"Unique Valentines gift"... or "Valentines day surprise"... or "Valentines day ideas".
Of course, everyone wants to surprise their beloved with something truly different! They're hoping that somewhere out there, tucked away in a corner of Cyberspace, they're going to find an idea. Something that will make their Valentines Day target really sit up and take notice.
If that's what you're doing, you're going to be pleased that you found THIS. Why? The next few sentences are going to share the secrets of a truly original V-Day gift. It's really so simple that you're going to kick yourself for not working it out for yourself. But we're wasting time... let's get down to it. All you need, you see, is a system.
Are you rolling your eyes and wondering if you've wandered into a staff meeting by mistake? Never fear. This WORKS. For the sake of convenience, we're going to use "she" - but this works just as well for males or females.
== Step 1. Cut Out The Traditional Gifts. ===
Or if you don't cut them out, at least make them an 'add on' to the main gift. A box of chocolates as a warm-up, or red roses as a parting gift... yes, that's nice. But puh-lease... don't rush into the florist at the last minute and buy a bunch of whatever's left just so she will keep speaking to you.
== Step 2. Work Out What She DOESN'T Want. ==
This is not rocket science. If she hates seafood you're not going to take her to All-You-Can-Eat-Lobster. If she is into minimalist decorating then she's not likely to appreciate Wedgwood vases. If the Three Tenors make her go weak at the knees then she probably won't be keen on Hip Hop. The big trap here is buying her something that YOU like rather than what SHE likes. Open your eyes. Make sure you really know what makes her tick.
== Step 3. What Does She Buy? ===
What a girl owns will tell you a lot about what she likes. Does she pore over the jewelry catalogs, or brush them aside in favor of the latest brochure from the computer store? If she already wears six different chains around her neck and four bracelets and seven rings, you can safely assume she's REALLY into jewelry. But if a ten year old watch is the only adornment you can see, forget it.
If she loves sports gear and already has four pairs of cross-trainers, go shopping at the sports store. If she adores animals, buy something related to her pets - or maybe buy her an unusual new pet, if it will fit into her lifestyle.
Are you beginning to see a pattern here? Yep, "What fits her lifestyle" - that's the key. Let's continue...
== Step 4. Think Outside The Square ==
Now that you have your list of what she does and doesn't like (you are making a list, aren't you?) it's time to get really creative. Here are a few examples:
She likes jewelry:- What kind of jewelry will have a special meaning for her? Think in terms of where it's bought; any tie-ins with days or dates; a unique way you might deliver it. Can you present it in a way that will never be forgotten? (In the NICEST way, of course!)
She likes hi-tech toys:- Can you add a special song to a new MP3 player? Or present her with a new DVD player plus a romantic movie as a bonus? (If she's not into romantic movies - and plenty of girls aren't: they prefer to live romance rather than watch it! - how about the latest action thriller?)
She likes the outdoor life: If you're into grand gestures, how about a new kayak plus a river trip organized to go with it? Or if you're low on funds... a ticket to a sporting match along with a signed photo of her favorite sports star? (Yes, you do have to plan ahead for that one.)
== Step 5. The Valentine's Day Follow Up ==
True love is all about thinking of others ALL the time, not just on one day of the year. To be truly unique, why not organize a 12-step St Valentine's Day surprise - something new on the 14th of EVERY month! The gifts don't have to be large or expensive. A foot massage after a tiring day is more welcome than diamonds for a weary girlfriend. Start by giving her a meaningful gift on Valentine's Day, and accompany it with a note telling her there'll be another surprise on 14th March... then 14th April... then 14th May...
Do you think she won't be telling the world how wonderful you are? You better believe it!
Unique Gifts For Valentines Day
Grandfathers specialize in fun. How do you say thanks to the guy who taught you how to skip rocks, fed you ice cream when your parents said “no," and could find quarters behind your ears? Instead of a predictable Father’s Day gift for grandpa, find him something fun and unusual that says, “You’re special Gramps". Check out your options below; there are many that are just so out-of-the-ordinary.
