5 Fool Proof Steps to A Great Valentine’s Day Gift
Valentine’s Day is upon us once again and once again we are faced with the same dilemma – finding the perfect gift for our loved ones. Every year, millions scour the internet for ideas in hopes of landing on the page that offers that unique gift that will sweep their valentine off their feet. 
As well intended as we all are at this time of the year, finding something truly different can be very tedious if not totally boring, however, if you follow my “5 Fool Proof Steps To A Great Valentine’s Day Gift” you’re sure to find something that fits perfectly for your loved one without all the hassle.
Are you rolling your eyes and wondering if you’ve wandered into a staff meeting by mistake? Never fear. This WORKS. For the sake of convenience, we’re going to use “she” – but this works just as well for males or females.
== Step 1. Drop The Traditional Gifts. ===
Or if you don’t drop them out, at least make them an ‘add on’ to the main gift. A box of chocolates as a warm-up, or red roses as a parting gift… yes, that’s nice. But puh-lease… don’t rush into the florist at the last minute and buy a bunch of whatever’s left just so she will keep speaking to you.
== Step 2. Figure Out What She DOESN’T Want. ==
This is not rocket science. If she hates seafood you’re not going to take her to All-You-Can-Eat-Lobster buffet. If she is into minimalist decorating then she’s not likely to appreciate Wedgwood vases or any other trinket you may find cute. If the Three Tenors make her go weak at the knees then she probably won’t be keen on Hip Hop. The big trap here is buying her something that YOU like rather than what SHE likes. Open your eyes. Make sure you really know what makes her tick.
== Step 3. What Does She Buy? ===
What a girl owns will tell you a lot about what she likes. Does she pore over the jewelry catalogs, or brush them aside in favor of the latest brochure from the computer store? If she already wears six different chains around her neck and four bracelets and seven rings, you can safely assume she’s REALLY into jewelry. But if a ten year old watch is the only adornment you can see, forget it.
If she loves sports gear and already has four pairs of cross-trainers, go shopping at the sports store. If she adores animals, buy something related to her pets – or maybe buy her an unusual new pet, if it will fit into her lifestyle.
Are you beginning to see a pattern here? Yep, “What fits her lifestyle” – that’s the key. Let’s continue…
== Step 4. Think Outside The Box==
Now that you have your list of what she does and doesn’t like (you are making a list, aren’t you?) it’s time to get really creative. Here are a few examples:
She likes jewelry:- What kind of jewelry will have a special meaning for her? Think in terms of where it’s bought; any tie-ins with days or dates; a unique way you might deliver it. Can you present it in a way that will never be forgotten? (In the NICEST way, of course!)
She likes hi-tech toys:- Can you add a special song to a new MP3 player? Or present her with a new DVD player plus a romantic movie as a bonus? (If she’s not into romantic movies – and plenty of girls aren’t: they prefer to live romance rather than watch it! – how about the latest action thriller at the theater?)
She likes the outdoor life: If you’re into grand gestures, how about a new kayak plus a river trip organized to go with it? Or if you’re low on funds… a ticket to a sporting match along with a signed photo of her favorite sports star? (Yes, you do have to put some thought into that one.)
== Step 5. The Valentine’s Day Follow Up ==
True love is about appreciation and thinking of others everyday, not just one day a year. To be truly unique, why not follow up with a 12-step St Valentine’s Day surprise – something new on the 14th of EVERY month! The gifts don’t have to be huge or expensive. A foot massage after a tiring day is more welcome than diamonds for a weary girlfriend. Start by giving her a meaningful gift on Valentine’s Day, and accompany it with a note telling her there’ll be another surprise on 14th March… then 14th April… then 14th May…
Do you think she won’t be yelling at the world on how wonderful you are? I’d bet my money on it!
