In the week or two just before Valentine’s Day, I get a lot of questions from women, especially the single unmarried women who are recently newly in a romantic relationship asking questions about the gift and kind of gift to give to their new boy friend for Valentine’s Day. It almost starts to sound like and become like Christmas time all over again, only Valentine’s Day has some unique attributes to it which make it an additional challenge.
So, with all of those caveats, how is a single girl to choose and how is she to know what to get her guy?
How to Buy Your Boyfriend a Valentine’s Day Present
Valentine’s Day Boyfriend Gift Tip #1: Avoid Smothering Him
While we are indeed in the 21st century and both men and women have careers, of course, and a personal source of income and expendable income. In many ways, single men and women are “equals” in the current age. However being equals and having that relationship mindset does not create and foster ROMANCE. Just look at the example of Lena and her husband in “The Joy Luck Club.” So, Valentine’s Day is not the time to start displaying your financial prowess.
Valentine’s Day Boyfriend Gift Tip #2: Size Does Matter
Just had to tease you with that headline. Size does matter. Following up further on the idea of Avoid Smothering Him, so the size of your present matters as well. Don’t aim to give him a giant large behemoth gift. Instead think, a “Small Gesture.” You want to give him something small which just connotes the idea of you were – tread lightly here ladies – thinking of him. Not obsessing about him. Not phoning your personal shopper at Barney’s. Something light. Almost just a simple small, “Thinking of You,” sort of Valentine’s Day card. Amusingly enough, even sending him an ecard for you is to show too much effort because of all the times you have to shop and enter email addresses shows too much thought and effort on the part of the woman who is herself the one being pursued.
Valentine’s Day Boyfriend Gift Tip #2: Something Masculine and Him
OK, this is not the time for a grand romantic gesture. He may be a gardener and love rose bushes, but this is not the time to give him an American Beauty rose bush from Jackson and Perkins. Instead, reflect on some manly interests. Yes, do think sports, but refrain from giving him a signed baseball from the World Series. Why? Because see Tip #1. It required too much thought, too much effort, and too much money. Instead think of a small book of World Series trivia. Even if he is not an avid book reader, giving a man a SMALL book is often just about the perfect touch you want to demonstrate in giving a Valentine’s Day gift.
Men are giving you a dozen, or two dozen, of your favorite roses or flower bouquet. Grand romantic gesture demonstrating a great romantic effort. However, you “Give Back” and give him a small book, perhaps touching on a martial arts theme.
Either go to Amazon.com or to your local Barnes & Noble or Borders Books and go to the sports section and see what they have. Not the giant picture book. Remember Tip #2. Something small. Some photos. Maybe some sports trivia. THAT is just the right note and tone to be hitting for the perfect gift from a girlfriend to give to a man on Valentine’s Day!
Happy Dating and Relationships,
April Braswell
John says
April 21, 2011 at 8:02 PMguys just want simple gifts
Sonya Lenzo says
April 22, 2011 at 9:54 AMApril, You are so right! A book is just about perfect as a Valentine gift. I once gave a boyfriend a paper back Scrabble dictionary and that seemed to be a nice touch. I also think that if a guy has been taking you out to dinner A LOT then offering to cook him dinner on Valentines day is nice thing to do.Sometimes a card that really reflects your relationship (an inside joke) is also perfect.
Sonya Lenzo
Eva Palmer says
April 24, 2011 at 2:34 PMGreat to give ideas for Valentine’s gift! I always think it is easier to buy thing for us than for them!
Jennifer Battaglino says
April 25, 2011 at 8:08 PMI think it’s so true that we can get caught up in how good the present is going to be that we can overdo and ultimately chase the guy out the door because we have bombarded him with too much too soon. Male or female that’s not a good thing and would chase anyone away.
Think gesture, simple…makes a great impact to show restraint and modesty.
Jen B
Tinnitus and Hyperacusis
Connie Allenbury says
May 13, 2011 at 6:42 AMI agree April. I think most women give too big a present to boyfriends early on and smother them with motherly love. No wonder guys run from them and they’re still single.
Charles K. says
May 19, 2011 at 3:21 PMGreat post April, I believe lots of young women give too many things to a boyfriend which turns them off.
Sonia says
September 21, 2011 at 3:50 AMOh April, you are so helpful on the dating and relationship help advice. I feel like an addict since I have to know what has just been posted here.