Ah, V-day. It’s here again, and with it, a million questions. How should we celebrate it? How much is it gonna cost? What should I gift my partner? What should I wear? The list goes on.
Although we’d like to think of holidays as a way to wind down with our loved ones, the days preceding it can be pretty stressful.
Sooo, we’ve put together a list to help guide you in the right direction when it comes to gift-giving. And more specifically, what NOT to buy your significant other.
1. Heart-shaped jewelry
What is it about heart-shaped jewelry that makes the partners (I’m looking at you male-identifying people) go, “THIS is what she/they need!”
Here’s a tip - don’t. I can’t stress this enough.
Alternative:
If you do wish to go the jewelry route, opt-out for something more conventional and classic. Think pieces that don’t go out of style. A pair of gold or silver hoop earrings, a bracelet, or a minimalist necklace that they could layer with trendy jewelry. The most important thing, though, is to keep their taste in mind. Pay attention to the style and color of jewelry they already wear.
Gorjana Parker Layering Set BYCHARI Diamond Initial Necklace 8 Other Reasons Coupled Hoops
2. Shapewear or fitness equipment
Do I really need to explain this one?
Unless they have specifically talked your ear off about wanting to get their hands on some Skims, do not. All your gift says is that you wish their body looked different.
Alternative:
Instead, look into a nice pajama or lounge set. Something that will make her feel comfortable but sexy and put-together. Especially now, in the age of COVID, we could all use some extra comfy “inside clothes.” The more, the merrier.
ANINA LEVIAR You Make Me Blush Set Stars Above Satin Pajama Set Mommesilk Piped Silk Pajamas
3. Gifts that are tasks
This one is not talked about enough. Think about it this way - can your partner enjoy their gift straight away, or do they need to complete some tasks in order to enjoy it?
A bouquet of flowers, for example. Very nice gesture, but is your partner gonna have to then cut the stems and arrange the bouquet in a vase while you kick back and relax?
Alternative:
Flowers are still an excellent addition to a gift. You just have to make sure your partner can enjoy them straight away. So one of your options is - you gift the flowers, then YOU do the cutting and arranging. Another way to do this is to buy flowers that already come in a vase, better yet - forever roses in a box (those will last about a year).
Pro tip: send the flowers to their work ;)
Venus et Fleur Petit Heart Venus et Fleur Mini Heart Bundle Enchanted Roses Sakura Pink
4. A cliché Heart-shaped box of chocolates and a giant teddy bear
I’m gonna start off with the obvious - not every adult cares for a giant stuffed animal. Especially if they live in a small apartment with little room, your gift is just going to take up unnecessary space and collect unwanted dust.
But just like in any case, of course, there are outliers. So it really comes down to knowing your partner’s preferences, or you risk becoming another cliche. This brings me to my next point - a heart-shaped box of chocolates. It’s just… boring and shows little effort. Let’s put it this way, what’s the easiest last-minute gift to buy on February 14th, 20 minutes before your date? A heart-shaped box of chocolate from the holiday section of any and every grocery store and pharmacy.
Alternative:
Put together a gift box. Fill it with their favorite beauty products, candy, tissue paper, etc. (rose petals optional). It doesn’t have to be expensive. But it’ll show them that you put in the thought, time, and effort.
Glass Jar Lavender & Eucalyptus Candle Valentine's Day Gift Box Sonia Kashuk Rose Quartz Roller
5. A blank V-day card
Just no. Once again, it shows no effort. Not much else to say here.
Alternative:
If you decide to give them a card, make sure to write a thoughtful message inside. Tell them how much they mean to you. Even if you haven’t been dating that long, you can still write something personal to make them smile.
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