Men, we know it is not easy buying a gift for Valentine’s Day. You don’t know what to buy and aren’t sure about the right size or style. Don’t you wish you could take a woman with you when picking out that special present? Look no further. I’m here to help with a few tips and pointers to guide you toward buying the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day.

1. Remember that this is an opportunity to tell her you care.

Valentine’s Day is just one more opportunity to tell her how you feel about her. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get something she’ll love. Just be romantic and thoughtful. A beautiful bouquet of flowers, while seemingly unoriginal, is always sure to please. Women love getting flowers, especially when coupled with a gift that tells her you remember something special about your relationship. For example, is there a picture of the two of you that she loves? Frame it and give it to her. When was the last time that you went back to the restaurant you took her to on your first date? Why not go and recreate the evening. Just knowing that you remember these details and that you care enough to memorialize them is a gift in and of itself.

2. Buy her something she wants but wouldn’t buy for herself.

There are some items that we would love to have but can’t justify buying for ourselves because the item is too expensive or just seems frivolous. However, that doesn’t mean YOU can’t buy it for us! Has she been stressed at work or taking care of the kids? Why not get her a massage or a day at the spa to help her relax. Or how about buying her a really soft pair of shearling-lined bedroom slippers or super comfortable pajamas? A few more items we really like, but might not buy for ourselves include:

– a beautiful sterling picture frame

– pair of small diamond “huggie” earrings

– a totally impractical pair of designer shoes or a designer handbag (for a real splurge) 

– any other item she’s been eyeing or talking about a lot, but hasn’t purchased

3. Remember that a gift doesn’t have to be something she wears

Sometimes the gifts we love most are those that beautify our home or further a hobby or interest we have. Does she love to cook? Why not get enroll her in a cooking class. Better yet, why not bring in a personal chef to cook a meal for the two of you. A woman who loves photography might enjoy a beautiful coffee table book by a famous photographer she admires or two tickets to a photography exhibit at the Art Museum. Think outside the box and look to her interests. There are plenty of original and interesting gifts you can buy that won’t invoke the wrong size, wrong style dilemma.

4. Be spontaneous

Do not underestimate the power of spontaneity. Is there a restaurant she’s been wanting to try, a show she’s been wanting to see or a bed and breakfast she’s been wanting to go to? Surprise her with a night out or a weekend away. You’ll get a lot of points for your thoughtfulness, forethought, and attention to detail.

5. Unless you know what scent she likes, avoid perfume

Likely Page Break I honestly think that perfume, and other scented items, might be among the most difficult gifts to buy and the ones that are most fraught with the potential for error. Everyone reacts differently to different scents and if you don’t know what kind of scent your woman likes (sweet, spicy, flowery, fruity, etc), you might be walking into a land mine trying to buy perfume. The same advice holds true for scented candles and reed diffusers. We love all of these items, but before embarking, please look at her perfume bottles and candles and give them a smell. Try and stay in that same aroma range. You don’t want to buy a very sweet smelling perfume or candle for someone who prefers a more musky scent.

6. If buying lingerie, remember that she needs to feel good about herself in it

Lingerie spans the gamut. Remember that this is supposed to be a gift for her – not for you (although you will benefit as well). So make sure and buy her something that she’ll love and feel comfortable and sexy in. This requires taking her body shape and personal style into consideration. There are a few articles on MenHATEshopping.com that can guide you into selecting the right piece of lingerie for a specific body type.

Men, at the end of the day, you know your woman best. Always remember who she is, her interests and likes, when picking out a gift for Valentine’s Day or any occasion. Still need more help? Go to menHATEshopping.com where you can shop painlessly and get free advice and product recommendations to help you find what you’re looking for.

Visit menHATEshopping.com to help you find the perfect Valentine’s Day Gift.

Good Luck!

– Rach