Valentine Gift Tips

Valentine’s Day is around the corner.  Here is some gift giving tips. 

For you, help the man in your life by sharing with him your expectations for the day.  If you like jewelry, flowers, candy or a specific type of gift it is better to share that information.  Don’t expect he’ll read your mind . . . because he won’t.  If you don’t require an expensive gift but would like to go out to a nice place to eat, or even just a burger joint drop the hint that something unexpected such as valentine cookies or cupcakes for dessert would make the day special.

For the kids in your life check out the array of Valentine knick knacks. Browse through the numerous red, heart decorated items to be found in every Wal-Mart or Walgreens. Put together school supplies such as a heart pencil, pens and a notebook.  For your teenagers a Valentine stuffed animal with a personal note, a card with a homemade coupon, or gift card, for a “date” of a soda, coffee, lunch or a movie. A less time consuming, cheaper gift is a Valentine taped to a piece of chocolate, put in a backpack or lunch bag to be found later will go a long way to say, “I love you.”

The men in your life should get the same level of consideration you expect. Most guys are not into the Valentine knick knacks or decorations (some team items are the exception).  Know your man so you don’t feel as though you wasted your money and are disappointed at his lack of enthusiasm. Women often make the mistake of giving gifts THEY would like. The memorable gift for men takes observance and tuning in to what they enjoy. If he is a gamer a subscription to Game Informer, the latest game for his system (chances are he was talking about it with his friends) or gift certificate to Game Stop. If there is a sport that he enjoys (even if you don’t) get him tickets and let him take a friend. A favorite team, get him a team shirt or other team paraphernalia.

The only acceptable gift for you/for him is lingerie. Girls often like this idea but are not committed to the continual gift giving this implies and will generate. Using this as a “teaser” gift is inconsiderate and harmful to a relationship. I highly recommend this only to the girls who are buying lingerie with a full understanding and commitment to the gift.

Quality time is a perfect gift for everyone but it takes a mature and thoughtful giver. Think of your Valentine and the things they like to do. If you roll your eyes at the thought of some activities they enjoy and think, ‘I so don’t understand their interest’, this is a great quality time gift. In any relationship for a giver to participate in an activity, willingly and with enthusiasm, that does not necessarily interest them for the enjoyment of another is truly an expression of your love for them. If you cannot give willingly and enthusiastically of yourself skip this idea, it will be a disaster.

Sally holds a M.Ed. in Psychology and works for the Student Ministry in a local church. She publishes a post weekly at www.liveleanwithsally.blogspot.com