Fail To Fab: The Valentine’s Day Gift

By: Jess Downey, Copy Cutie

Fail: The last time I celebrated Valentine’s Day as a non-singleton was quite a few years ago. My boyfriend at the time was a total sucker for cheesy romance. I, however, am not; just give me some daisies and a mixed tape and I will swoon. It was a new relationship (we’d been together for all of two weeks) and I didn’t want to destroy his excitement for teddy bears and heart-shaped candies so I agreed to a minimal celebration. He picked me up at my place for dinner and gave me a huge bouquet of daisies and I thought, Maybe this yucky love stuff wasn’t so bad. That is, until he handed over a little red velvet box. No, not that kind of box, but inside was a pair of diamond earrings. To say I was mortified doesn’t even begin to describe what I was feeling.

Fab: Diamonds are heavy hitters — they mean something pretty darn significant. You don’t necessarily have to be picking out china patterns before bestowing a gem like this, but you should definitely make sure the relationship is well beyond the honeymoon phase.

When it’s a new partnership, you want to show the gal you care without overdoing it. Laying it on too heavy from the get go will likely send them running for the hills. Instead, keep it simple with a card, dinner, or flowers.

If you’ve been dating each other for a while but aren’t in the super serious stage yet, step up the romance — but continue to err on the side of caution. Make a reservation at her favorite restaurant or cook her dinner. Sending her flowers or balloons in addition is a nice gesture, too.

When you’re ultra-serious, almost anything goes. But you should still make sure your gift is something catered towards your unique love. And no matter what stage your relationship is in, if you’re dealing with someone who hates Valentine’s Day, toss aside all the conventional ideas. Instead, woo her with something silly and creative. Make funny Valentines or send her on a scavenger hunt to find her favorite things throughout the city.

Remember: Most women love romantic gestures, but make sure the gesture fits the woman — and the relationship stage.