Exclusives
PhotoJuli86/Shutterstock
ByNicole Tommasulo/
Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and whether you take the holiday seriously or not, getting a gift is always a great way to show the person you're with you're thinking about them. But no matter if you and your main squeeze actually care about the day, relationship experts say you still need to acknowledge it.
Susan Trombetti, matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking, spoke to The List exclusively about how to pick out the perfect Valentine's Day gift. Not to add more pressure, but she says, "You can tell if your relationship is on track by the gift someone gives. Not getting the appropriate gift at the right time in your relationship means a lot and tells a lot about how your [significant other] is feeling towards your relationship and the level of commitment."
A gift is never just a gift, no matter how long you've been in a relationship. Even cute, funny gifts — like a card saying "So, like what are we?" with a mini pennant inside from Oxford Pennant — can bomb if you and your partner aren't on the same page. As Susan Winter explains to New York Magazine, "[t]he subliminal message underneath your choice of gift should say: I've paid attention. I've listened to what you like and don't like, because your happiness is important to me, and this relationship is important to me."
If you're still looking for a last minute Valentine's Day gift idea, we've rounded up creative and cute gift ideas for every stage of your relationship.
If your relationship is brand new, you'll want to grab one of these Valentine's Day gifts
Studio Romantic/Shutterstock
There's already a lot of pressure in a new relationship, and Valentine's Day only adds to that stress. Whether you're worried about coming off too interested, not interested enough, or you're just unsure where this relationship will go, there are a variety of brand new relationship-friendly gifts you can still spoil your SO with.
Unless it's a first date, Susan Trombetti says a heart-shaped necklace is what she always suggests. But since things are still new, something sweet and thoughtful like flowers and a card, while traditional, are safe gifts. Save the lingerie and diamonds for later on in the relationship, one relationship expert told New York Magazine. Getting your valentine a plant from The Sill or dried bouquet from Bouqs are creative twists on the old tradition without worrying about crossing a line.
Since relationships grow as you get to know your partner, the game We're Not Really Strangers is another creative Valentine's Day gift idea. They even have an Honest Dating expansion pack, designed to help you and your new partner get to know each other on a deeper level.
Gifts have been trending more towards experience-focus these days, so don't be afraid to jump on the bandwagon. Signing up for a couple's cooking class can not only be fun but might even give you more insight into the potential your new significant other has at being a partner, not just a date.
Valentine's Day gifts for if you've been in a relationship longer than a year
Dragana Gordic/Shutterstock
Whether you've been dating one year or five, it's safe to say you know your partner pretty well at this point, down to exactly how to speak their love language. With how many Valentine's Day, birthday, and holiday gifts over the years, staying creative and thoughtful can start to become a challenge.
One of the ways to show your significant other you still get them without going overboard on romance is ordering them a subscription box (per Cosmopolitan). Since it would be a monthly gift, it's perfect for long-distance relationships — even when you can't be there with them, a monthly surprise can help get them through to your next visit. With options like books, beer, and succulents, if your significant other loves something, a subscription for it probably exists. If you share streaming accounts, surprise them by paying for a few months or the next year of Netflix or HBO Max.
Planning a romantic weekend, whether out of town or as a staycation in a fancy hotel, is a great way to pamper your significant other as well. If you're still worried about traveling, a weekend at home can still be a romantic Valentine's Day gift. Good Housekeeping suggests hallway bowling as a fun at-home date night activity you and your partner can have fun together with.
Looking to make a big statement? Susan Trombetti, matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking, says if you missed proposing on Christmas and New Year's, Valentine's Day is a perfect opportunity.
If you're married, here are Valentine's Day gift ideas to help reignite the romance
Goksi/Shutterstock
For couples who are married, especially with kids, keeping the romance alive can be hard around Valentine's Day. Romance in general is hard when you're switching between parent and spouse roles, so even if you and your partner aren't big on Valentine's Day, it's still a good idea to set aside time to be a couple.
Susan Trombetti believes you can and should involve the children during the day. However, nighttime should be for the adults. "Get a sitter," she suggested. "Try and spend the evening, whether at home by a candlelight diner or out, with your SO."
If you're staying in, try recreating one of your favorite dinner dates by either ordering takeout or trying your hand at cooking the meal together. If you're stumped on things to talk about that aren't kid-related, make this the time you finally write down your bucket list as a couple — what haven't you done with your spouse that you've always wanted to do?
If you're looking for something cute and cheeky for your spouse, check out MeUndies. You can either get a monthly subscription or order matching pairs of under things or loungewear for you and your partner. It's a cute, silly way to remind them you still think they're attractive without the pressure and expectation of lingerie.
Recommended
