Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Valentine's Day Gift Giving Guide

2010-12-24T00:32:00.000-06:00

By Daisy Whitney

Valentine's Day will forever be associated with the classic gifts of cards, roses, and chocolates. And you can't go wrong with those mainstays. But this year try shaking up convention with some innovative and non-traditional gift-giving ideas for your special someone, even if that someone is yourself. We've gathered several tips on how to make Valentine's Day special for someone else, and for you.

Don't Overdo it

The perfect gift depends most importantly on the status of your particular romantic situation. Lisa Daily, the author of Stop Getting Dumped, says the key in the early day is balance. You want a gift that says, "I was thinking of you, but not obsessing over you." For a just budding relationship (think one to three dates), Daily recommends a gift you might bring a hostess at a party: wine or treats. Try something other than candy: cookies, a favorite snack food, or dinner at a new, unique restaurant.

The longer you've been together by the time Valentine's Day rolls around, the more intimate and expensive a gift can be. At one to two months, feel free to get:

A simple piece of clothing like a t-shirt
Entertainment gifts (DVDs, CDs, video games and accessories).

It Really IS the Thought That Counts

If you're in a longer-term relationship, from 6 months to 6-plus years, you probably know enough about the other person to personalize your gift. And let's be honest, unless your paramour is a bona fide flower fiend or candy hound, flowers and candy ain't all that! So show how much you appreciate and care for your significant other. Save the sappy clichés for the card and make the gift really meaningful, says Robin Gorman Newman, author of "How to Marry a Mensch." Get something your sweetie always talks about, but would never buy for him or herself.

If he loves a particular sports team, a jersey with his name on it will be a real winner.
If she's a movie buff, tickets to a film festival or a collection of her favorite movies on DVD can be a good score.

You can also personalize a gift literally by tailor-making it for your sweetie. Several Web sites let you design your own personalized items and they will make it for you. Put her pet name on a t-shirt, or an inside joke on a coffee mug. You can even put a custom message or picture on underwear! You'll both get a kick out of it, and it's something he or she can hold on to for a long time.

In addition to emphasizing your partner's interests, Gorman Newman also thinks the effort and time you put into a gift makes it special. You can:

Plan a fantasy night at a hotel room, complete with theme decorations,
Make special crafts
Create picture albums and collages

These gifts have the added benefit of being inexpensive. Catering to your love's special interests or giving something that promotes you being together will mean much more than three dozen red roses or expensive jewelry. Though that's no knock against a diamond necklace, which can indeed be the way to her heart (hint, hint!).

Make It Sensual

Valentine's Day isn't only for thoughtful and romantic gifts. A sensual gift can be just as memorable, says dating expert and author April Masini.

Give your mate a massage (more than just a shoulder rub), complete with oils, scents, and mood lighting.
Try cooking an intimate dinner for your loved one. Take care of everything: food, lights, and music.
Make some gift certificates for your partner to redeem at home. Use your imagination for the gifts they offer.

Going Solo

But what if you're single? Don't wallow in loneliness. Turn your jaded view of Black Hearts' Day into a special pampering occasion. Everyone knows that Valentine's Day was invented by card companies to sell more cards. Take the opportunity to add to the economic boost, in your own fashion.

Take yourself out to a play or movie.
Buy that gadget you've been wanting.
Treat yourself to a spa or sporting event
Go get that new bracelet or sweater you've had your eye on
Bring home food from your favorite restaurant.

Show how much you love yourself on this special day and be your own Valentine!

Source: wistv.com

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Her

2010-12-24T00:25:00.004-06:00

Are you Looking for a Valentine's Day Gift for that special someone and Have No Idea what to get her?

Listed below are the top 10 Valentine's Day gifts given each year.

1. Flowers (Red Roses of course)
Don't forget the card.

2. Box of Chocolates
Pick out an assortment of her favorite kind (dark, milk,white).

3. Jewelry (Earings or Diamond Heart)

4. Perfume
Her favorite kind of course.

5. Heart Pendant

6. Day at the Spa
Massage and the works

7. Watch

8. Romantic Gift basket (Specialty Lotions, Candles, and Soaps)
Women always love fancy lotions, candles, and soaps.

9. Lingerie
Be careful

10. Jewelry Box

The Valentine's Day Gift ideas listed above vary in cost. Pick one your comfortable with and remember most importantly make the evening romantic as possible.

Other Valentine's Day Tips

Don't forget a romantic card.

Make dinner reservations a week or two prior.

Cooking her favorite meal at home in a romantic setting is always a good idea.

Start Valentine's Day off with a bang, by doing something special for her in the morning (cooking breakfast).

Pay close attention to her all night.

I hope these ideas help make your Valentine's Day a special one.

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Him

2010-12-24T00:18:00.005-06:00

It can be difficult to buy Valentine's Day gifts for men, but our gift guide is a great place to start. We've made it extra simple to find the perfect present.

1. Hobbies. Collectible memorabilia: fanwear from his favorite sports team, movie scripts, or anything that adds to his collection

2. Toys. Electric scooter, remote-controlled cars and planes, XBox, Wii, PS3

3. Gadgets. Digital camera/camcorder, plasma television, MP3/DVD player

4. Sports. Tickets to a sporting event, autographed ball

5. Underwear. Silk boxers or a terrycloth robe

6. Camping. Swiss army knife, tent, compass

7. Office. Briefcase, Cross or Montblanc pen, PDA

8. Money. Nice leather wallet or money clip

9. Clothes. Collared shirt, cashmere scarf, wool jacket

10. Golf. Passes to a local golf course, new clubs, golf shoes

11. Adventure. Race car driving, bungee jumping, sky diving

12. Read. A subscription to his favorite magazine, a new book

13. Games. Dart board, pool table, foosball table

14. Drink. Home beer brewing kit, wine rack, imported beer or wine, flask, decanter

15. Smoke. Some of his favorite cigars, an antique pipe

16. Music. iTunes Gift certificate, old records, new CDs

17. Accessories. Timepiece, cufflinks, belt. cologne

18. Shave. A Shaving kit complete with razor, brush and soap dish, electric razor

19. Sexy. Adult toys for couples, lingerie to surprise him with, candles and a bath

20. Shopping. Gift certificate or American Express giftcard

Source:wistv.com

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Women

2007-01-04T10:13:00.000-06:00