This time of year we as men we often run into the usual situation of trying to plan something for Valentine’s Day. It’s especially difficult for us guys for so many reasons. First, we have exhausted our bank of ideas on Christmas. Second, there is pressure to be romantic (when inherently we are not), and lastly we do not want to duplicate bad ideas from years past.
Sure most guys wait until the last minute or even forget. Don’t believe me? Check your local gas station. There is a reason they sell roses and Valentine’s Day candy. Don’t be that guy. You don’t need to be Rico Suave but the truth is that you need to just plan a little better. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Lingerie
Caution – Check your wife’s or girlfriend’s size before you go shopping for this stuff. You don’t want to embarrass her or yourself by getting something for her that is too big or too small. There is nothing that will ruin the moment faster than to have her thinking about her weight. If you get something too big, she’ll think you see her as fat, too small and she’ll get a complex. Go for something tasteful. Make her feel sexy, not slutty. Look to spend $50 – $200. This is a win, win gift as a guy. Not only are you getting her a romantic and sexy gift, but she will want to wear it for you and you know what that means.
Candy
Sure a box of chocolates is always a nice gift. The problem is that it shouldn’t say “Russell Stover’s”. Look there is nothing wrong with the company; they make fine chocolates and have been around forever. These are the chocolates that you should get your co-workers and friends, not your lover. If you do, it screams “last minute ditch effort”. It should come from a mom and pop store, Godiva’s, Munson’s, or some other brick and mortar that strictly sells sweets. Then it shows you took the effort to pick out some quality chocolates.
Flowers
Flowers are a fantastic gift and most women love getting these especially on this particular day. Prices are steep this time of year because they’ve got you by the short ones. It’s okay, go with it. You can pull out the stops and have them sent to her job, or be a romantic and bring them home. Here’s a hint: She loves getting high quality flowers at work. It makes her look good to all the other girls and makes you look like Mr. Stud. Red Roses ONLY. Do not get those multi-colored ones it reeks cheap. Worse, do not send carnations or any other flower, unless its your mom.
Jewelry
As a last resort, this is where we can make up for almost everyone of our shortcomings and mistakes. Find out her preference and no, you don’t have to buy diamonds every year. Get her some earrings in her birthstone, or a nice pendant. It doesn’t have to cost you an arm and leg, but as you know the sky is the limit. Just remember that you have anniversaries, Christmas, and Birthdays so you may not want to blow you load on a Valentine’s Day gift.
Other
- Concert, Musical, or Theater tickets (not Movie Theater). These make a fantastic gift and can be paired with a nice dinner out for the two of you.
- A weekend getaway with some couple activities.
- A spa gift card, for a nice massage, manicures, pedicures, haircut, etc.
- Teddy Bears, yes women still love these things. Get a nice one from Vermont Teddy Bear
- Pajamas – If your not into the whole lingerie thing. Some great one’s can be found at Victoria Secret or Pajamagram.com
Avoid
- Appliances
- Things for the kitchen unless it fits a particular theme or it’s a passion of hers
- Electronics
- Toys
- Gadgets
- Jerseys

















