Chloe Reid

Reporter

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many of us have most likely started into finding gifts for our significant others or friends. However, finding gifts can be difficult, so use this guide to help get in the right mindset.

Valentine’s Day Do’s:

Chocolates

Chocolates are a classic that can be considered a good gift to any age group, gender or relationship status. If you’re in need of a last-minute gift, chocolate will probably be your best bet. However, they might not work the best for long-distance relationships, as chocolate might not last well through the trip.

Roses

Another classic, roses are a great gift for the romantic interest in your life. However, roses are short-lived, so if you’re in need of a good gift for a long-distance relationship, roses may not be the right gift for you.

Stuffed Animals or Plush Gifts

Stuffed animals are a cute and accessible gift for any type of relationship, and they can be within any budget. From as small as the teddy bears at the dollar store to as big as the $300 eight-foot bears at Costco, stuffed animals in any size are an easy way to show your love for your significant other or friends.

Custom Gifts

Custom gifts are a wonderful way to show that special someone on Valentine’s Day how much they mean to you. Personalized gifts are open to being as specific or broad as you want, making the possibilities endless. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

Photo Vinyls: For the music lover in your life, getting a vinyl of one of their favorite artists and cutting out photos of your person to paste on the vinyl is a cute and memorable way to show them you care. Getting a blank vinyl cover offline and making a personal album cover is a step ahead as well, this one offers a lot of opportunity for change.

Edible Arrangements: Getting some of your partner’s favorite foods and putting them together in a detailed arrangement is a great twist on the typical bouquet of flowers. However, getting custom made baskets from online retailers can be a bit expensive, so it’s a good thing they’re just as easy to do it yourself. With a cute dish, some floral foam, skewers, and whatever food your partner enjoys, you can give your significant other a gift that you put effort into yourself, and that won’t put as much stress on your bank account.

Personalized Gifts: Personalized gifts are another great option to give your significant other something that’s tailored to their personal interests. Similar to custom things, personalized gifts aren’t necessarily made by hand, but give the same feel to your partner in how much you understand them. For instance, if you have a significant other that’s interested in Star Wars, getting them a Star Wars picture frame with a picture of the both of you in it could be a good idea. Ideas for personalized gifts have a lot of room for personal ideas, so go as bold or as small as you want.

Valentine’s Day Don’ts :

COVID-19

This should say enough in and of itself, but giving your friends or loved ones COVID-19 for Valentine’s Day is typically viewed as a big no-no. Despite Valentine’s Day being a physical holiday, if you’ve been experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, the best way you can show your significant other you appreciate them is by staying six feet apart.

Something You Want

Don’t use Valentine’s Day gifts as a reason to buy something for your significant other that you think you’ll get use out of as well in the future. Leaning towards an experience you can both take part in would be a better idea, but try to leave buying personal items disguised as a gift out of the equation.

Household Appliances

While the person you love might want a new vacuum or microwave, Valentine’s day is a day about showing the other person your love for them. Getting products that are average around the house doesn’t show much appreciation for the other person unless of course, you buy something that is tailored to the other person’s interests.

Valentine’s Day-Themed Things

Sure, getting presents covered in hearts or cupids might be sweet for the time being, but getting your significant other or friend something themed for Valentine’s Day purely because it’s the correct occasion might not be the best of ideas. Even though it might be appreciated for a moment or two, random items or novelty items with no sentimental value will usually end up in the back of a closet or cabinet somewhere rather than getting used to its full potential.