Check your calendars. Yup, THAT day is coming. Valentine’s Day.

V-Day is one of the biggest trap holidays of the year for couples as far as I’m concerned. Think about it – we have just completed the holiday season, complete with gifts, celebrations and even resolutions for the New Year. And, since the spring and summer are the two most popular seasons for weddings, the big anniversary celebrations are coming down the pike.

But, there Valentine’s Day sits, smack in the middle of winter for us in the northern hemisphere. The holiday bills are due, the snow and ice are out in force this year and good luck trying to make reservations for a fancy dinner at a restaurant. Faggetaboutit!

Add to the mix that my wife – as with many other spouses – has told me not to make a big deal out of the day. Hmmm, I’ve heard her say that before – only to find out that what it really means is to not make it look like it was a big deal…

Fortunately, we as woodworkers have an easy way out of this trap holiday – and it involves our favorite pastime of all – woodworking.

“Yeah, this is always a tough time of the year for us,” said Tim Walter of Eagle America. “That’s why we have a few ideas that can get you some shop time AND win some big points with your better half.”

The first idea he shared with me was an appropriately-themed adaptation of Eagle’s wildly-popular tray routing system. “We have templates in the classic Valentine’s heart shape so you can show your significant other just how deep your love is. Heck, if you really want to get fancy, we even offer the double heart template so you can demonstrate just how both of your hearts are intertwined.” (I had no idea Tim was so poetic, but DANG, that would make a great line to put in the valentine card you send your sweetie, no?)

By using the template and special bowl-routing bit, you can easily make a serving tray out of one species or a glue up of several. Just don’t forget to include some nice chocolates with the gift…

If serving trays don’t make your heart go pitter-patter, there are other options to choose from as well. “A special keepsake box is a meaningful gift to give – especially to that special someone in your life.” The beauty about keepsake boxes is that they require such a small investment in wood, but allow you to be as creative as you would like to be. “Material selection, joinery choices for the sides, foot design, interior linings – the options are nearly endless. Imagine using wood harvested from where you first met or spent your honeymoon incorporated into the project. That would be a piece with special memories and show just how unique your relationship is.” (Tim should get a job with Hallmark! He’s that good!)

And, if you want that box to do more than just hold stuff, why not consider installing a musical movement? The choices sound like the playlist for a new couple at a wedding reception – Unchained Melody, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Close to You… Heck, maybe one day they’ll offer a few selections from Barry White to make their collection complete!

While it may be a trap holiday, it’s best to play Cupid – not stupid – when it comes to getting ready for Valentine’s Day.