Valentine's Day Gift Buyers' Guides
Whilst many of us enjoy the idea of celebrating a romantic Valentine's Day with our sweetheart, the thought of picking out the right present can fill our hearts with terror, rather than love. Valentine's Day is the one day of the year when we're expected to be extra romantic and thoughtful, and the pressure of having to choose a gift that expresses how we feel about our significant other, and how much they mean to us, can cause some people to crack, and simply grab the nearest bunch of flowers they can see.
However, it's important to take a deep breath and relax, and simply have fun picking out something for your beloved. Have a think about the things they like the most, what they enjoy doing, or the common interests you have as a couple; a well-thought out gift will show that you've made a lot of effort for them, and mean much more to them in the long run.
Bearing this in mind, here are some quick tips for choosing your partner's Valentine gift:
- Avoid simply picking the first thing the comes into your mind just to get it all over with; your loved one will notice if you haven't much thought into it.
- You don't need to go overboard if you've just started going out, but this doesn't mean you can't be thoughtful or creative either. Something classic like a romantic meal out and some choccies sends the message that you care, without being too over the top.
- No matter what YOU feel about Valentine's Day, make sure that you know how your loved one feels about it before you ignore the holiday completely, or go nuts and shower them with gifts which may make them feel uncomfortable.
- Choosing something that has a real meaning to your sweetie, or perhaps something personalised, can be the most romantic gift of all.
- Don't assume that you have to break the bank in order to have a successful Valentine's Day; something simple, like a romantic candle lit dinner at home or breakfast in bed can show your loved one how much you appreciate them.
Classic Gifts for Valentine's Day
The following romantic gifts make a classic Valentine's day present, and they're always appreciated. If you are going the classic route, try to make sure you choose you're loved one's favourite chocolates, flowers or fragrance (or something new that you'll know they'll love) as this will make the gift extra special.
Chocolate
Whether you buy a small box of exquisite handmade Belgian truffles or the largest, flashiest box of milk chocs you can find, chocolates are the perfect Valentine's gift. Make sure you know the style of chocolate they like, as there's no point buying them bitter dark chocolates if they really only like sweet milk chocolate.
Flowers
Although roses are the traditional valentine's gift, don't feel as though you have to stay on this track; why not present them with a gathering of wildflowers or a bunch of tulips? Putting a little variation and thought into your gift will mean that it's sure to please. Check out the Valentine's Day Flower Guide for more advice.
Champagne
Champagne is the most romantic of drinks; it comes in a whole range of styles and can be paired with just about anything. Have it with dinner, dessert, or simply on its own.
Fragrance
Perfume or aftershave has always been a popular gift for Valentine's Day; choose something that they already love, or that they've been wanting to try. It's the sort of thing that we very rarely buy for ourselves, and they'll think of you every time they put it on.
Jewellery
If you decide to go for jewellery on Valentine's Day then you'll find you have a wide range of items to choose from - for both him and her. Watches, earrings, cufflinks, rings, necklaces, bracelets and bangles - all in a variety of different materials, from silver and gold, to titanium and platinum.
Lingerie and Underwear
If you want to set you and your partner's pulse racing this Valentine's Day, then why not pick out some sexy underwear? A cheeky babydoll set perhaps, or a vampish basque? And don't forget that sexy underwear isn't just limited to the ladies - you'll find there's plenty out there for the chaps too, from thongs and strings, to boxers and briefs.
Other Gift Ideas
Although flowers, chocolates, perfume and underwear might be the classic gifts to give on Valentine's Day, there's no reason that you can't think out of the box and go for something a little different. Why not treat them to an impromptu weekend trip to Paris, a sunset balloon trip across the countryside, or a relaxing day at the spa? Here are a few more ideas for an original and fun Valentine's Day...
Framed Photograph
Pick out a photo that holds special memories for the two of you and choose a great frame to put it in. Maybe a picture from a favourite holiday, or a photograph of when you first met, got engaged or when you got married.
Poetry
If you're feeling ambitious, why not write a love poem to your Valentine, and you could perhaps even frame it. If you don't think your literary talents stretch to poetry writing, you could simply pick out a book of romantic poems or sonnets, and read them to your loved one.
Love Coupons
No, we're not talking about money-off vouchers for the local supermarket, but coupons that will entitled your loved one to certain 'benefits' whenever they present the voucher. This can be whatever you want - a free back rub, a massage, a romantic film of their choice, or perhaps something a bit more naughty...
