Need the perfect Valentine's Day gift? Welcome to the club. Truth be told, shopping for your significant other can be a daunting task for even the most capable of gift givers. Whether you're looking for a present for your main squeeze, indulging in a bromance (no judgement), keeping things strictly platonic, or waiting for the verdict to come in on your new beau, fret not because I've rounded up the best buys that are sure to make your sweetie wanna bring it in for the real thing.
First up, the boys. From the outdoorsy guy to the couch potato, the world traveler to the whiskey connoisseur (and everyone in between), I've handpicked the gifts that are guaranteed to make him swoon.
Oh and just a word of warning to the guys out there who receive socks on Valentine's day morning...unless you're her grandfather, you should go ahead and expect an awkward "it's not you, it's me," speech in your near future. Just sayin.
The World Traveler
Is your valentine a frequent traveler? Whether it be a swanky passport cover, a new camera to capture all his adventures, or a rosetta stone package to teach him how to say " I love you" in a new language be sure to choose a gift that shows your significant other how much you love their sense of adventure.
The Outdoorsy Guy
Dear dude. Don't flake out but no matter how much of a "guy's guy" you are, at some point in your life, you'll have to find a balance between what your face needs and your personality can tolerate. Its about that time, trust me. This is where your lady comes in. Ladies, give your man the gift of skincare like the NO7 line featured above! After all, with all the time he's spending outdoors his skin needs to be pampered and nourished! Besides, his softened kissable face will be something you'll both enjoy long after Valentines day is over. You can thank me later.
The Couch Potato
Does your guy hold onto the channel changer as if it's the last box of doughnuts on Earth? From a sterling silver remote, a Crestron system, to blankets that beg for a snuggle fest, theres an endless array of options to give your man for Valentine's Day that will have him surfing the tube in style. Wanna kick things up a notch? Make him dinner and put on some of your sexiest lingerie. Or better yet, loose the lingerie. Either way, I can guarantee you'll finally get him off that couch. Am I right, or am I right?
Lets hear it for the girls...Don't worry ladies, I didn't forget about you. Since getting a gift for the lady in your life can come with insurmountable pressure, I'm here to help boys. After all, you don't want to settle for the usual flowers and chocolate. They're basic, and no one likes a basic dude. Looking for something practical yet from the heart? I've got just the tips for you.
The Girls Girl
Carol Channing famously coined the phrase "diamonds are a girl's best friend," in the Broadway production of Gentlemen Prefer Blonds. While I don't agree with the blonde statement (I'm clearly a brunette), I certainly won't be debating her on the diamonds. After all, diamonds are forever. "For eva eva..." Anyone else tempted to break out into a Kayne West rap right now? No? Just me? Alrighty then. I'll move on.
If you've been together forever, or if your just sure she's "the one" you can do no wrong when it comes to diamonds. Pair them with a bubble bath and a handwritten love note and you'll be everywhere but in the doghouse. As they say, go big or go home. Cant afford to splurge? Don't. If she loves you she will rock a piece of grass wrapped around her ring finger just as proudly as she would a glistening rock. If you go the grass route though, I'd suggest a solid love note, or a poem. A poem never hurt anybody.
The Class Act
Fine perfume is always a tasteful gift for Valentine's Day but picking the right scent can be tricky. This is where I can come in. After being sprayed by the department store spritzer girl in the hair, mouth, and eyes on one to many occasions, I finally decided to take matters into my own hands. The Verdict? Go for a perfume that leaves a subtle yet lasting impression. I'm fond of those that have a youthful, floral smell like the Juicy Couture one pictured above. Best of all guys? Every time she sprays this on her wrists, she'll be thinking of you. Can you say, winning?!
The Do Gooder
If you're surprising your altruistic Valentine with a romantic getaway (go you), why not get her a purse to keep her travel belongings in that looks as good as the good it does. I for one am extremely passionate about products with a purpose and conscious consumerism and always feel like the best gifts are those that give twice. Feel the same? Great! A wonderful option comes from Figue who created a limited edition Rhino Pouch to raise awareness of illegal poaching in Africa to support Rhinos Without Borders. With 30 percent of proceeds going directly to the initiative, you can spoil your girl all while showing her you support her efforts to make the world a better place.
Whatever your plans are this Valentine's Day, I've got one piece of advice: spread the love. Because, call me corny, but I think love is worth celebrating. After all, the one thing that turns the world from a lonely place to a beautiful place, is love, in any form.
So Happy Valentines Day to you and yours!
Written by Zoey Gulmi