What Women Want For Valentines (or any other day really…)

With Valentines Day just around the corner I thought it would be really fun to put together a post about what women would really like from their men. No… I’m not going all “50 Shades” on you. I’m talking about gifts from the heart.

My husband, who is probably reading this post, post-publishing, grimacing his face, rolling his eyes and thinking “Oh Lord, what has she done now?” is a really amazing practical gift giver. I’ve gotten some really, really nice things from him. Things that I needed. Things that were absolutely useful. Things like computer software, an iPod docking station, paleo ketchup and a satellite radio subscription. While all of those gifts are things I love and use (I don’t mean to sound ungrateful) they are all lacking one thing: Romance.

Now ladies, we cannot hold this against our men. We love and adore them no matter what. But some of them are fundamentally just practical gift-givers. I polled several of my girlfriends and heard the same thing over and over again: a little more thought and romance would go a long way. I then asked each of them for a gift (or gesture) that they would love for their guy to give them.

So men, if you’re stressing over what to get your gal, here is a great list of ideas just in time for the upcoming day we all love to hate: Valentine’s Day. (This list also applies but is not limited to birthdays, anniversaries, Talk-like-a-Pirate-Day, Christmas and/or any random Saturday.)

1 // Even though we love you and your social updates on politics, burritos and gym memes… We would feel like a giddy highschooler again if you updated your Facebook status with a picture of us, or heck, a compliment about your wonderful girl would even go a long way. Just don’t be excessive… no one likes too much PDFBA! (Public Display of FaceBook Affection)

2 // Flowers for special occasions are nice. Flowers for no reason are even nicer. Even if I am the type of girl who keeps fresh flowers in the house… it’s the fact that you went out of your way to buy these, just for me, that really means something. Also, if you can go a couple steps further and put them in a vase, bonus points!

3 // Jewelry is wonderful. Even if it’s not expensive jewels. A charm, simple necklace or even an inexpensive made-in-China Charming Charlie’s find… it’s a token of your love that we can wear. When someone compliments it, we can say “thanks, my man got this for me!”

4 // A card or note. Newsflash: Girls love notes! A lot of us have a box with all of the cards in it that you’ve given us. You wouldn’t believe how far a post-it note on the mirror that says “you are beautiful” or “I love you” would get ya… Guys, it cannot get much easier than this. Yes it’s possible to woo your girl with three words on a post-it.

5 // Speaking of notes… with today’s advancements in technology, sometimes we just don’t have post-its laying around. A simple, “Good morning” or “Good night” text, or an “I hope you’re having a great day, love you!” text will go miles.

6 // A weekend away! Sure a nice weekend in a fancy hotel would be extremely ideal and romantic… but don’t think some of us wouldn’t be happy if you said “HEY! We are going camping this weekend! Pack your bags!” (PS. Remember those bonus points you’re trying to rack up? You will get a few more of them if you have figured out arrangements for the kids/pets/house/etc prior surprising us with a weekend away!)

7 // Come home with a bottle of wine or champagne for no good reason. Just do it. Especially if you did number 5 and learned your girl is having a rough day. Everyone benefits. Add a few dark chocolate covered strawberries = booooonnuuuussssss!

8 // Even at the age of 30, I would love to have one of those scavenger hunt date nights. You know, where you put thought into a few pit stops and it ends somewhere special or fun, or even at a bar for a glass of wine!

9 // Long distance? This is one of the few times that a super practical gift is acceptable. OR when your girl is traveling out of town. This is when a few minutes of thought in target or the grocery store can go a very long way. Think: Care package!

10 // Plan a picnic. I know it sounds cheesier than all RomCom moments you can possibly imagine - but plan a lunch in a park. Here’s a hint, you don’t even have to cook! Pick up chipotle, or her favorite, easy lunch. Pick a place: think park, beach, the lot where you are going to build your future house, a family cottage or in-town “getaway.” The key is to have it all planned out before you force her away from her computer and into your car… have the food and blanket waiting. Don’t tell her where you are going. (Stay away from the blindfold in the car though… nothing ruins a romantic picnic like vomming from motion sickness.)

11 // A couples massage. Yes, she would love a massage. I have yet to meet a girl who does not love an afternoon at the spa. And if you’ve already gifted her a massage, snaps for you. Wanna up the romance and minimize the knots in your back at the same time? Opt for a couples massage.

12 // Spend a couple of hours creating a photobook or collage for her. Whether its pictures from a vacation, photos documenting a year together, an album of your kids and family, or even pictures and funny jokes the two of you share. It’s things like this that she will hold on to and treasure. I was always so jealous of my college roommate… her boyfriend, now husband, made her an 8×10 collage every single year they were together. They now have a wall full of framed collages packed with pictures, ticket stubs and memories that their kids are looking at every day when they walk down the hallway.

13 // One last freebie for you. This is an easy one: Keep the house clean. Keep the darn toilet seat down. Put the throw pillows back in their proper places. Empty the dishwasher. Be still my heart.

So gents, remember, it’s not always the dollar amount that matters. Thoughtful, creative gestures are really the way to score the bonus points this Valentine’s Day. It’s a win-win for everyone because I’m pretty sure you will really enjoy cashing in all those bonus points you rack up. Wink Wink.

Ladies - what am I missing? What would you LOVE for your man to give you for Valentine’s Day?

 

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