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Gifts to improve your relationship - That's a pretty tall order. But I really enjoyed putting this list together. There's a great variety of items for all price ranges. And definitely some things you might not of thought of.
First off, how are your sheets? Yes, your sheets on your bed. Your bed is really, really important. You do at least two really important things in your bed: sleep and have sex. A good bed and good pillows are most key, but I can't pick those out for you. What I can suggest is new sheets. An investment in quality sheets will make a notable difference in your life. File that under maybe crazy, but true. Great sheets feel good every single time you're in your bed. Great sheets bring on the happy.
1. Luxury Sateen Extra Deep Sheet Sets by Wamsutta, 100% Cotton, 400 Thread Count, (Queen set is $149.99 / King set is $169.99 at Bed, Bath, and Beyond) are simply wonderful. Now, you may be thinking, "But, I just saw 600 Thread Count sheets at my local discount store!" The key words are: single ply thread count:
One method some sheet manufacturers use to increase the thread-count is to twist two thinner threads together and create a 2-ply thread. By using 2-ply thread the manufacturer can report a higher thread-count by counting each individual ply within the thread rather than the threads themselves. Therefore, what is essentially 300-thread-count sheets can be stated as 600-thread-count.
Sheets may sound like a boring purchase, but I assure you, I fully expect to get emails from people telling me this was a great suggestion. If you've never had expensive sheets, you can't imagine what you're missing. It's also a great gift to go in on together.
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OK, from that strongly worded suggestion, I've got two staples for you: candles and massage oil. You know, we do a lot with our eyes and ears in life, but particularly in relationships, smell and touch are really important. Next time you hug your (clean!) significant other, take a big inhale through your nose. I've always believed that a right match for you is someone who smells good to you. Not to mention the connecting power of that hug!
2. My favorite candles: Pacifica
I love the 5.5 ounce soy wax container candles for $11.95. They also have gift boxes of 3 4-ounce candles for $24.96. Romantic scents include Vietnamese Ylang Ylang and Nile Lily, but there's a variety of scents for every taste. Pacifica candles smell great and burn off completely like a good candle should.
(A candle aside: How do I get the wax out of my votive holders? Answer: Stop buying crappy candles.)
3. My favorite massage oil: Kama Sutra Aromatic Massage Oil
Not greasy, smells great. That's the key. Check out the Honey Dust while you're on their site, too. Bringing the yum to smell and touch.
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Speaking of getting physical, exercising together can't help but improve your relationship, even as it improves your health. You know what's great? Yoga. It increases flexibility and strength, and the nature of yoga is that it's challenging to different people in different ways. Plus, doing yoga in front of each other is bound to increase intimacy.
Now, yoga is one form of exercise I really think is better done at a place with an instructor. That said, you and yours may want to try it at home first, and I've got a name for you: Rodney Yee. Love. Him.
4. A.M. and P.M. Yoga for Beginners, $12.99 at Amazon, features two 20-minute practices and is a great way to add some yoga into your life. And I've not tried this second one, but Rodney Yee: Yoga Journal's Family Yoga sounds like a fun way to make it a family affair.
Another great physical activity to improve your relationship is dancing. Seriously, if everyone in the world regularly danced with their partner, there would be less divorce. There's something about the give and take, being in your partner's arms, and looking into your partner's eyes while you move together.
5. Dance lessons: Fred Astaire Dance Studios has a location search, and there's also Arthur Murray Dance Studios - although I couldn't find a site with a location search, so you'll have to Google. If you happen to be in the L.A. area, Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association can't be beat. They've got great, affordable group classes (6 class series is $70) where you can go as a single and rotate
