Couples Advice

Not sure what to get your significant other for Valentine’s Day? Afraid of falling into a pattern of getting your special man or lady the same thing you did the year before, and the year before that? Here are some creative ideas to consider.

Bernard from Oakland, CA writes:
“Last year on Valentine’s Day I got my girlfriend some flowers and a nice bracelet. She was very happy with the gift, but I don’t want to just do the same old jewelry-and-flowers thing every year. What should I get her this year? Do you have some unique ideas for Valentine’s Day gifts? I want the gift to be an actual surprise, not something staid and old.”

Well, there’s nothing wrong with flowers and jewelry. You could even consider a new take on an old idea. Instead of getting your girlfriend a nice bracelet at a department store, why not have someone custom-make a special necklace, ring, bracelet, earrings, or other item by hand? A handmade gift is one-of-a-kind and will always be unique, and you can also take your girlfriend’s taste into account and make something which shows how well you know her and appreciate her sense of style. There are plenty of other commissionable crafts too (clothing, other accessories, and so on). All of them make great gifts!

Personalized items are another idea. Even if you don’t order something which is handmade, you can still order something personalized with your girlfriend’s name or perhaps some phrase which is significant to her or to your relationship. Jewelry, picture frames, and other items can be inscribed. These gifts show you are taking an extra step to buy her something special.

Another idea is to make her something yourself. What are you good at? Consider handcrafting her something. It can be something pretty or something functional—whatever it is, it will have meaning because you made it! If possible, make it something which somehow commemorates your relationship.

Are there common activities you do together which require equipment? Maybe crafts or sports you do together? If so, think about purchasing her something of that nature. Or maybe purchasing classes in something she’s always wanted to learn how to do, or something you could do together. Does she want to learn how to dance? Purchase dance lessons. Does she want to learn to surf? Purchase surfing lessons.

Another idea is to simply plan a really great day. Not all gifts are physical items, and many people don’t realize that the best gifts oftentimes aren’t physical objects at all but activities and things which you do. Plan a beautiful day from start to finish—maybe a special trip, or perhaps tickets to a concert or sporting event. Be creative with your gift and think outside the box. A really great date is in itself a gift if a lot of thought and planning goes into it. Find something which will spice up your relationship and allow you to have fun together!