Valentine’s Gifts That Actually Have Meaning Attached
Valentine’s day has once again caught up with us, just as we have recovered from the aftermath of Christmas. Whilst Valentine’s Day should be a day for appreciating the person you love and showing them exactly what they mean to you. Knowing how to show your appreciation is not always obvious. Especially for those of us who have been in long-term relationships for 10+ years, it is easy to resort to some chocolate and a kiss on the cheek, right?
The truth is that showing your appreciation should not die off the longer you are in a relationship. Yes, you might’ve done it all for the person you love, but that does not mean to say you should simply give up. Besides, if you come home on Valentine’s without something as simple as a bouquet, you should expect the silent treatment for the foreseeable.
Even if you have the most laid-back partner who has openly said they do not expect any gifts, there is no harm in going out of your way and finding a meaningful gift for them. There is nothing better than a surprise, especially when it is romantic and comes from the person you love most in the world.
If you are looking for some inspiration, take a look at our suggestions:
What Does Your Partner Appreciate?
First things first, it is best to not waste time when it comes to valentine’s. We are all guilty of last-minute panic when thinking of gifts and surprises. This often resorts in getting the most meaningless gifts possible and an underwhelming reaction from our partners. Avoid the bore, and save time by simply thinking about what your partner values most. Assuming that you know them well, you should know whether you would get a better reaction from gifting a diamond bracelet than a bouquet of their favourite flowers. Think about their past reactions to your gifts and valentine’s day experiences. If this is a new relationship you have the room to test the waters and try out new and inventive ideas to show them you care.
Focus On The Experience
Whilst this post is about the gift on Valentine’s, we must express the importance of the overall experience of the day. Of course, many of us will have other responsibilities on Valentine’s day, so there might be less time to spend with your loved one, but simply arranging a nice home-cooked meal for them or booking a table for breakfast before you both head off to work will mean a lot to them. There needs to be thought into how you will experience the day together. Or at least plan a date in the future to spend valuable time together to remind each other why you love each other so much.
Gift Ideas
Now you have a few important things to think about. It is time for some inspiration Take a look at the gift ideas we think will make all the difference:
Hand-Made Scrapbook
As corny as it may sound, hand-made scrapbooks can be a thoughtful and inexpensive gift for your loved one. If you are yet to make your favourite memories into a physical form rather than just having them stored on your phone, a photo scrapbook would be a thoughtful keepsake to have. For example, you might place photos with a nice note on each memory and describe why you loved that memory so much. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but simply taking the time to print out and reminisce each chosen memory will be a great experience for you and amazing for your partner.
Eternal Flowers
If your partner is the type of person who will appreciate a great bouquet, you should consider getting them an eternal flower if you are yet to give them one. An eternal flower is essentially a flower that has been preserved through various processes that keep its shape and life for a long period. You can get them in the shape of a box or get a beautifully presented one in a glass container, beauty and the beast style. Preserved flowers are a stunning gift your partner can admire for years to come, so if you want to level up from your standard bouquet, this is one to go for.
Thoughtful Wine
Another idea that you might consider is getting them a bottle of wine. This wine, however, will be much more than just your average store-bought bottle. To add the sentimental value behind the bottle, you might get your partner the bottle of wine you shared on your first date or possibly the national wine of the first county you holidayed in together. You can instantly turn your mundane gift into a valuable gift that holds a lot of value and memories with it.
Personalised Jewellery
Whilst jewellery might be the most common gift that people tend to receive over the valentine’s season, it is however reliable. More importantly, if you spend time finding perfect earring charms rather than asking the store assistant what they recommend, you will be better recognised for your efforts. You might consider finding your partner’s birthstone and adding this charm to an existing favourite bracket they own. Also, you might consider getting them a new jewellery piece that is inscribed with both of your initials. Making jewellery as personable as possible is the key to avoiding any admissions that the store assistant advised you on what to get. That is the quickest way to kill thoughtfulness!
An Experience Together
Let’s say both you and your partner are busy on the day; that is no excuse to avoid any Valentine’s celebrations. This Valentine’s Day, you might consider buying an experience for you both to do at a later date. Make sure that the experience you choose is something you can both enjoy whilst also having the opportunity to have relationship-building elements. This might be a relaxing spa day, or if you are an adventure seeker looking to get back in touch with your spontaneous side, you might consider some quad biking on the beach. Whatever you choose, make sure it will remind you both why you fell in love.
Final Thoughts
Whilst Valentine’s day in recent years has become more monetary than authentic, that does not mean that you should avoid the day altogether. Avoid conforming to queuing up at Pandora on the day, buying a panic gift. Instead, you should spend some time creating a thoughtful gift that you both can treasure for years to come. Remind your partner of how much you love them as a person, aside from how much they do for you.
