Valentine’s Day is upon us, and love is in the air! But let’s face it; this holiday can be a bit of a minefield. Between the pressure of finding the perfect gift and the fear of messing up your romantic evening, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Never fear! We’ve compiled a list of 10 dos and don’ts to help you navigate the holiday and avoid any major disasters.
From avoiding overpriced dinners to ditching talking stuffed animals, these tips will help you have a funny and memorable Valentine’s Day with your loved one. Let’s get this love fest started!
Going out to dinner at a restaurant — DON’T
Valentine’s Day can be stressful for couples, especially when planning the perfect date. While taking your date out for a fancy dinner at a popular restaurant may seem like a good idea, it’s important to consider the potential downsides. Not only are these types of restaurants often overpriced, but they can also be overcrowded with other couples expressing public affection.
Instead of competing with these distractions, consider alternative options that allow for more intimacy and romance. A homemade meal or a picnic in a picturesque location can be a much more memorable and special way to celebrate the holiday with your loved one.
Getting takeout — DO
While there are many traditional ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, sometimes the most memorable and enjoyable experiences can be unexpected. Instead of trying to plan the perfect evening out, consider staying in and creating a cozy atmosphere for you and your partner to enjoy.
Ordering takeout from your favorite spot, settling in to watch a new TV show, and sipping on a bottle of wine can be a relaxing and intimate way to spend the holiday. With a little thought and effort, you can create a special and memorable Valentine’s Day celebration without breaking the bank.
Flowers — DON’T
While a bouquet of flowers is a classic Valentine’s Day gift, they can be fleeting and often end up wilting and dying within a few days. If you’re looking for a gift that will last longer and have a unique twist, consider a bouquet made of Legos. These types of bouquets are more durable and long-lasting and offer a fun and quirky element to your gift-giving.
Plus, you and your partner can have fun building and creating the bouquet together as a unique activity for a holiday. Just be sure to keep in mind your partner’s interests and preferences before deciding on a Lego bouquet – it may not be the right fit for everyone.
Build-A-Bear — DO
It’s a cute and creative idea to give your partner a stuffed animal with a voice recorder inside on Valentine’s Day; it’s important to consider the potential downsides of this type of gift. Not only will the joy of receiving a talking stuffed animal likely wear off quickly, but the recording itself may also eventually deteriorate over time.
Imagine your partner’s disappointment when the sweet message of “I love you” starts to sound like a demonic utterance instead. It can be hilarious, and the fun will remain for years, and the memory too.
Buying lingerie — DON’T
“While lingerie can be a tempting gift option for Valentine’s Day, it’s important to consider whether it’s the right choice for your relationship and your budget. Lingerie can be quite expensive, and it’s possible that it may only be worn for a short amount of time before ending up on the floor.
Instead of spending a significant amount of money on something that may not have a lasting impact, consider opting for a gift that demonstrates your love and appreciation more practically and economically. It’s ultimately up to you and your partner to decide what works best for your relationship. Still, it’s important to approach gift-giving with thought and consideration.”
Make a playlist — DO
Music can be a powerful way to express your feelings and connect with your loved one on Valentine’s Day. Creating a carefully curated playlist filled with songs that have special meaning to you and your partner can be a thoughtful and heartfelt gift.
Whether you share the playlist as a physical gift or simply play it for your partner during a romantic evening, the effort you put into selecting and organizing the songs will be appreciated. Just be sure to consider your partner’s music preferences and tastes when creating the playlist, as it’s important to personalize the gift and make it meaningful for both of you.
Rose petals on the bed — DON’T
While scattering rose petals on the bed or in a bathtub may seem like a romantic and memorable way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, it’s important to think through the potential logistical challenges that may arise. It can be time-consuming and potentially costly to acquire many rose petals. Still, it’s also important to consider the clean-up process afterward.
Imagine having to spend the end of your romantic evening picking up hundreds of petals from the bed or bathtub – it’s likely not the most enjoyable way to end the evening. Instead of opting for a potentially messy and time-consuming gesture, consider choosing a different way to set the mood and create a romantic atmosphere for you and your partner.
Gifting a candle — DO
While candles can be a thoughtful and appreciated gift for any occasion, they can be particularly well-suited for Valentine’s Day. Not only do they add a touch of ambiance and romance to any setting, but choosing a scent that appeals to your partner’s personal preferences can be meaningful.
Just be sure to consider any potential allergies or sensitivities your partner may have before purchasing a candle as a gift. With a little thought, candles can be a simple and effective way to set the mood and create a special atmosphere on Valentine’s Day.
Proposing — DON’T
While proposing marriage to your partner can be a significant and memorable moment in your relationship, it’s important to consider the timing and setting of the proposal. Valentine’s Day may seem like a natural and romantic choice for a proposal, but it’s important to remember that it is a holiday that is widely celebrated by many couples. As a result, proposing in a potentially impersonal setting, such as a crowded restaurant, may not be the most intimate or memorable way to pop the question.
