Photo: Linds / Flickr

A special surprise can show your loved one just how much you love and care about them. Surprising someone is not only about making them happy but you will find that a great surprise also leaves you feeling better about yourself. The easiest way to surprise your special someone is by giving them a gift but read on to find out some other cute, easy, cheap and fun ways to spoil your family and friends.

Love notes

Little notes of appreciation can go a long way and cost next to nothing. The trick to surprising a loved one with a romantic note is in where you hide them. Try and go for the less obvious places like stuck inside a laptop, in a toolbox or under the sun visor in their car. Not only will you have fun hiding your notes but your loved one will also enjoy finding them.

A money tree

A money tree is a really cute and fun way to surprise a loved one and with this gift, money really does grow on trees. If it is their birthday or Christmas get friends and family to pool together and tie gift certificates to each branch of a small potted tree. If you don’t want to spend all that money, simply make your own vouchers like a backrub, a weekend off of housework or the full control of the TV remote for a day.

A night in

A nice way to surprise your special someone after a hard day’s work is with a well-thought out night in. Stock up one your loved one’s favourite drink, cook them (or order) their favourite food and rent some great DVDs (their favourites, not yours) or play some board games.

The trick to surprising a loved one is in knowing them well: listen to what they want and think about how you can make them happy. The more you cater your surprise to their needs the happier they’ll be!

Tags: gift ideas, gifts