Friday, February 20, 2009

The Ultimate Man's Guide to Valentine's Day Presents

By Art Barron

With February fast approaching, there's one thing on every guy's mind: "Oh my God, what do I get my girlfriend/wife/date?" There's going to be a pretty mad rush to the shops to get a nice present for the day. It's a day when every guy will tiptoe on eggshells just to find the perfect gift to show their affection and make that special lady feel special.

There's no need to panic. The good thing is, for men, the basics of what makes a great Valentines gift are already well-defined. There are three staples: flowers, chocolate and jewelry.

A single red rose or an entire bouquet of blooms never fail to drive the message home. This is the safest choice, whether your relationship is just starting out, or you have celebrated multitudes of Valentine's Days together. Do remember, though, that unless you plan to say "I love you", you should steer clear of giving three roses.

Chocolate is always appreciated. With rare exceptions, and mostly for dietary constraints, all women love chocolate. The great thing about choosing to gift this confection is that chocolate accommodates all budget limitations. You can buy a relatively more affordable sampler from a mainstream brand, or you can splurge and go for the big guns: pure Belgian truffles!

Jewelry is a bit trickier; it needs appreciation of your level of commitment and your girl's taste. If the two of you are already serious and steady, a ring may be appropriate and can be an affirmation of your bond. Otherwise, bracelets, earrings and necklaces should do the trick. The heart style is in fashion and many variations of this motif are just intricate. Note though that the gifting of really expensive jewelry can have negative connotations and it's best to appraise the context of your relationship before you make any extravagant purchases.

If you want to deviate a bit from the mainstream, there's a host of other gifts out there that you can choose from. A girl, depending on her tastes, may appreciate books, music CDs, perfumes, accessories like handbags, belts and shoes, and even movies. The sky the limit! Know what she would appreciate, and you can never go wrong.

You can also consider going the romantic route. Why not use your creativity and your talents? You can cook her dinner, make her a personal video, or write her a song. You can even write her a poem, or create something from scratch like a wooden jewelry box. Your effort won't go unnoticed and unappreciated.

Remember that Valentine's Day is something that you should both share and enjoy. Why not do something that'll bring you closer together? A candlelit dinner, or a romantic getaway is sure to strengthen your bond as a couple. If you're on a budget, you can never go wrong with champagne.

At the end of the day, as long as something is sincere, thought-out and from the heart, it'll leave a lasting impression. The spirit of Valentines Day is being with someone you'd like to spend the day with. Keep that in mind and everything else will come easy. - 15634

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