Let me be your Valentines Day gift tour guide. With just one day to go, boys, don’t be the guy standing in CVS at midnight.
Figure it out now, spend the dough and surprise your sweetheart.
Here are some ideas for girls based off the length of the relationship.
Just hooking up?
Skip the cliché odd feelings of Halmark obligation and play it cool. This is not the time to force foreplay into something more serious – especially if it’s not. Give your hookup hottie a kiss, whether real or a chocolate. A playful manner makes Valentine’s Day into just another day of untied-down enjoyment.
New to dating?
A few weeks in and already the stomach-twisting first gift exchange is on the calendar. Loosen up and cheese it up. This no seriousness, puppy-love stage of the relationship is perfect for teddy bears, heart-shaped candy and all other commercialized gifts. Girls love the warm and fuzzy.
Also, old classics of mix tapes and ticket stubs or a straw wrapper from your first date do the trick.
It’s your first Valentine’s Day together – no sane girl expects a ring yet – so just show her what a gem you are with a sweetheart gift.
Few years in?
If her room overflows with stuffed animals and mementos, then it is time to find something new. Add spice with an adventure you two have been itching to do — hiking, camping, tickets to a show or concert. This is a time in your life with little real responsibilities and plenty of doable options.
And if you are still reaching, ask her what she wants. Even if there’s no surprise, the fact you made sure she got exactly what she wanted and made it happen for her will definitely make her happy.
Miles apart?
A gift that reminds your love of you is a perfect gift for a girl who’s feeling the distance. A staple piece of jewelry – think charms, bracelets or whatever her favorite jewelry item is – she wears everyday will make her think of you each time she looks down at her wrist or slips her necklace off to shower. No need for large expenses — it could be from a quarter machine — but because it’s from you she’ll be showing it off like it’s the crown jewel.
Also a little Skype sesh can fill the void if you cannot be there in person. Not just for opening the presents together, but also as a date on the day. Make the same meal (Mac&Cheese counts), light a few candles and chat it up. Sure you’ll be missing the physical connection, but a little face time never hurt.
Super serious?
Give a gift that grows as strong as your relationship. A puppy, a plant or even a future travels fund. Whether you’re engaged or otherwise committed, you’ve made it clear you are in for a long ride, so now take this special day to prove it. It’ll be the first thing you two raise together.
The greatest gift of Valentine’s Day is love, so give a little thoughtful planning and show your woman how much you love her.
Money can’t buy you love, but gifts sure don’t hurt the cause.