Instead of following the crowd, consider getting creative and finding a more personal and meaningful location to make your proposal. The effort you put into making the proposal special and unique will be appreciated and remembered for years to come.
Candlelit dinner in The Pitt News office — DO
We recommend a candlelit dinner at TPN’s office for the most romantic evening. What more could one want than multicolored string lights, leather couches, and a variety of candy? This is a great way to get on your date’s good side. You never know; you might be naughty.
Don’t forget to add special touches, such as an assortment of candy, to make the evening even more special. With a little effort and thought, you can create a romantic and memorable Valentine’s Day celebration. It will definitely impress your partner and strengthen your bond.
Forget Valentine’s Day – DON’T
Forgetting Valentine’s Day can be a major faux pas in any relationship, especially when holiday reminders are seemingly everywhere. To avoid this major mistake, planning and setting reminders for yourself is important. Consider using a calendar app or a reminder tool to ensure that you don’t forget this special day.
If you’re an Android user, plenty of reminder apps are available to help you stay on track. By taking a little bit of extra time to plan and prepare, you can avoid the disappointment of forgetting Valentine’s Day and instead focus on celebrating your love with your partner.
Send a text, call, or email the one you love on Valentine’s Day morning – DO
If you want to start your partner’s Valentine’s Day off on a positive note and show them that you’re thinking of them, consider sending a sweet message in the morning. According to Modern Etiquette Coach, this simple gesture can help to make your partner feel special and build anticipation for the evening ahead.
A thoughtful message, whether a handwritten note or a quick text, can go a long way in showing your love and appreciation. If you’re looking for more ideas on expressing your love and affection on Valentine’s Day, check out the lists of sweet ways to say “I love you” on the internet.
Go overboard – DON’T
While it may seem like a grand gesture to lavish your partner with expensive gifts on Valentine’s Day, it’s essential to consider what they truly value and appreciate. In many cases, thoughtfulness and specificity are more important than extravagance.
Instead of trying to impress your partner with a lavish surprise, consider taking the time to truly understand their preferences and choose a gift that shows you know and care about them. Plenty of resources are available if you’re looking for budget-friendly gift ideas. You can show your love and appreciation without breaking the bank by putting thought and effort into your gift selection.
Look for clues in what you know about him/her – DO
If you want to show your partner that you genuinely understand and appreciate them on Valentine’s Day, consider what is unique and meaningful to them. Making a list of your partner’s favorite things, such as their favorite book, place, or song, can help give you ideas for gifts or activities they truly love.
By focusing on what makes your partner unique, you can create a Valentine’s Day celebration that is truly meaningful and memorable. For more ideas and inspiration, check out tips and advice around the web. Following these simple dos and don’ts can make your partner feel loved and appreciated on this special holiday.
Valentine’s Day Gift: What Does it Mean? Let’s Decode Their Gift
A Valentine’s Day Card
Receiving a card on Valentine’s Day might seem a bit predictable, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be special. A handwritten love note inside a thoughtful card can be the perfect way for your partner to express their feelings.
On the other hand, if your partner doesn’t put much effort into the card, it might be worth having a conversation about your expectations for a holiday. Remember, a small gesture of love and affection can go a long way in strengthening your relationship.
The Money Gift
Gift cards can be a convenient and practical gift, especially if your partner knows you love shopping. However, it’s important to consider the intention behind the gift.
If your partner put little thought into the gift and just grabbed a gift card on the way home, it might be a sign that they weren’t fully invested in the holiday. But if they chose a gift card as a way to allow you to indulge in something you love, it could be a thoughtful and meaningful gift.
Sweets or Chocolates
Receiving chocolates on Valentine’s Day can be a bit cliché, but it’s also a classic gift. Suppose your partner gives you high-quality chocolates or sweets that you enjoy. In that case, it can be a lovely and appreciated gift.
On the other hand, if the chocolates are cheap or not something you particularly enjoy, it might be a sign that your partner didn’t put much thought into the gift. And suppose you’re trying to avoid sugar or processed foods for health reasons. In that case, your partner needs to be aware and considerate of your needs.
Flowers
Red roses are a traditional and elegant gift for Valentine’s Day, and they have been symbols of love for centuries. If your partner gives you flowers, it could be a way for them to show their love and affection for you in a grand and romantic gesture.
However, it’s also possible that your partner gave you flowers because they weren’t sure what else to get you. While it might not be the most original gift, a lack of creativity alone is not a reason to end a relationship.
Stuffed Animal
A stuffed animal can be a sweet and adorable gift, especially if you and your partner are still in high school or if you collect stuffed animals. However, if neither of these things is true, receiving a stuffed animal as a Valentine’s Day gift might feel a bit juvenile or thoughtless.
It could signify that your partner didn’t put much effort into finding a suitable gift and just grabbed something at the last minute.
Breakfast in Bed
If your partner goes the extra mile to prepare breakfast in bed for you on Valentine’s Day, it’s a good indication that they put some time and effort into the gift.
