Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • February 10, 2010 (ARA) Throughout history, movies, and literature, romance and adventure have gone hand in hand. The gift of adventure might just be the right fit for a hard-to-buy-for sweetheart this Valentine’s Day. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend big bucks or send your loved ones to some exotic land to give them a memorable adventure gift. A little creativity and a modest investment of time and money can net an experience they will talk about for years to come. Here are a few ideas for adventure gifts that will thrill the recipient while keeping you within your budget: A hot air balloon ride. Few experiences blend adventure and excitement with the romance of a hot air balloon ride. The tranquility and silence found high above the treetops balances the thrill of being airborne and soaring. Not-so-deep sea diving. Scuba diving is an adventure sure to please virtually any nature lover. Diving schools in your area can be easily found with a quick Internet search. Certification opens up a world of adventure opportunities to gift recipients of all ages, who will be able to use their new-found skill in a variety of venues. For example, some local aquariums will allow certified divers to dive in the tanks and hand-feed fish. Check with your local aquarium to find out if they have a program. Fantasy in a league of its own. Whether it’s a professional tennis camp or a baseball camp sponsored by your community college, there are a host of ways to give a sports adventure to the fan on your list. A camp not only allows a gift recipient to improve his or her skills at a much-loved sport, professional camps also offer the opportunity to meet and interact with admired sports legends. A search will quickly reveal the sporting adventure of choice for the It’s not just a Valentine’s gift; it’s an adventure sports fan on your list. Let’s go on a safari. Most community zoos now offer behind-the-scenes adventures for zoo fans of all ages. Programs for children often include educational experiences and hands-on interaction with some of the zoo’s more For Your Valentine Don’t forget! Valentine’s Day is Sunday, February 14th. kid-friendly residents. Adult programs enhance a behindthe-scenes experience with such grown-up adventures as gourmet dinners, spa experiences, and even wine tastings. Check with your local zoo to find out what they offer. Dance lessons. From your local dance studio to TV shows like “Dancing with the Stars,” Americans’ love affair with dancing has taken on a new life. It’s possible to find reasonably priced lessons for virtually every style of dance from the classic waltz to salsa. Dancing is great exercise, so dance lessons can also help improve the recipient’s health. Turn the experience into a real adventure by signing up together and entering a competition once you have a few lessons under your belt. (ARA) Few gifts speak to the soul like literature. If you’re pondering what to give your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day, consider a gift that is the perfect balance between personalized and universal, fun and intelligent: a good book. Books are the perfect balance between personalized and universal, fun and intelligent. Your gift recipient doesn’t have to be a book lover to love the book you give, as long as you put some thought into selecting just the right tome. Kelly Petersen Wong, bibliophile, offers a few tips for finding just the right book: Go with what you know. “If you know the recipient likes a certain author, check to see if that writer has published under a pen name that your loved one might not be familiar How to pick the perfect book gift with,” Wong suggested. “Your gift recipient might enjoy a slightly different flavor of fiction from a favorite author.” Get the latest. Your recipient might already have a few works by a favorite author, but not the latest thing that writer has produced. “Many people wait for a new book to come out in paperback, so if you buy the newest hardcover edition you’ll probably be surprising them with something they want, but wouldn’t buy for themselves,” Wong said. Venture in a known genre. Your intended recipient does not have to be a book fan in order for you to find something he or she would like. Does he live for Monday Night Football? Check out a list of authors who write about the sport. Is she a home design fanatic? Find a mystery featuring an interior decorator. 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