A Guide to the Perfect Valentine Day Gift

After the New Year's party aftermath has been cleaned up, many men begin to dread the second holiday of the year. The department stores in the mall start to light up with red, pink and white displays housing expensive gifts. Wives and girlfriends alike are giddy at the prospect that Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. Valentine's Day is a holiday that some say is deeply rooted in Roman history and still others say was invented by the candy companies. Regardless of its origins, it is known by men across the country that this is a holiday that can be a spectacular event or become a terrible disaster. Sure enough, however, any man can ensure that the latter situation stays at bay by getting his wife or girlfriend a great valentine day gift. But what exactly constitutes a great gift? Here, we explore some ideas that will make any woman swoon this Valentine's Day.

Buy her jewelry. Yes, jewelry is an old cliche, but believe it or not, it still works wonders. Jewelry is perhaps the gift captures the essence of Valentine's Day the most - pretty, sparkly and special. A valentine day gift should not be practical - this holiday is perhaps one of the most frivolous holidays, so getting your wife or girlfriend something she can use is just out of the question. A gorgeous bracelet or necklace and earring set is sure to do the trick and doesn't take a lot of effort on the man's part. Just make sure it is something you have put thought and effort into.
Take her out to dinner. Seemingly another cliche, however, a romantic dinner reservation for two is an oldie but goodie. Surprise her by picking a venue that you normally wouldn't go to - somewhere ultra trendy or to a restaurant that offers a cuisine that she loves. In this case, plan ahead. Pick a place and make the reservations at least three weeks in advance. The evening can turn catastrophic if the events are not well planned. If you can, try to treat this as a first date - let her talk, ask her questions, open the door for her and pull out her chair. If you really want to impress her, give her the above mentioned gift of jewelry during the dinner.
Get her chocolates or candy. Okay, this one is cliche. But if you really go out of your way to find something unique and original, you can make this gift a spectacular one. Chocolates from the drug store or supermarket will not do in this case - to pull this one off, the chocolates must be high-end. Visit your nearest Godiva store or any specialty chocolatier for hand-dipped truffles or strawberries. You can also order high-end chocolates online, and some chocolatiers may even offer personalized chocolates! Again, make sure that this gift is well planned. If you order online, make sure it is early enough so that the chocolates are delivered before or on Valentine's Day!

Getting a woman sexy lingerie, unless it is in addition to another, better gift is the equivalent of getting her a fishing pole for her birthday. It is really a gift for you in disguise. So this year, skip the lingerie unless it is something ultra-comfy that she can wear all the time. However, regardless of what kind of valentine day gift you get her, just make sure you get her something from the heart. Your wife or girlfriend will know right away if you didn't put any thought into it or got her a last-minute gift. If you plan ahead and make it special, you can be sure that your valentine day gift will be successful this February and every year to come.