them safe and secure to show that you care? Chocolates, flowers, and fuzzy handcuffs are great, but this year it is time to up the ante. These gifts will not only keep your loved ones safe, but will also spice up your Valentine’s Day! Check out the list and count all the way to the #1 gift that will keep your sweetie safe!

10. Reflective Running Vest

We all know that jogging at night can be dangerous, but a reflective running vest is a great way to stay safe so that cars can see you on the road. Also, remember to run against traffic, jog with a friend or loved one, keep hydrated, and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t forget, that reflective running vest that keeps your partner safe on the roads can also double as sexy lingerie for a late night rendezvous in the bedroom.

9. Smoke Alarm Check

If you’ve broken out the candles for the romantic ambiance, you better have tested out the batteries in your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. While testing this vital equipment should be done regularly, why not remember to do it on Valentine’s Day as well; there is nothing more important that keeping your loved one safe. (If you only plan to do this one thing for your sweetie — we recommend you had better throw in some chocolate and flowers too!)

8. Pepper Spray

Pepper spray makes a great last minute gift and some brands are even small enough that you can carry them on your keychain. While pepper spray is good to have when you are walking alone, you should always be aware of your surroundings and try to avoid areas without streetlights. Quick reminder from TSA- if you’re planning on flying out for a romantic island getaway, remember to stash that pepper spray in your checked luggage or leave it at home, because it is not allowed in the aircraft cabin. Neither is that bottle of wine, for that matter… but the fuzzy handcuffs should be OK.

7. Health and GPS Tracker

Wearable technology is sure to make it on every Valentine’s Day list, but it really is a great gift. There are so many options to choose from and you need to explore what may be best for you and your partner. While you may be surprised to see this on a list for keeping your sweetie safe, the number one threat to people is actually their own health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America and a little bit of exercise can go a long way in preventing not only heart disease, but also diabetes and other health problems. A nice side benefit of having a wearable health tracker is that they are usually equipped with GPS, which means you could more easily locate your loved one in the event of an emergency.

6. Security Camera and Alarm System

No one likes to be home alone and a great way to be more protected is with a new security camera and alarm system. Systems used to be prohibitively expensive, but they have come down in price and there are several do it yourself models ready for easy install. Even if you have an old system, it may be time for an update. The newer digital cameras can automatically activate based on motion and provide high quality video and images. One of my preferred systems links directly to your cell phone so you can monitor who may be at your front door even when you’re away from the house. Your significant other will appreciate the safety and security of protecting your home.

5. Homemade Emergency Kit

FEMA recommends that you should have an emergency kit with food, water, and other supplies that will last for at least 72 hours. While it is important to have an emergency kit in your home, you should also make sure to have customized kits available at work and in your car. There is nothing worse that leaving your sweetie stranded in a parking lot without a set of jumper cables.

While you could buy a ready-made kit, I recommend making a customized version specific to your needs. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, you can also use those emergency candles for a romantic evening — and don’t forget to keep extra birth control in your kit too!

4. Build a Safe Room

While a security and alarm system will help keep your house safe from robbers and even alert the fire department to smoke in your home, a safe room is the ultimate way to keep safe! While movies have depicted a safe room as a place to hide away when the bad guys get into your house, more realistically it should be used for staying safe in the event of a tornado or other weather related event. FEMA provides guidance on what you need based on threats in your area. Your safe room doesn’t have to be dull and boring — it may be the perfect place to surprise your partner with a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway within your own home!

Check out www.ready.gov for tips on building a safe room and emergency kit.

3. Health and Ancestry Testing

This season, 23andMe and Ancestry.com’s DNA tests are all the craze. What better way to connect with your loved one than on a molecular level? The tests are a fun way to explore your genetic makeup and links to the past, but they can also reveal if you may be a carrier of certain hereditary diseases. Please remember though that these mail-in DNA tests are no replacement for a good old-fashioned physical at the doctor’s office. Remember, your sweetie’s safety should start with keeping healthy!

2. Self-Defense Classes

You can either gift self-defense classes to your loved one or sign-up for classes together! These make a great activity to do together with lasting benefits. Your loved one will be safer with even some basic self-defense training and it makes for great exercise. While we have already taken a look at the importance of physical health, mental health is equally, if not more important! Self-defense classes have been shown to promote confidence and reduce stress.

And the #1 Valentine’s Day gift to keep your sweetie safe…

Puppy!

A puppy grows up to be a great home protector! Who could say no to receiving a puppy on Valentine’s Day? A dog is one of the best ways to protect your home and may even reduce the cost of your homeowners insurance. While owning a dog can be challenging, the unconditional love a dog can give has proven to promote better mental health in both children and adults. Regular dog walks are also a great way to increase physical activity. Please remember that owning a dog is a lot of responsibility and you should discuss this with your partner before showing up at the house with a new pet. Also, show a little extra love this Valentine’s Day and bring your partner to the shelter so you can adopt a dog together.