Few Romantic Things You Can Do For Your Boyfriend

The theory goes that men aren't supposed to like romance. But more and more of them are coming out of their shell to admit that, yes, they want to be wooed from time to time, too. It doesn't have to be big — it just needs to be personal. "The type and nature of the gesture is more important than the size," says Jess Carbino, a sociologist for Tinder. "If it's somehow related to something that they value, that's more impactful."
These 10 things will certainly make him look at you with cheesy heart-eyes — and then maybe consider these strategies to pretty much guarantee you'll get laid tonight.

1. Stage a Birthday Surprise: Hide His Gift

Surprise your boyfriend by hiding his gift somewhere he's sure to find it—like the refrigerator.

This one may not seem so original, but it worked! Hide his birthday gift under his bed or pillow or anywhere you know he will find out the next morning. Of course, you must hide it the day before his birthday.

2. Record an Original CD or Tape

Write him a song and put it on a playlist, CD, or mix tape to show him, "I 3 You."

If you are a musician, you may want to make him a song. Sneak it onto a playlist he always listens to or create a whole new playlist. Or if you are old-fashioned like me, make a CD or a mix-tape. I've literally stuck a microphone inside my piano to record a few songs on a tape recorder, and he says that is still the best gift he remembers. If you can't play an instrument, record a poem or a letter simply letting him know how much he means to you. You can leave it in his car for a surprise!

3. Arrange for a Gift—for His Mother

Buy a gift for your boyfriend to give to his mother—her happy phone call will make his heart melt.

This one is very original. Thought it may seem odd at first, it is extremely memorable, and by making his mother melt, you will see how happy he become in return. On his birthday, buy a present for him to send as a gift to his mother. Letting her know how much he loves her on his birthday is a gesture that will warm the hearts of everyone involved.

4. If You're Long Distance, Deliver a Surprise Care Package—Yourself!

If you're in a long-distance relationship, one of the best gifts is a surprise visit.

When we were in a long-distance relationship, I flew over on a 32-hour journey in order to surprise him for his birthday. If you plan ahead, this is probably one of the best things you could do—literally delivering yourself at an important time. We all know how hard a long-distance relationship can be, and that makes a surprise in-person visit even more meaningful!

5. Plan an Adult Hooky Day

Plan an Adult Hooky Day—still an original date idea, even if Bueller beat you to it.

Think Ferris Beuller's Day Off. Plan a random day to both take off "sick" from work. Then make a mental list of things you can do that day, such as museums, movies, walks through the city, and restaurants you've always wanted to try (especially ones that have strange hours or that are difficult to make reservations at during normal times). Then with this arsenal of possibilities at hand, seize the day and follow it where it leads you!

6. Use Food

Use food to say, "I love you." You can get your regular pizza place to bake a pie in the shape of a heart. As they say, food is the door to the heart. Surprise him by baking cookies in the shapes of letters spelling, "You are the sweetest guy I've ever met" (this is easy to do with store-bought cookie dough), or by asking your regular pizza place to make a specialty pizza in the shape of a heart and adding a note saying, "Is this too cheesy?"

7. Flip the Script and Make Him Breakfast in Bed

Have him wake up to breakfast in bed–he'll never forget how thoughtful you were!

Guys making their girls breakfast in bed is notoriously romantic and thoughtful—but the same is true in reverse. He will definitely remember the day where he woke up to eggs, coffee, hash browns, and fruit. The time that he usually spends in his daily routine preparing breakfast will be able to be spent instead on leisurely enjoying breakfast together. If you are feeling especially romantic, prepare strawberries and champagne as well—there's nothing like starting the day off with some bubbly.

8. Creative yardwork

Write your love for all to see with some creative yardwork.
Creative yardwork can be the equivalent of shouting your love from the rooftops, only more thoughtful. If it is snows overnight, wake up before him to write "I Love You" outside of the window with your footsteps or with a shovel. If you have a lawn, you can mow the same message in the grass facing the house. The surprise on his face will be worth it!

9. A Thoughtful Gift That Costs Time, Not Money

Make him a thoughtful gift that you couldn't ever buy—like a framed screenshot of your first text messages.

The most romantic gifts cost time, not money. Think back over your time together and write a poem about the time you first met. Instead of writing an "I love you" letter, make an "I love you" video filled with your favourite inside jokes and places you've visited together. Think of that thing he lingered over when you were window shopping, and go back to that store and get it for him as a surprise. The thought and time involved will make the gift one-of-a-kind.

10. Make Plans to Step Outside Your Boundaries

Create the setting for your romantic night by getting a fancy hotel and arranging for rose petals and champagne.
For me, stepping outside of my boundaries was taking my boyfriend to a motel three hours away from the city, whipping out the alcohol, and proceeding to have one of the most memorable nights of my life. Of course, he remembers this night too, as I stepped out of my box to please him and be a bit naughty.

Admittedly, getting wasted is not the most romantic or healthy piece of advice to end on. But for a special day, such as a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, pick a weekend to get away from the city and do something that you do not usually do. Maybe it will involve backpacking in the wilderness or bungee jumping, maybe it will involve parades at Mardi Gras or a clothing-optional beach. Stepping outside of your boundaries together will create a lasting memory, and bring you closer.