Special Things to Do for Your Girlfriend

Jazz or World Music Concert

If your girlfriend has eclectic taste in music, take her to an upcoming concert that features jazz artists or musicians from other countries. For example, if she enjoys Brazilian artist Gilberto Gil and he's holding a concert in your city soon, purchase tickets a few weeks before the concert. Give her a gift bag filled with this artist's most well-known CDs and a book about Brazilian popular music.

Another idea is to shop for clothes with her. If your girlfriend has suggested that you update your wardrobe, visit stores in the mall with her and try on some outfits. Ask your girlfriend for her opinion if you don't have a strong fashion sense and get some pointers on how to build your wardrobe. While your girlfriend is in the women's clothing stores, you can check out nearby electronics stores or record stores so the outing entertains both of you.

If you don't have the budget to take your girlfriend out to eat somewhere special, plan a romantic backyard lunch together. Choose recipes that you know your girlfriend will like but that are also affordable and easy to prepare. Decorate your backyard table with a colorful linen tablecloth, a vase of your girlfriend's favorite flowers and festive plates and utensils. During the lunch, present her with a poem or letter you wrote in advance.

If your girlfriend loves wine or chocolate, purchase tickets for a local tasting that's coming up. A few hours before the tasting, prepare a small dinner with dishes that feature wine as the main ingredient along with a salad and crusted bread. In addition to the tickets, give your girlfriend a gift basket filled with her favorite wines or chocolates and a personalized greeting card.