Deeds to the United States - Does grandpa tell stories about his childhood in Michigan? Wish he’d bought a cabin in upstate New York? Give him a tiny piece of his dream with a Deed to a one square inch parcel of land in New York or any individual state. Deeds are available for all 50 states too. The individually numbered deed will be inscribed with grandpa’s name and you can have it framed or mounted on a plaque. What could be a more unique gift?
Photo Stamps - No grandfather has ever said, “No more photos of the grandkids!" Indulge his love of snapshots with USPS Photo Stamps of his children, grandchildren, or his pets. By uploading photos from your computer (or his) you can create personalized stamps (real US Postage) and make all his mail unique. Every recipient will certainly know how much he loves his family.
Presents for Baseball Lovers—Does Grandpa remember the days when the Dodgers called Brooklyn home? Reminisce about America’s pastime with a Ballpark Pen made of the wooden seats from his favorite ballpark—even some that have been razed. You can also give him a Ballpark baseball corkscrew or bottle opener, a basket of wine or the beer of the month club.
One Share of Stock – What does your grandfather love? His Campbell Tomato soup for lunch? Tootsie Rolls? His Apple Computer?, Coca-Cola? If he does love Coke, bet he doesn’t own Coca-Cola stock. But he could! The company called OneShare.com sells, well, duh, one share of stock in various popular companies. You get a fancy legal stock certificate to hang on his wall and the company’s annual report along with all the company’s financial info. One share may not make him rich, although he will receive corporate declared dividends and have voting rights, but I bet he’ll love it.. Check all the companies out.
Trip Back in Time—Grandpa knows entertainment: Who’s on First, The Shadow Know, Aliens invading NYC. Help him enjoy his favorite shows again with 30 one hour discs of classic radio recordings from the 30’s and 40’s. The Old Time Radio Shows include everything from the comedies to mysteries to variety shows that made families of the era tune in each evening. You can also get him an authentic copy of a major newspaper from his birthday. Show him what made the news on the day he was born.
Delicious Treats—Grandpa may not cook like Emeril but I bet he’s the first guy at the table when suppertime rolls around. Sign him up to enjoy three, six, nine or twelve months of his favorite foods with the Gift of the Month Club. There are 21 clubs to choose from including lobster, salsa, ice cream, even a dinner and a movie club that includes a pasta/sauce dinner, gourmet popcorn and a Blockbuster gift card.
Gifts of Nature—If grandpa is more at home in the forest than in his own living room celebrating his love of nature with a gift straight from the great outdoors. Choose a gift that reflects the strength and long lasting affect Grandpa’s had on your life with a tree planted in his honor. It will be planted on public lands in the state of your choice and Grandpa will receive a personalized note and Happy Father’s Day certificate. Or choose and out of the world gift with his own personal star registered with the Universal Star Catalogs Database. He’ll receive a certificate and the stellar coordinates so, with the help of a telescope, he can gaze upon his very own star.
Jitterbug One Touch Cell Phone - This for your grandfather may just be what he may need someday…and only what he may need—a cell phone with only three buttons. The buttons are 911, His Choice of a number of his choice (yours?) and Operator (a live operator that can hook him up with numbers such as tow-truck services or look up a person’s number for you). He can also store the numbers of ten friends and family to scroll through and call. What a great gift not only for grandpa, but grandma and older relatives too!
Gifts to Wear - Give grandpa a shirt that tells the world just who he is. Dog Breed Shirts embroider a head portrait of Grandpa’s favorite breed and the name of his furry friend above the left side pocket of a comfy button down denim shirt. Everyone from “Cool Grandpa" to “Poppy" to “Marine Grandpa" can find the perfect t-shirt or cap at Café Press.
Both Paul Winter & Scott Moger are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.