It is that time of year when thoughts and actions wander to expressing feelings for those special to us. Traditionally, chocolates and flowers come to mind as the favorite gifts. What if you want something different? Where do you turn to in our county?

If your loved one is of the adventurous nature, there are a few options. Try giving a gift certificate for a “Discovery Flight” through Peninsula Air Group located at Bremerton Airport. The gift certificate is individualized depending on the flight time and location. Does a scenic flight to Port Townsend with dinner at a local historic restaurant sound appealing? Or, how about a beautiful flight down to Hoquiam capped off with a walk along the beach? Depending on airplane availability, these are but a couple of options available. Contact Phil File at (360) 674-7099 for more information.

Another adventurous gift could involve paragliding at Tiger Mountain, Mt. St. Helens, or other scenic sites throughout Puget Sound. Depending on the weather conditions, jaunts run from 20 minutes to an hour. Similar to hang gliding, paragliding gives one the sense of flying similar to that of a bird. With six years of experience, pilot Geoff Pentz offers gift certificates whereby others can enjoy tandem flights with him. Paragliding adventures are through Puget Sound Paragliding Center at (360) 507-3043. Contact Geoff for info.

For those desiring water adventures, look no further than scuba diving. Gift certificates can be purchased for what is known as “scuba experience” or full scuba lessons. The “experience” consists of three hours instruction in a pool whereby the scuba diving atmosphere is encountered. Suits, gear, and instruction are included. If full lessons are desired, they consist of 2-3 weeks with 6 lessons. Or, diving instruction is also taught. Contact Geoff Pentz at the Sound Dive Center in Bremerton at (360) 373-6141.

For those desiring outdoor land adventures, there are a number of sporting goods stores such as Kitsap Sports in Silverdale offering gift certificates for gear related to various sports. Or, purchase a book on a topic area your loved one enjoys. A ticket to a favorite sporting event, or season tickets, is another option.

Ok, so you are searching for a more risk-free gift. How about a weekend at a local bed and breakfast for you and yours? There are many wonderful establishments located in our County which offer a respite from daily stresses, with three being featured here.

One is located on 25 acres in Poulsbo, known as Manor Farm Inn. This century old farmhouse is surrounded by white fences and has a wide variety of farm animals such as horses, donkeys, sheep, pygmy goats and ducks - amongst others. There also is a wonderfully beautiful and fragrant herb garden. Of interest to those enjoying fly-fishing is the trout pond located onsite. Gift certificates are available in two varieties: one being for a definite amount and the other for an open amount. Full breakfasts are included, with each guest room having private baths. There is a drawing room whereby the fireplace provides a relaxing ambience. The addition of home-baked cookies, sherry, and tea completes the picture (along with your loved one, of course.) Contact Innkeeper Janet Plemmons at (360) 779-4628 for more information.

The Agate Pass Waterfront Bed and Breakfast offers three rooms that feature glorious sunsets and spectacular views of Puget Sound and Agate Pass. Located between Bainbridge Island and Poulsbo, this romantic getaway is situated right behind the Clearwater Casino on Highway 305, at the Agate Pass Bridge. You would never know this quaint little spot is even here. Once the Agate Pass Nursery, with its unique gardens, the grounds are full of flowers and other native vegetation. With the beach just steps away you can enjoy the fresh sea air and relaxing beach walks and watch the parade of boats go by as they traverse between the Sound the inland waters. Obviously, nightlife that includes restaurants, live entertainment and gaming are all within walking distance at the Casino, but you can’t see or hear anything from the Agate Pass. Gourmet breakfasts are included and gift certificates are available. Contact innkeepers Mike and Penny McLaughlin at (800) 869-1632 or visit www.agatepass.com.

The other featured Bed and Breakfast is located between Bremerton and Silverdale at Illahee Manor. Located on six acres along Port Orchard Bay, this wonderment has llamas and deer which are available for feeding, if desired. Gift certificates are available for a romantic getaway and can be purchased for specific rooms. Three course gourmet breakfasts are included and are sure to provide for a memorable experience. Contact Innkeepers Cheri and Denny Parks at (360) 698-7555 or (800) 693-6680. Visit them also online at: http://www.illaheemanor.com.

For another experience sure to totally pamper, consider giving a gift certificate to a local day spa. Here one can escape into an oasis where rejuvenation and catering to are of prime concern. There are so many wonderful day spas in our area. We will mention but two here. As an example, at Pzazz Salon and Day Spa in Silverdale one can experience over 70 services ranging from make-overs and color analysis to massages, body treatments, and skin care — with almost everything in between. Upon purchasing a gift certificate, one is given a brochure listing all the products and services available. With the purchase of three or more services, the pampered guest can enjoy a catered lunch. Contact Lisa Hays, owner, at (360) 692-8487 for more information.

Located in Port Orchard is the Touch of Health where special sweetheart packages are put together to help pamper your loved one. Purchase gift certificates for either a package or specific service. A popular package now includes a body wrap, facial, and massage involving 4-1/2 hours of treatments/services. Contact Celia Bentzinger, owner, for more information.

Signing up your loved ones for self-enriching classes is also a great gift idea. As is a homemade gift certificate offering a day or week of babysitting, preparing their favorite meal, cooking, cleaning, etc.- anything to give your loved one a solace from everyday chores would be welcome. How about a simple day together either walking along the beach or hiking in one of our many local parks?

As can be seen, there is a vast array of ways to show your loved one you care — for any budget. Perhaps the best way is to simply and sincerely express your appreciation and gratefulness for all they bring to your life.

(Editor’s Note: Marie Buckner is a freelance writer. Contact her at (360) 613-1085.)