Valentine’s Day is one of the most underrated holidays. Whether you’re lusting after someone, in a new relationship, committed, or married – you should definitely not ignore this day to recognize how you feel about someone special. If you do, you risk sending the wrong message to your love and unintentionally hurting their feelings. Before you go any further, there is one thing you should know: EVERYBODY wants a gift. Even if they say they don’t, or claim that the day is just an over-commercialized expression designed to spend money, and shake their heads in apparent disdain for gift-giving – they still want a gift. Never take a woman’s pretense of saying she doesn’t want a gift as real. She does. And let’s be honest, it’s also a great time to show that guy in your life just how much you care.
Shopping for Women on Valentine’s Day!
Women love to be thought of. Whether you’re shopping for a wife or significant other, you must know a little about her. What does she love to do? For instance, giving a muffin tin and cookbook on Valentine’s Day might not seem romantic, but to a woman dreaming of opening her own bakery, it shows that you’re paying attention. Think about the females in your life and make lists of what they love to do. Do they like to read? If so, choosing a hot book they’ve been dying to curl up with or purchasing an e-reader could be just perfect. Do they love to be pampered? How about a gift certificate for a day at the spa, a pedicure, or a manicure?
If you know your wife or girlfriend has been eyeing an expensive pair of jeans but can’t bring herself to spend that much on one pair of pants, splurge. This type of thoughtfulness will go a long way and earn you plenty of brownie points.
The perfect reason to give unconventional Valentine’s Day gifts is that it proves to a woman that you know her in that deep, loving way that others don’t. It also shows that you want to give her something because you truly care, not just because you feel obligated by the holiday’s commercial pressure.
If you aren’t sure about the hobby angle, look for personalized gifts. Order jewelry with her name or initials, her children’s names, or something that combines gift-giving with picture-taking. Another great idea, especially if you’ve been married for a long time, is to recreate an image from ‘back in the day.’ Take a wedding photo or another memorable shot the two of you shared and have it enlarged and framed. Not only will you tug at her heartstrings, but she’ll also feel certain that she married the right person.
There also isn’t a woman alive who wouldn’t appreciate something sexy. Even if lingerie isn’t ‘her thing,’ it feels great to receive it. It means that you still think she’s hot and desirable, and it’s something truly personal that the two of you can share. It also shows that you took a brave leap and shopped at Victoria’s Secret, despite how awkward you felt.
Gifts for Men
Shopping for a man? They really aren’t much different from women. They, too, want gifts, and they certainly don’t want a tie, some new underwear, or a pack of wife beaters to round out their wardrobe. Sorry, girls, but far too many men receive last-minute gifts they couldn’t care less about. Instead, wow him with something technological or perfect for the DIYer.
If your guy isn’t the outdoor type, consider personalized microbrews, Tabasco sauces, or other items he’ll love. Many men enjoy cooking, and February is a great time to kick off the grilling season with new tools to make his Valentine’s Day steak absolutely perfect!
Think about his interests. You’d be surprised how far parts for his motorcycle, guitar, or tractor could go in spreading the love. If the man in your life works at an office all day, give him something to break the monotony and remind him of the family at home that loves him. Framed pictures can add a nice touch to his office décor. The same goes for DVD collector packs or music he’s been dying to get. If he is a music lover, how about an iPod loaded with all his favorite songs? You can even make part of the gift the song selection you choose to load onto the device. That way, you can bring back memories of your times together marked by the lyrics of a song, and he’ll have great music to make his commute more enjoyable.
Another great gift idea is tickets to an event he’d love. Even if you aren’t a sports fan, don’t care about the races, or wouldn’t enjoy a day on the greens, the fact that you chose something personal for HIM is a great touch. If you go along, sans complaining, the day could really be romantic.
Remembering that Valentine’s Day Gifts Should Be Personal & Special
Much of the buzz surrounding Valentine’s Day lumps people together in one group, without realizing that the love you share is personal. It can’t be defined by a generic, mass-produced gift made for millions of desperate people who can’t think of something better. And Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to be expensive! In fact, there are millions of things you can give each other that aren’t symbolic of the holiday itself. In other words, a necklace doesn’t have to have a heart on it to qualify as a Valentine’s Day gift.
Think outside the box. Gift-giving isn’t about just having something wrapped with a bow. It’s about giving from your heart, effort, and time—above money. When you search for a gift for a man, woman, friend, or even a child, it should always reflect the state of your relationship and the way you feel about each other. This way, no one will be left with pie on their face on Valentine’s Day because they didn’t have the perfect gift (or no gift at all).
