Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

When you're in a couple, whether you've been together for weeks, months, or years, you always want to make Valentine's Day extra special. We hope you show your love every day of the year, but February 14th is a day to make a little extra effort. Picking out the perfect gift for such an occasion can be stressful, though. Get it right and you're golden, but goof it up and the romantic mood of the season is spoiled. Don't sweat it -- we've got you covered. Whether you've had the same Valentine for twenty years or you're just getting to know each other, we've got Valentine's Day gift ideas for everyone.


Valentine's Day gift ideas for new relationships

If you just started dating someone, it may feel too soon for "I love you," which can make Valentine's Day awkward. But pretending the holiday doesn't exist will be even more awkward. Stick to the basics here -- acknowledge the holiday and take advantage of the opportunity to tell your new squeeze that they're special to you, but avoid grand gestures -- at this point in the relationship, it would seem shallow and silly.

For your new someone, we recommend...

• Chocolates or candy, for him or her, but nothing too ornate. Try the Lake Champlain Milk Chocolate Hearts gift bag ($12)
  
• A bouquet of flowers to say "I'm thinking of you." Browse Valentine's Day bouquets here, but remember for your first Valentine's Day together, keep it simple. More than a dozen flowers is overkill.
  
• A teddy bear, to capture the cuteness of the holiday, without getting too deep in the romance aspect.

Valentine's Day gift ideas for young love: high school and college sweethearts

We know that you're really in love and want to be taken seriously. You cringe when you hear the phrase "puppy love." But don't use Valentine's Day as a way to prove yourselves. Have fun with it! If you go all out this year, you'll be setting the bar mighty high for yourself down the road. Valentine's Day can still be about love and romance without splurging on expensive statement gifts.

For your young love, we recommend...

• For your girlfriend, consider a Nicholas Sparks novel. His latest is called The Last Song. Sparks writes a romantic tearjerker like no one else, and ladies melt for his books, most of which go on to become hit feature films starring Hollywood's hottest heartthrobs. (Guys tend to like the stories as well, but few will ever admit it.) If she prefers movies to reading, get a Nicholas Sparks DVD and plan a romantic evening to watch the film together.
• They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, so for your boyfriend, the perfect Valentine's Day gift idea is a home cooked meal. Not sure what his favorite dish might be? Ask his mom for a recipe. Then finish it off with a romantic dessert, like chocolate fondue.

Valentine's Day gift ideas for long-term couples

You've been together for years, and you've done it all for Valentine's Day -- romantic dates, chocolates, flowers, etc. It's time to step it up a notch. Just because you're not new doesn't mean your relationship can't be exciting anymore! You're looking for Valentine's Day gift ideas that will surprise and delight your significant other.

For long-term couples, we recommend...

• Have you decided to propose this year on Valentine's Day? That's sweet, but it's been done a million times before, and she's probably expecting it. Surprise her by popping the question a week before Valentine's Day, then throw your engagement party on the most romantic day of the year, when the whole world is celebrating love. Browse engagement rings here.
• Sexy lingerie. Get something lacy and beautiful for your girlfriend, or for your boyfriend, buy your own lingerie and wear it for him on Valentine's Day. It's a great way to show each other that you're still just as attracted as you were on day one. Try browsing corsets, garter belts, and lace panties for starters.

Valentine's Day gift ideas for married couples

When you're married, you see a lot of Valentine's Days together. If you make it a big deal every year, you'll exhaust yourself trying to come up with new ideas. You don't have to top yourself year after year -- it's just important that you continue to show each other you care. But if you haven't done a big Valentine's Day gift in a while, here are some ideas to make Valentine's Day 2010 a memorable one.

For married couples, we recommend...

• Satin sheets. A great gift for him or her that you will both enjoy -- if you've never slept on satin sheets before, you are missing out! Any Valentine's Day gift idea that makes your bed more inviting is a good one, right?
  
• If your wedding day was the last time you have your wife some jewelry, maybe this Valentine's Day is the right time to buy her something new and shiny. Ruby jewelry is traditional for Valentine's Day, because it's red, the color traditionally associated with love and passion. If you're not sure how she feels about rubies, you definitely can't go wrong with diamond jewelry!
• Men like jewelry, too. You could buy your husband a handsome new diamond ring, or if he'd prefer something less showy, a new tie pin or set of cuff links would also make a nice Valentine's Day gift.

Valentine's Day for singles

We know this is not your favorite holiday. But if you're not shopping for anyone else this February 14th, consider that you've saved some money (dating is expensive!), and take that extra cash and treat yourself to something that makes you feel good. Couples don't get a monopoly on happiness.

Buy yourself that new outfit you've had your eye on. Upgrade to a new laptop or cell phone. Grab your best single buddies and treat yourselves to a day at the spa, or a meal at your favorite restaurant. Have a good time!


Do you have Valentine's Day gift ideas that didn't make our list? Tell us in the comments about the best Valentine's Day gifts you've ever given or received.