Getting Valentine's Day gifts for her seems like it would be a snap. Pick up some flowers and chocolate, and you're all set. But not so fast. She'll appreciate flowers and chocolate, but what will really impress her is a gift that shows you put time and attention into it.
Where to Begin
Finding the perfect Valentine's Day gift takes some concentration. Listen to your partner, and pay attention to her hobbies and how she spends her free time. Focus on when she talks about what interests her, what she thinks about and what inspires her. Take notes, or make a list if necessary. Her tastes and personal style will emerge from the little things, and you'll impress her with a gift that makes her think you've read her mind.
Follow a Theme
Look over your notes or list to get Valentine's Day gift ideas. Are there small gifts that could be purchased and gathered into a basket that complement her favorite hobbies and interests? If she likes skiing, for example, some warm gloves and socks, cute earmuffs, a thermos and gourmet hot cocoa put together in a basket or tote bag could add up to Valentine's Day gift that shows you care about what matters to her. Mix up gifts that she'll find useful with more playful presents.
Events
You don't need to buy her objects, like jewelry or clothes. You could also plan an event that she'll love. Get tickets to a show that she'll enjoy. If she's an opera aficionado and you're not, set your own tastes aside just this once. You can also draw up an itinerary for your event by letting her know what will happen before and after.
The presentation is also key to showing your romantic side. Put the tickets into a handwritten card with some of the things you love about her written inside. Don't forget to add the reservation time and place. Regardless of what Valentine's Day gift you choose, the card should include romantic words, pictures or poetry chosen just for her.
Make Her Present
A Valentine's Day gift doesn't have to be expensive. You'll earn points with her if your gift shows some creativity. The artistically inclined can assemble a photo album that captures all your best memories. A twist on the photo album would be a scrapbook filled with mementos of your experiences together. She'll find the time you spent on the project romantic, and she may even brag about you to her friends.
A love coupon book can be easily put together as a thoughtful Valentine's Day gift for her. There are even templates available online to create them. You can print coupons for backrubs, foot rubs, hugs, her choice of a movie, you doing the dishes and other little gestures that indicate you know what she likes. Then she'll be able to cash in when she's in the mood for a romantic treat. You could also compile a mix of her favorite songs, or ones that you chose with her in mind. For an added romantic touch, list the reasons you chose each song in the insert.
When to Use Caution
Another reason to think before you buy gifts for Valentine's Day is that you might accidentally offend your partner if you don't know enough about her. If your partner mentions that she is on a diet or is generally careful about what she eats, think twice before buying a box of chocolates. A small box would be a treat, but a large box might put her in a tough position. A trip to a restaurant with a varied menu might be a better choice in this case, as she can choose what she likes.
Also know your partner's size before you buy her any clothes or lingerie. If at all possible, sneak in her closet and check the tags on her clothes for the size. Also note the brand or label of clothing because sizes vary by label. She won't be able to wear an article of clothing that's too small, and she might wonder how big you think she is if you get her something that's too large.
Creativity Comes First
The more creative, whimsical and thoughtful the gift, the better. Think outside of normal activities, or shake up a beloved tradition. Bring a bouquet of flowers, with one type of flower for each letter of her first name, or a flavor of candy starting with each letter in her name. The personal touch goes a long way.
 | While chocolates and flowers are traditionally the way to express affection, there are plenty of sweet ideas for Valentine's Day to send messages of love. With so many Valentine's gift ideas out there, you'll find that the perfect gift should be personal and from the heart. |
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 | It can be tricky choosing Valentine presents for men. Oftentimes, a woman's idea of a great romantic gift and a man's idea of a perfect romantic gift can be two different things. While the girls are all about the swoony stuff, the guys sometimes see things a bit differently. |
If you like scrapbooking and have a lot of buttons, why not combine the two with fun and easy memory collages to give to a loved one this Valentine's Day? |
Best Buy reported a $43 million gain in revenue in 2006 due to unused gift cards. This is just one example of why you should Save Your Money - Give Cash not Gift Cards. |
