Valentine's Day Gifts

Tips for Choosing the Right Valentine's Day Gift

When you are in a relationship, a Valentine's Day gift serves as a barometer of your closeness, especially if you are in dating status. There is a fine line to walk between giving a gift that does not match the level of affection in the relationship and getting it just right. This goes for both men and women. If you're unsure what to give this year, consider the following advice when it comes to deciding how to handle Valentine's Day gift giving.

Learn What He or She Likes

Make sure you know your paramour's favorite hobbies and likes. If you know this, it is much easier to find a gift that that warms the heart. If he's a big sports fan, apparel, sporting event tickets and team-related knickknacks will bring a smile to his face. If she likes to take long baths, a gift set of bath beads and bath soaps make for a luxurious gift. Instead of buying a premade gift basket, find out some of your sweetie's favorite things and put them in a nice gift box. Sweets, movie tickets, makeup (as long as you know what she uses) and trial-size perfumes are considerations for such a box.

Tried-and-True Works for a Reason

Valentine's Day staples like a card, candy and flowers seem like they are standard options, but these remain favorites every time the holiday rolls around. A Valentine's Day card, especially one that contains a personal note and expressions of love and affection, show the recipient that you care, and care enough to put your feelings into your own words. If you have trouble expressing yourself, there are many ways to research examples of what to put on a card and make that statement your own.

A box of candy is a nice touch, but be sure it is the right one. For example, if the person you are giving the candy to has an allergy, say to nuts, then certain candies would not work. Know what your true love likes and buy that specific candy. Maybe your heartthrob really likes truffles or butter toffee, so giving a box of favorite candy shows you put a little extra thought into the purchase. The same goes for flowers. Roses and carnations are staples of Valentine's Day giving, but maybe your lovebird would like a lilac or an annual that can be planted, and you'll be thought of your every time it blooms.

Expensive is Nice But Risky as Well

Jewelry makes for a nice Valentine's Day gift, but you don't want to go overboard on the price. While an inexpensive pair of earrings may not send the message you want, an expensive diamond ring or gold bracelet might have the opposite effect. Choose a nice watch for him or a necklace for her, or consider his and her key chains or bracelets. You'll know just what will go over best when you consider what stage your relationship is in, or where you both are ready for it to go.

Practical Gifts Can Send the Wrong Message on Lover's Day

Another thing you don't want to do is give your loved one something practical on Valentine's Day. For birthdays and Christmas, Hanukkah or Eid, practical gifts are fine and even expected. However, Valentine's Day gifts should be playful and personal. There is nothing romantic about giving someone a toaster or hair dryer - unless of course that sends your intended into a swoon of gratitude for your thoughtfulness for getting the gift he or she has been wanting for awhile. Otherwise, keep it light and fun and something that pulls on the heartstrings.

The Homemade Touch

If money is tight, that doesn t mean that you can't give someone a special Valentine's Day. Instead of taking your sweetheart out for an expensive meal, buy a few items to make something you both love and eat at home by candlelight. If you have crafting skills, making something with you own hands is always a thoughtful gift. Even something as simple as writing a poem can be more meaningful than any gift you could purchase.