Starting in January, store aisles everywhere fill with heart-shaped balloons, stuffed animals and pink lotions. On candy alone, Americans spend over $1 billion on Valentine’s Day. In an attempt to turn everyday items into cute gift ideas, companies plaster everything from boxers to Snickers with heart decals and pink lips.
But silk boxers with metallic kisses on them aren’t always the best idea for your sweetheart. For any stage of a relationship, steering clear of the commercial marketing mess will get you a special thank you (and maybe more).
The thoughtful present is always the one most appreciated. Take the time to listen to clues for what she or he really wants. This might be a book that she mentioned looks interesting, or if he’s an artist, some supplies he could use. Getting your valentine something he or she has already shown interest in is a much better present than an impersonal box of cheap chocolates.
If your relationship started just before there was snow on the ground, you’re not obligated to empty your bank account for one holiday. For this stage, creativity is perfect. Instead of buying a boring little teddy bear and box of Hershey’s Kisses, do something unique. Update his iPod with all the songs he’s been meaning to download; try making her a gourmet meal or a sweet treat. At mrchocolate.com, you can find unusual chocolate flavors like Earl Grey Tea, Love Potion #9, Port Wine and Wicked Fun ‘ a spicy dark chocolate ganache with chili pepper and cinnamon. Edible chocolate products like ‘Raspberry Body Paint,’ ‘Body Butter’ and ‘Love Tonic’ are also available for only $9 each. If you want to spend a little more, toast each other with the 24-piece set of champagne truffles (yes, there is actual champagne in them) for $43.
Perfume or cologne for your significant other is a pretty standard gift, but check out sephora.com for a wide selection of fragrances not sold in the Oakdale Mall. Aquolina: Pink Sugar is a featured perfume on the Web site, and it costs $35 for a 1.7 oz. bottle of the vanilla and caramel infused scent.
An arrangement of flowers is always a thoughtful touch, but can be hard to get and expensive around the 14th. Fortunately, we have Walmart; their Valentine’s Day Bouquet starts at $29.74 and you can include a ‘designer vase’ for just $5!
For those in more committed relationships, try a gift with extra meaning. One of the most traditional Valentine’s gifts, jewelry, can be made special with a little extra time. Engraving the piece with your pet name or an inside joke can be romantic and sweet, and depending on the place, might be complimentary. Apple’s Web site allows you to personalize the iPod you bought for no additional charge. Depending on memory size and features, prices range from $99 to $599, or you can buy an iTunes gift certificate for legal downloading pleasure.
A gift that can be shared is another fun way to enjoy the holiday. If you can afford it, try getting real tickets for your man to a sports event, instead of watching another BU basketball game together. Many spas offer Valentine’s Day specials, so a couples massage or facial is a great way to pamper your boo. Spagoda.com has a variety of gift certificates and spa packages starting at $74 that can be booked nationwide.
And if you’re hoping for a sensual way to end the night, check out the gift sets at kamasutra.com. Choose from a Lover’s Paintbox, Treasure Trove, Massage Therapy Kit or the Bedside Box. If travel plans are in your future, consider The Weekender Kit, a product sampler than contains mini-portions of The Original Oil of Love, Wild Clove Luxury Bathing Gel, passion-sustaining Pleasure Balm, Sweet Almond Massage Oil and edible Honey Dust, complete with a feather applicator.
For the adventurous couple, adamandeve.com has plenty to offer. What better way to show your love than by exploring the ’52 Weeks of Passionate Sex Kit,’ a 96 page book of erotica, which, according to the Web site, includes a massager, teasing feather, 24 ‘love cards,’ silken blindfold, silk rose petals, ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign and aromatherapy candle!