Still looking for the perfect Valentine's Day gift?

Valentine's Day is almost here and it's got me thinking about the people I love.

Sure, it's got me dreaming about pretty flowers, sweet cards, and fancy chocolates. I'm worrying about dinner reservations and getting just the right gift for that special someone. I'm remembering the valentines who have come before fondly.

But, as I think about all the people I love, I wonder if I've done enough to show them how important they are to me. Do the people I care most about know what to do in an emergency? Are they ready if disaster strikes? Have I done all I can to make sure they'll be safe?

The best Valentine's Day gift I can think of for all the people in my life is preparedness. As you look for that perfect gift, consider the items on this list:

• Water (at least one gallon per person, per day.)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare food)
• Flashlight
• Battery powered or hand cranked radio (with extra batteries)
• First Aid Kit
• A 7-day supply of medications
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygene items
• Copies of personal documents (like the deed to your home, insurance policies and birth certificates)
• Cell phones with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Tools/ supplies for securing your home

You know, nothing says romance like a flashlight and a first aid kit!

Get your hearts pumping!

Only a few more days until Valentine’s Day; are you ready with the perfect gift? I bought mine last week (can’t tell you hear what it is of course… but I’m ready).

I love those little chocolates hearts as much as the next person, but I was noticing the other day that Valentine’s gifts are all basically unhealthy-fancy dinners, big heart-shaped boxes of chocolate etc. Have you ever thought about giving something a little more heart warming (with fewer calories)? I have a suggestion. Sure it’s a off the beaten path but what could be a bigger thrill than learning to save a life together?

Pet, infant or adult CPR classes are great gifts for loved ones. Taking a class together provides you with quality time and shows that you really care about your loved ones health and it’s an activity you can do with a family member, friend or romantic interest. If taking the class with a romantic partner you should know that we practice the mouth-to-mouth portion on manikins in the class so don't get any funny ideas (what you do on your own time is none of our business)..

Frugal Valentine’s should check out our discounted CPR Training Days program in March where we offer CPR classes for just $9.00-this happens just once a year. Sure you can’t take the class this month but you can register early and tuck your event confirmation into a mushy, gushy card (and maybe even include some dark chocolate, which is supposed to be healthy in moderation right?-yum) in celebration of the holiday.

What type of off-the-beaten-path Valentine’s Day gifts have you given or gotten?

Since Martha Carlos is already CPR certified she would like (somewhat healthy) dark chocolate for Valentine's Day. If she wasn't up to date on her lifesaving skills, she would take a class AND request chocolate.