Valentines Gift Ideas

It might be at the nice restaurant downtown. It might be on that first trip to an exotic locale. Or it could be in the familiarity of home. Wherever you are, you want to make sure that first gift for a significant other is memorable and full of loving feeling.

A unique romantic gift can be the high point of a blooming relationship, when it shows a level of understanding and empathy that only exists between truly compatible souls. Of course, on the other hand, nothing can be worse than a gift that shows just how bad those few failings in a newfound partner are. Let’s look at four such gifts that have wrecked even the most hopeful of relationships.

Imagine you just finished a tasty meal with the new love of your life. You are sipping on some wine when they lean across the table with a mischievous gleam in their eye. “I have something for you.” You hear some muffled barks in the background. The wine starts to taste a little bit bad. “Umm…” From out of the other room springs a new, lively puppy. “We can raise it together!” Even excluding the potential of allergies, don’t buy a pet on a whim without first having a sustained discussion or you can bet on raising that pup as a single parent.

“Oh wow - plane tickets! Time to get in some sunbathing” That might be your first impression at seeing this romantic gift, coming from your new significant other. With a stern look in their eye, they grab your hands. “I think you should meet…my parents! I bought tickets to leave for the weekend!” The filet mignon you just ate feels like a rock in your stomach. “Oh…um…” Even if the new partner you’ve found is “the one,” please don’t bring the parents to the table too soon in the game. Especially if a visit would incorporate a long plane trip, wherein you have to suffer through security, time differences, and possible schedule conflicts. Unless carefully planned, such a romantic gift would only end in grief/regret/unhappiness.

“That was a really interesting movie.” “I know!” Your special person replies. It’s evening outside and the cool night breeze creates a perfect romantic atmosphere for a romantic gift. “But you know, I’ve been considering something lately. I want you to take a look at this.” They pop open their trunk and remove a carton of canned beverages. “I found this case of slim fast on sale the other day, and I’d appreciate it if you would replace a meal a day with it.” Please make sure that the first romantic gift you give is positive in tone, and emphasizes a good quality of your new partner.

Self-improvement might come later, if at all. Too many tears have been spilled due to well-wishers who have no sense of timing or don’t think about the underlying message behind their gift.

“I really enjoyed what we did today!” You’re just exiting the art gallery and feel rejuvenated by the warm sunshine outside. “Shhh.” Your new date puts their finger to your mouth. “Wait until you see this.” They pull out a key, and the gleaming BMW behind them lights up with a beep. “Oh, is that your new car?” You ask. “No baby…it’s a present for you.” Please don’t try to “buy” your new partner’s love. Even if your wallet and bank account are overflowing with hard-earned cash, such a display will only scare them away. (Unless, of course, they are that special category of person called a gold-digger)

Small, affectionate or even personalized romantic gifts are often the most meaningful. All in all, when giving romantic gifts, remember this: Don’t give a gift that is intended more to push your agenda than to please your new love. Use your insight and your empathy to pick something that will truly please the other. After all, isn’t a desire to please what romance is all about?

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