Friday, February 27, 2009

Men's Guide to Choosing the Best Gift this Valentines Day

By Art Barron

Valentines Day is fast approaching. You know what this means, guys: it's time once more to start shopping. The pressure is high; you have to find that special something that will communicate just how much you value your date, girlfriend or wife. You can't make a mistake; it would be unfortunate to have your partner feel underappreciated on the day of hearts of all days!

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.

Flowers, of course, refer to the good, old bouquet of roses - in red, of course. They can either show a very deep and intimate connection, or that initial allure between two people. Be careful though, as even the mere number of roses you give has a meaning. While three roses mean "I love you", a single rose or a bouquet have a safer, more general meaning.

All women love chocolates. But though chocolates are one thing that most women cannot resist, make sure your girl is not in a no-chocolate diet because she won't be able to appreciate your present. Chocolates are also budget-friendly. If money is tight, you won't go wrong with commercial chocolate bars, but if you're feeling generous, you can always splurge on more mouth-watering confections (read: Belgian).

Jewelry will have any girl squealing with excitement. After all, what girl wouldn't want to be given a precious piece of crafted metal? But you have to consider a few things first. How serious is your relationship? If it's serious enough, necklaces, earrings, or bracelets should do the trick. If it's even more serious than that, a ring will be perfect for the occasion. Go for heart designs, or variations of such. Remember to steer clear of extravagant gifts if your relationship isn't quite on that level yet. Otherwise, you might send the wrong signals.

Apart from the obvious and more traditional gifts, there are more options you could choose from. If she collects a certain item, add something to her collection. If she loves books, get something that she might want to read. You can also get her CDs, DVDs, perfume, or even pajamas. It's just a matter of knowing what fits her personality best.

If you're feeling your muse stirring inside you, you can always hunker down and create something special for your girl. You can put to talents to good use. Write a poem, or a song. Make a montage, if you're good at making videos, or cook a gourmet dinner, if you're a whiz in the kitchen. The effort won't go unnoticed.

And the one thing that can really set you apart is your originality and spontaneity when it comes to choosing and giving your gift. Why not set a picnic in the park? Or, you can get tickets to a concert that your girl has been wanting to see? Why, if you have the budget, you can even arrange a romantic getaway! The idea is to strengthen your bonds as a couple, and Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to do so.

At the end of the day, it's all about being with the object of your affection. Any gift will do, as long as it's sincere. When it comes from the heart, everything else easily falls into place. - 16650

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