Get Her What She Really Wants for Valentine’s Day

photography by ButterflySha

For years, Valentine’s Day has been associated with lovers exchanging cards, candy and flowers. Just behind Christmas, Valentine’s Day is the second largest card-sending holiday, and without a doubt the largest flower-giving holiday. Why not be more original this year and give your sweetie something less predictable and traditional?

Disclaimer: These gift ideas are really not your typical Valentine’s Day gifts; they err on the side of creativity and personalization. If you know your girl is more traditional, then by all means go for the flowers, candy, perfume, lingerie and other sexy items.

10 (Not-So Traditional) Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

1) Massage/Spa Gift Certificate - Nothing says I love you more than a certificate for a stranger to oil her body and rub her down right. (HA!) But seriously, with all the stresses in life (work, home life and sometimes you), a woman needs some TLC—a massage is just that! Note: If you don’t know if your sweets would be into a massage, search for venues that allow her to use the certificate towards other spa treatments like facials, waxing, or mani/pedis.

2) Photo Related Gifts – Find your favorite photo of you and her and turn it into a gift she’ll treasure over the years. You can simply frame it or do one of the following: create personal drink coasters, personalized pop art portraits (think Andy Warhol) or photo magnets.

3) Specialty Gift Baskets – You could purchase a ready-made basket of goodies, but that’s no fun! Create your own. Thinking of her interests (or something she’s been dying to try) and selecting items she’ll both use and enjoy is key. For instance, if she’s into wine, why not create a “wine connoisseur basket”? Fill it with wine(s) and all its accompaniments, such as chocolate, cheese and crackers and dried fruit. And the great thing about this gift idea is it works on any budget.

4) A Gift with/for a Cause – If your gal is into charitable causes, buy her a gift that supports her favorite charity. For instance, shop for items at the Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Ribbon Shop, and a portion of your sale will go towards finding a cure, assisting patients and cancer education. It’s a dual gift—she’ll appreciate the physical gift and knowing that a portion of the proceeds benefit a cause close to her heart is priceless.

5) Tickets to a Show or Concert – Maybe you two always talk about going to a show or concert, but never find the time. Don’t forget to sneak a peak at her calendar or simply ask what her availability is before purchasing. This gift idea is great because it’s something you both (hopefully) can enjoy.

6) Day or Weekend Getaway – Planning a day or weekend trip for two is no easy feat. No matter your budget, weather or other obstacles, a getaway that you plan with her interests and likes in mind will be special. Travelocity, Expedia and the like have last-minute getaway deals, and if anything, it’s a good place to look to jumpstart your search.

7) Couples’ Classes – From couples cooking classes to couples dancing classes to couples golf lessons—you are sure to score points if you choose something you both have been dying to try. Even if you both realize you’re not the next “Top Chef,” “So You Think You Can Dance” contestant or Tiger Woods, at least you’re doing something active together and you’ll have a good story to tell at the next cocktail party.

8) Warm Slippers, Robe or Scarf – February is a cold month, so receiving gifts that help you stay warm are always welcomed. Opt for plush and cushy items like wool-lined slippers, soft spa robes (check out Brookstone’s spa comfort robe), or a wool or cashmere scarf.

9) Something Cheery for Her Office – Studies have proved that individuals who have two happy focal points to focus on during stressful times in the office lead happier work lives. If you want her to be in a good mood throughout the day, so that she’s in a better mood when you’re together after work, give her something to smile about, maybe even something that will remind her of you. Pick up a plant (a spider plant is easy to care for and emits more oxygen than any other house plant), a framed photo or art, or a goofy trinket. The key is choosing something that will evoke happiness when she’s stressed or unhappy at work.

10) Bed Sheets, Duvet or Blankets – Lingerie doesn’t make this list of gift ideas, but if you hope to do something special in the bedroom on V-day (and beyond), dress up the bedroom with new sheets, a duvet or plush blankets. Egyptian cotton sheets are as good as silk, but less cheesy and nicer on the pocketbook. (Reminder: the higher the thread count, the higher the quality.) A duvet or plush blankets add ambiance to your bed, plus it’ll show her that you care to create a warm environment in the bedroom.

11) (For good measure and great when you’ve procrastinated…) Love Coupons – Much like a gift certificate or an IOU coupon, create love coupons for “services” such as a homemade dinner of her choice, a date on the town, or special bubble bath. Obviously, you can be as creative and naughty as you want with this gift.

Important: Don’t forget to get her a card. Write a heartfelt message about how much she means to you or how happy she makes you, and that in and of itself will make her day.