Friday, February 8, 2013

10 Ways to Avoid Buying the Wrong Valentines Day Gift

Photo Courtesy of Mint.com
Selecting a gift for your sweetheart on Valentines Day can be a difficult task for many.

Why? Well there is a  large margin for error on this special day. Whether you have been in a relationship for a while, or if you just started dating, either reality causes for apprehension.

A Valentines Day gift is not like Birthday or Christmas gift, it is a very personal gift. The gift is symbolic of LOVE. It can be given between family, friends, or lovers.

But, the Question is what do you buy? Do you buy it, should you make it? Does it have to have a certain price point? All great questions, and the answer is different for every person.

10 Ways to Avoid Buying the Wrong Valentines Day Gift
Courtesy of Photostock

1. The Gift Should Not Be Something that You Want
You shouldn't get her your favorite candy, so that the two of you can "share." 

2. The Gift Should Not Hint Towards Something Underlying
For example, don't buy your husband/wife a gym membership to hint towards that fact that you want him/her to loose weight.

3. Don't Be Cheap
The value of a gift is not always monetary. It should be something that you had to spend some time thinking about. You don't have to empty you wallet, but you must remember the gift value is presenting their love value. It's not about the money you spend it's about the meaning behind the gift.

4. Don't Re-gift 
If you gave the gift to your X, it's probably not a good idea to give it to your new girl. So, take time to find a gift that is unique to her, or him. It looses it's value, meaning, and thoughtfulness if it was given before. 

5. Don't Give Cheap Chocolate if You Are Over 16
Courtesy of Arvind Balaraman
Cheap chocolate tastes cheap. Ah! Gross! You would be better off buying a candy bar and adding a thoughtful card than buying a cheap box of chocolate and handing if over!

6. Don't Buy A Card and Only Sign the Bottom
Buy a card to go with your gift, is such a great idea. It displays that you want to express in words  how much the person means to you. However, if you sign a blank card that only says "Happy Valentines Day" It makes your card dry and cold. Add a bit of your own handwriting, then sign your name!

7.  Don't Buy a Birthday or Christmas Gift
Although jackets, shoes, and vacuums may be needed, a more special gift should be considered, like a necklace, earrings or a teddy bear. 

Courtesy of Pixomar
8. Don't Give Only Perishable Items
Flowers, and chocolate are great gifts for Valentines, but don't forget the card or the teddy bear. Why? You want her to have something to remember you by. Something she can look at and think of you. She may be thinking of you as she bites into that yummy piece of chocolate, but she can keep the card to read and look over and over again.