If you are looking for a special way to surprise a loved one over the festive period then here are a few suggestions to get you started. Some are extravagant, others will cost you almost nothing at all, so don’t let the credit crunch stop you from spoiling the one you love this Christmas.

One fabulous winter surprise would be to whisk your beloved away on a fun-packed ski trip. Not only is skiing a fantastic way to forget all about the stresses and strains of the office, the dramatic change of scenery is also highly restorative, and over the winter season, it’s a topical treat for any recipient. Check out companies likes Alpine Elements for their offers on ski weekends, which should save you the trouble of booking everything yourself. Any adventurous, fun-loving recipient would be delighted with such a surprise.

When it comes to culture vultures, however, why not think about picking up tickets for a breathtaking Christmas show? For any dance enthusiast, there could be no better way to get into the Christmas spirit that sitting down to a spectacular performance of The Nutcracker at Covent Garden. It will certainly make a change from the local Christmas pantomime.

For a touching surprise that doesn’t have to cost the earth, you could try and use your culinary skills to make your partner feel special. Why not prepare their favourite meal, served by candlelight, accompanied by their preferred tipple and followed by their all time favourite film? It might be traditional, but it’s always a winner.

A fun way to get into a festive frame of mind might be to have an indoor winter picnic. Make up a hamper filled with all their favourite treats, from those chocolates they love the most to their favourite kinds of tea, coffee and wine. If you are working on a budget then you could try to make some of these yourself. Cakes are relatively simple, and if you’d like to try your hand at home-made chocolates then Florentines are nice and easy for beginners.

Making a spontaneous gesture of affection in the form of a festive surprise is sure to bring a smile to the face of the one you love, beating away any winter blues at least for a while.