Everyone knows that it is supposed to be much more rewarding to give a gift than to receive it. But is this true really? Wouldnt we all like to, for just one time, be absolutely selfish and receive something that we have absolutely, most definitely been coveting for quite some time? If everyone was perfectly honest (and how many of us would own up to that one?) then it surely would be a resounding YES!
So many people are advocating that for just one time only, Valentines Day should be reversed a little bit. Instead of rushing around to try to find the perfect gift for your significant other, try shopping around for the perfect gift that you would love to receive yourself. This may sound selfish, but just once treating yourself to the perfect gift may be just what you need to make yourself feel great.
It is odd how many people will agonize over gifts and the price tags for their loved ones (and women are the big culprits here) but wont spend anything significant for their selves. Men too fall into this category but not in as big a percentage. But the general idea is to enjoy the shopping too, not just the gift giving. Browsing around websites looking at all that is on offer can while away many an hour and the range of goods on offer is truly astounding these days.
So this coming Valentines Day look for something for yourself that you have taken time to find. If you have had to save for it, all the better and you will appreciate it much more. That doesnt mean that you have to ignore the general rule of the day though. It is still the day to show the target of your intentions how much they mean to you. By putting yourself first for just this one time, you may well appreciate what they do for you when choosing a gift.
St. Valentines Day was supposed to be for those who were admiring someone else but were too shy to show it. An anonymous card or gift was supposed to be delivered with a someone loves you style message and the fun would begin with the recipient trying to work out who sent the gift. These days though, many people actually sign the gift or card to stop any kind of misconception. Indeed, the custom has evolved somewhat into a kind of gift fest to beat even Christmas. Children give to Mom, Moms give to their Moms and so on. It doesnt really matter since if love is being shown, then just wallow in it!
A great idea is to buy a
gift online, get it wrapped, in a rather unusual or professional way, and have it delivered to your sweetheart. This somehow makes it just a little bit more special since the generating of all that organizing is appreciated as much as the gift.
Some people like to give a gift within a gift. That is perhaps a gold heart on a beautiful gold chain tucked away inside a velvet pouch hanging from the arm of a cute teddy bear. These gifts really are much loved and show a good deal of artistic flair. Another idea is to give a beautiful ring but in an unusual way. We have all heard about the engagement ring that is presented in a glass of champagne being imbibed at a special Valentines Day dinner. This is such a romantic way to propose and many have tried it!
If an engagement is not in the offing, flowers are always much appreciated. But for something a little different, how about a superb, exotic orchid delivered to your sweethearts home? Bonsai trees are also a uniquely different gift and look wonderful in a Chinese or Japanese style pot. These are great for homes with a modern, streamlined feel and are usually delivered with all the instructions necessary to keep them in good condition. They used to be considered a little difficult to keep but these days people really appreciate a real living sculpture in their homes and take time to learn about them.
For the couple who never seem to have enough time for each other, a gift of a weekend spa break is a good thing. It doesnt matter if he gives it to her, or she gives it to him because they will be enjoying it together. Just think, a couple of days away from the hustle and bustle of life to get in touch with each other again, and what a perfect time to do it around Valentines Day. Treatments like couples massages, facials, pedicures and manicures et al, can be enjoyed together and will bond the couple for the year ahead.
For those whose budgets dont quite run to the weekend away, or for those who just cant spare the time, try out a
beautiful gift basket filled with all the things needed for a touchy feely kind of weekend; or rather, for several weekends to come. These gift baskets can contain scented massage oils, creamy body lotions, bubble bath essence, slippers and even cuddly bath robes embossed with the initials of the couple. Candles and body chocolate can also be part of the package and instruction manuals on how to give the perfect love massage will fit the bill perfectly giving many nights of pleasure for both partners.
If all else fails, try sending gift vouchers for the person who you just cant figure out. In this way they will be able to browse the internet for all the goodies that they have wanted but would not buy for themselves. Perhaps this is the answer to buying a gift for yourself being advocated at the beginning of the article. If it is, try dropping broad hints some time before Valentines Day and you will have guilt a free, shopping bonanza with just you in mind which is what was being described in the first place!