They had to decide what to make, ensure they had all the ingredients, and wake up early to prepare it for you. This thoughtfulness and effort can make the gift feel all the more unique and appreciated.
A Nice Dinner Out
Going out to a nice dinner on Valentine’s Day can be a wonderful and romantic experience. Suppose your partner takes you to a high-quality restaurant and has made reservations. In that case, it’s a good sign that they put some thought and effort into the evening.
However, it might be disappointing if they take you to a budget chain restaurant and try to pass it off as a nice dinner.
Clothes
While clothes may not seem like the most romantic gift, receiving them on Valentine’s Day can be a thoughtful and caring gesture. It means that your partner took the time to pick out something they thought you would like, showing that they are considering your preferences and style.
Even if you need to return or exchange the clothes, it’s a sign that your partner is considerate and wants to make you happy.
Jewelry/Watch
Jewelry or a watch can be a meaningful and sentimental gift on Valentine’s Day, especially if you and your partner have been together for a long time. It shows that you both know each other well and are committed to the relationship.
However, suppose you haven’t been together for very long, and your partner gives you a piece of jewelry or a watch. In that case, it could signify that they are ready to take the relationship to the next level. It’s important to consider whether you’re also prepared for that commitment.
Perfume/Cologne
Receiving a gift of perfume or cologne can be a romantic and intimate gesture, as it suggests that your partner wants to be close to you and experience the scent on your skin.
It’s a sign that they are interested in deepening the physical aspect of your relationship.
A Home Spa Kit
If your partner gives you a spa kit as a gift, it’s a sign that they are trying to be creative and thoughtful for Valentine’s Day. A relaxing bubble bath with aromatherapy can be a great way to unwind and de-stress.
The gift shows that your partner cares about your well-being and wants you to take time for self-care.
A Massage/Spa Day
A massage or a day at the spa can be an excellent way to relax and unwind on Valentine’s Day. It shows that your partner cares about your well-being and wants to spend quality time with you in a relaxing environment.
However, suppose the idea of being touched by a stranger doesn’t appeal to you. In that case, it’s important to converse with your partner about your preferences. Overall, receiving a massage or a spa day as a gift signifies that your partner cares about your happiness and wants to nurture your relationship. If it’s a couple’s experience, they want to spend even more time together in a relaxing setting.
A Homemade Gift
A homemade gift can be a sincere and heartfelt way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, even if you’re not particularly fond of the holiday or don’t have a lot of funds to splurge.
However, suppose the gift looks poorly made or like an afterthought. In that case, it might signify that your partner forgot about the holiday or didn’t put much effort into the gift. Alternatively, if you have children, it’s possible that the gift came from them as a way to show their love and appreciation.
A Personalized Gift
Suppose your partner gives you a personalized gift for Valentine’s Day. In that case, it could signify that they have been paying attention to your interests and hobbies. Whether it’s supplied for a hobby, a curated gift basket of your favorite food, or items to add to a collection, it shows that your partner cares about your passions and wants to support them.
This type of gift is often given by partners who have been together for a while and are comfortable and secure in the relationship.
Event Tickets
Suppose you’re a couple who have been together for a while, and one of you gives the other tickets to an event you don’t care about. In that case, it’s probably with the understanding that the tickets are for your partner and a friend to enjoy. This is a sign of a secure and long-lasting relationship where both partners are happy to share experiences with others who share their interests.
Suppose you’re not in a relationship like this yet and receive event tickets for Valentine’s Day. In that case, it could signify that your partner wants to have a memorable experience with you and thinks the relationship has reached a point where more significant gifts like this are appropriate. Alternatively, it could signify that your partner is trying to impress you.
A Weekend Getaway
Suppose your partner plans a weekend getaway for Valentine’s Day. In that case, it’s a sign that they want to spend quality time with you and escape everyday life’s distractions.
The trip could be cozy and intimate, or it could be to a place you’ve wanted to visit for a while, and your partner surprises you with it. Either way, the gift shows that your partner is serious about the relationship and wants to invest time and effort into it.
The Household Appliance
Giving a household appliance or other practical gift for Valentine’s Day can be risky, as it’s essential to consider how your partner will feel about it. While these types of gifts can be practical and valuable, they may not be seen as particularly romantic on a day traditionally about love and affection.
Suppose you’re the recipient of a practical gift on Valentine’s Day. In that case, it could signify that your partner is using the holiday to get you something you’ve wanted but felt guilty about spending money on. Alternatively, it could mean that your partner is more interested in your practical needs than your romantic ones. To understand their intentions, you must have a conversation with your partner.
A Pet
Receiving a pet as a gift on Valentine’s Day can be a meaningful gesture, as it suggests that your partner is ready to take the next step in the relationship. Owning a pet requires a significant commitment and responsibility, so it’s a sign that your partner is willing to take on a bigger role in your life.
It’s also possible that they hint at wanting to move in together, as pets are often seen as a shared responsibility in a household. Suppose you receive a pet as a gift on Valentine’s Day. In that case, it’s important to consider whether you are also ready for this level of commitment.”