Valentines Day Gifts

Traditional Gifts for Women

Flowers, candy, and jewelry are classic gifts for women.

Flowers

Give flowers when...

• You're in a new relationship and you want to say "I'm glad we're dating."
• You're in a long-term relationship, to say "I still appreciate you."

Postpone the posies when…

• You've only dated once or twice, and you're not sure where you want the relationship to go.
• You've got a crush on someone, but revealing your crush could be inappropriate or awkward-for example, if the person is a co-worker.
• Your partner is allergic to flowers.

Candy

Give chocolate when…

• You know she likes traditional Valentines Day gifts.
• She's told you she's a "chocoholic."

Cancel the candy when…

• She isn't fond of chocolate.
• She's on a diet.

Jewelry

Give jewelry when…

• You've been together long enough to know you'll stay together.
• Something special has happened that year and you want to celebrate.
• You're ready to propose.

Skip the sparkle when…

• She's not into jewelry.
• She knows you can't afford it, or there isn't any extra money in your joint account.
• You're not sure how you feel about her.

Traditional Gifts for Men

Valentines Day gifts for men are a little trickier. Some men are charmed by gifts of flowers and candy. Others see such presents as challenges to their manhood.

What can you give a man on February 14?

Go for the flowers and chocolate when…

• He's confident enough in his masculinity that he'll carry your purse in public.
• He has a good sense of humor.
• He simply likes candy and roses.

Don't risk it when…

• His idea of "getting in touch with his feminine side" is looking at Playboy Magazine.

More manly, but still traditional, Valentines gifts include:

• A nice tie
• Silk boxer shorts
• A designer watch

Non-Traditional Valentines Day Gifts

Valentines gifts don't have to be traditional. Sometimes, the most romantic gift is something that an outsider wouldn't think of as romantic at all. Special Valentines Day gifts are ones that show you truly know and understand the person you love.

• If your partner is an athlete, consider a gift certificate for a new pair of running shoes, a cozy new warm-up jacket, or registration to a race he or she has wanted to run.
• If your partner is a bookworm, bring them to a favorite bookstore and turn them loose. Offer to buy any five books they choose.
• For a cook, visit a gourmet shop and pick out a top-of-the-line baking set or professional grade knives. If money is tight, consider a cookbook with foods your partner likes.
• For a music-lover, try for tickets to see a well-loved band or orchestra. If that's not possible, spring for a box set or a special CD.

What Not to Do

Most of us have a story about a terrible Valentines Day gift. Here are some warnings about gift-giving pitfalls.

• Don't rely on your own likes and dislikes unless you're sure your partner shares them. A man who loves sophisticated French films might not be flattered if your gift is a DVD of "Dodgeball."
• Don't give clothing or household items unless you're sure of the recipient's taste. An antique music box might play a romantic tune, but if it doesn't fit in her ultra-modern apartment it's probably not a good gift.
• Don't be too practical. She might have wanted a new vacuum or that new automatic shower cleaner, but those things aren't very romantic. Don’t be surprised if a Dustbuster leaves her displeased instead of delirious.
• Don't go overboard. Diamonds might be a lovely anniversary gift, but not when it's the one-month anniversary of your first date. At that stage, an expensive token is more scary than sweet.