Valentine's DayWhile I wouldn’t say no to flowers and chocolates on Valentine’s Day, I feel these gifts are a bit too cliché. Sure, flowers are romantic, but personally I’d rather receive a Valentine’s Day gift that reflects my interests. If I had the choice, I’d take a day at the spa over a dozen roses, or a trendy kate spade smartphone case over an indulgent box of chocolates. To me, these gifts say more than just, “I picked up a last-minute bouquet on the way home from work.” Instead, they show extra thought and creativity that doesn’t really come with the typical flowers and chocolates combo.

 

If flowers and chocolates are your usual go-to Valentine’s Day gift, then you might be scratching your head about what else you  could give your sweetheart this year. Take a cue from me and treat her to something that caters to her interests. Whether she loves fashion, photography, or adventure, you can spoil her with a thoughtfully planned gift or date that not only tells her, “I love you,” but shows her you care. 

 

If you’re stuck on ideas, check out my carefully curated list of Valentine’s Day gifts for her. (image credit: beautybehindclouds.nl

For the girl who loves taking picturesFujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo

Does your sweetie snap smartphone pics wherever she goes? Is she an “instant Instagrammer”? Then give her this Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic camera and she’ll go from snapping Instagram photos to instant film photos. The Instax Mini 90 sports a cool, retro look that hearkens back to the days when instant cameras were popular. Pair it with some Instax Mini instant film so she can start capturing memories of your Valentine’s Day together.

 

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For the fashionista in your life

If your significant other has a passion for fashion, you can indulge her inner style maven with something from kate spade new york. This high-end designer makes more than just handbags, offering fashionable “outfits” for technology. Surprise your special someone with a chic phone case, tablet folio, or laptop sleeve to make her electronics look trendier than the tech itself.

 Chocolate Fondue

For the true romantic

I’m a romantic at heart. But, my idea of romance doesn’t necessarily involve dinner at a fancy restaurant or tickets to the opera. I’d much rather enjoy a delicious meal at home than sit in an overcrowded restaurant on one of the busiest days of the year. If you want to impress your special someone on Valentine’s Day, then why not spoil her with a romantic night in? You could whip up her favourite meal, uncork a bottle of wine, and top it all off with a sweet dessert. And for entertainment? A romantic movie only seems suitable. If you’re stuck on ideas, check out the Ryan Gosling rom-com, Crazy Stupid Love, the ’80s teen romance, Say Anything, or the Marilyn Monroe classic, Some Like It Hot.

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For the world traveller

I’d love to be whisked away on vacation for Valentine’s Day. But, if I can’t have that, I’ll take the next best thing: travel gear. If your sweetie loves to travel like me, then why not treat her to some travel essentials that will make her next holiday memorable? TUMI is a luxury luggage brand with some stylish pieces that your Valentine will surely covet. This TUMI Voyageur piece sports a vibrant design that ensures it won’t get lost in the sea of black luggage the next time the two of you are vacationing together.

 

For the adventurous spiritSki Resort

While I’m not much of an adventure junkie, I do know that sharing an adrenaline rush can bring two people closer together. If your special someone has a passion for adventure, then why not plan a date that will have her heart racing? Take her skydiving, tandem bungee jumping, or ziptrekking for an exhilarating Valentine’s Day that she won’t soon forget. If you live near the mountains, a day on the slopes can be a great way to spend Valentine’s with your loved one. Go skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, and finish off the date with hot chocolate and snuggles by the fire.  (image credit: bakgrunder.com

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Vacu Vin Wine Tasting Set.jpg

For the wine connoisseur

If you want to spoil your wine-loving sweetheart, then tell her “I love you,” by taking her to a winery for a romantic weekend away. She’ll be swept off her feet by the lush vineyards and exquisite wine tasting experience. If you can’t spare the weekend away (or you just don’t live near a vineyard), you can create your own romantic wine tasting experience in the comfort of your own home. Simply pick up some reds and whites, light a few candles, and create the perfect setup with this Vacu Vin wine tasting gift set.

    

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For the eco-friendly, natural girl

Bath and beauty products are a staple in any girl’s life, but not all of them are created equal. If your sweetheart is environmentally conscious, then pamper her with natural beauty products. Free of harsh chemicals and earth-harming ingredients, natural beauty products like those from Burt’s Bees offer eco-friendly, naturally nourishing ways to look after the body. If your loved one hasn’t tried Burt’s Bees products yet, give her a taste of the brand with this Burt’s Bees Essential Kit. It comes with all-natural face wash, body lotion, foot cream, hand salve, and lip balm for the perfect pampering session.

Make this Valentine’s Day extra special by treating your significant other to the perfect gift. Whether you spoil her with a romantic getaway, a new camera, or beauty products, she’ll appreciate the thought you put into planning a Valentine’s Day to truly remember. 

Jenny Yu
I am a senior copywriter at Best Buy with a love for grammar and good food. I call Vancouver home but have also lived in London and Amsterdam.

1 COMMENT

  1. Those are some great ideas. I always have trouble coming up with good ideas for Valentine’s Day, so these ideas will help me out a lot. Thanks!

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