Yep, I’m doing the work so you can look good to your sweetie on what is probably the most fraught made-up holiday on the calendar. Save time (and money!) by learning from others’ mistakes.
“After five years of gas station flowers, I finally told my husband to stop getting me gifts on Valentine’s Day. There is nothing sadder than gas station carnations.” — Jackie F., Las Vegas, Nevada
“Last year, my husband gave me a giant teddy bear. The thing is bigger than I am. I burst out laughing when I saw it, because I couldn’t help but wonder why he thought I’d like that. What 36-year-old woman would? The kids were thrilled though.” — Gayle K., Chicago, Illinois
“My high school boyfriend was a year younger than me. My freshman year of college, his mom and my mom picked me up from college and drove me to Lincoln, Nebraska, for his junior hockey game. His mom gave me the gift from him to open in the car on the way. It was tweezers and a bag of jelly beans. Dude, not even the right holiday, but he thought the tweezers would be appreciated. You may be surprised to know that he is divorced.” — Emily J., Saint Paul, Minnesota
All right, now what are some relationship-building uses of time and money?
- A shared experience: special dinner out, concert, weekend getaway, spa day, or a hot‑air‑balloon/helicopter ride for a memorable date.
- Classic but upgraded flowers and chocolate (favorite varieties, higher‑quality chocolate, or even Lego flowers for a twist).
- Personalized or meaningful jewelry such as an initial locket, charm necklace, or piece that reflects a shared story.
- Thoughtful “cozy at home” setup: good bottle of wine or champagne, nice candle, handwritten note, and a planned movie or game night.
- Customized or hobby‑focused gifts (custom game night accessories, favorite albums, books, tech accessory, or a class/lesson in something they love).
- A handwritten letter or card expressing specific appreciation, often cited as one of the most meaningful low‑cost gifts.
With a little planning and thought, Valentine’s Day can make you the hero of any relationship. Yep, these ideas can be nice for a parent, sibling, or friend.
Source for the sad stories: https://cafemom.com/lifestyle/195038-11_women_reveal_the_absolute (Warning! Some of the other stories in this article are a little racy)
