Valentine's Day Gifts for Her

Valentine's Day is coming again and you have no clue what to get your wife or girlfriend except the usual flowers and candy. Or maybe you are planning ahead and just want to do something different or special. I'm here to help you come up with the perfect gift.

I asked my single girlfriends what would be the perfect Valentine's Day gift and most said that they have had so many bad Valentine's Days that anything would be great. They just mentioned that they would appreciate the man making the effort. So here is my input, find an idea that works for you and then relax and enjoy.

First of all, make sure it is uniquely her. Don't buy roses if her favorite flowers are tulips. If she likes pink, buy pink, not red and be sure to say, "I got you pink because I know it's your favorite." If she's trying to lose weight, don't buy candy or if you do, make it one individual candy. She wants to know that you are thinking of her and what her needs and desires are.

Think of conversations you have had. Has she talked about a book she loved as a child? Go get a copy and write an inscription on the inside cover. Did you see a movie on your first date? Buy her a copy of it and write a sweet note with it. Is there a song that is "your song"? Buy the CD for her.

Big don'ts: No kitchen items, no cash, no clothes if you are unsure of her size. My ex actually bought me wrinkle cream for Valentine's Day once, hopefully that's not a mistake you would make.

Make the gift appropriate to the amount of time you've been dating. If this is your first Valentine's as a couple (say you've been dating a couple months) then a single flower and stuffed animal or candy is just right. If you've been dating seriously or if you're married then your investment (both financial and emotional) should be larger.

If you take her out to dinner often, maybe a dinner you cooked would be the ticket. Make her favorite, whatever that is. If you are newly in the relationship, take her out, show her off. She may feel you aren't proud of her if you keep her at home. Reservations are a must for restaurants on Valentine's Day; it's very busy!

I think most women would say that the cost is not the important thing, it's the thought. Many men feel lost at the prospect of coming up with an idea. Keep in mind that she wants you to think of her as the most beautiful, sexy woman in the world. Perfume and jewelry are perfect gifts, but only if you know what she likes. Her birthstone is a good idea since it shows you remember when her birthday is. If you know the perfume she wears, buy the lotion or powder that goes with it.

Experiences are great gifts too, if she complains that you never take her dancing, do it! Buy tickets to a chick flick or a play or opera that she would love to see. So much of this can be done online, print up the receipt and voila, your gift. Remember the gift is not for you, it's for her, so don't take her to see what you like, it's what she likes. Has she always wanted to ride a helicopter or hot air balloon? Look into it and buy her tickets, even if it's for the future.

Do you have a photo of the two of you? Put it in a nice frame or locket for her. Write her a song or poem if you are absolutely sure you are good at it.How about a massage? A real massage with oils and no reciprocation necessary. Make sure you utilize little touches like candles and rose petals. It's not corny or cliche, it's romantic.

Don't let the pressure deter you from what is really important. Valentine's Day is about love and showing her how you feel about her. If the gift comes from your heart, she will love it.