So with Valentine’s Day around the corner I was wondering what I could speak about that might refer to it. And I decided to ask about the gifts women might want for the holiday. Considering the economic woes that we all are feeling, there are fewer options today than usually are available. Still there are a few things that are options.
Of course there is the classic chocolate and flowers. It’s a standard and there is no surprise why. Women love flowers and chocolate is a known aphrodisiac. In addition there is a ton of research that states chocolate has other benefits, especially for women. It may be boring, but it is an option that really doesn’t go wrong.
There are cards of course. While inexpensive, a nice card (or maybe a naughty one if that fits) with a few well placed comments is never a bad option. Still that may not be enough. I suggest that if you choose a card, do a bit of homework and seek out a poem you can include with the card. The extra bit of effort can really add to the generic gift. Plus, for those of us less eloquent in our speech it shows there is something working in the grey matter.
But if you choose that option, be honest. Few are in the realm of T.S. Elliott, William Wordsworth, and so many other greats. You won’t fool anyone pretending you wrote their work.
Going into the realm of something original I suggest clothing. Yes I own a clothing and other consumer goods store. And yes you can find a great selection of gifts for your significant other there (over 1500 items to choose). But you don’t have to limit yourself just to my stuff (but it would be nice).
And I don’t mean some piece of lingerie that you always drool over seeing her (or him) in. Unless they love to collect such fantasy wear all year round, you are better off getting something a bit more functional or comfortable. Emphasize comfortable.
If you know she loves shoes, get her a gift card at her favorite store to buy a pair of her choice. Or maybe she needs a new robe, slippers, or pajamas. Perhaps she is thinking of a new hat for Easter or some other occasion. Maybe she needs a new dress or outfit for work.
You'll do well to give her something pragmatic, plus she will remember that you did this for her every time she wears it. Which is a year long benefit. Just get the size right.
Another different idea is to get her a couple of DVD’s. Perhaps The Princess Bride, or A Good Day To Be Black And Sexy. Or some other non-action, explosionless, plot-driven movie that she prefers (unless she is in fact a Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Jason Statham fan – lucky you). The point is that it’s a movie she wants to watch, that is romantic if she likes that, that you both can watch Valentine’s Day with a bottle of wine. And yes, you too will be watching the DVD, at least that day.
But if money is tight, like you just got a stupidly large electric bill because of an error at your electric company (thanks NYSEG), think way out the box.
How about a day of doing the laundry, cooking the meals, and a massage? Even if that means going to her and spending the day at her place. It may not be a material gift, but then again actions are louder than words I am often told. And I know of few women that don’t enjoy being pampered.
The main point I suppose is this. If you celebrate Valentine’s Day, make it an occasion. It’s not about money, as much as the media and the retailers would like you to think. It’s not about comparing material gifts, like a competition with the Jones’. It’s about your significant other.
Perhaps this will help someone out there. If it does I’m glad. Because this is a time that most of us really need the help.
And ladies, and guys too, if you can suggest things that are inexpensive yet memorable that I have missed (and I don’t doubt that there could be many) please do. Men aren’t mind readers, and if you don’t give us options, you shouldn’t be too upset if we go with the most obvious and simple choice.
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