With Valentine’s Day coming up, I think it’s appropriate to let everyone out there know what constitutes a bad Valentine’s Day gift. As a first article, we will start off with a few items that most men would not appreciate receiving. To some, this list may seem very obvious. But to others, it might be a wakeup call.

Bad Gift #1 – A Nutrisystem Subscription

Yes, Dan Marino is his favorite NFL of all time. He has Dan Marino signed footballs, posters, jerseys and playing cards. He practically wants to be Dan Marino. Then you see the Nutrisystem commercial with Dan Marino in it and thinks, “Wow, what could be better. He’s always idolized Dan Marino and he needs to lose a few pounds. I’m killing 2 birds with one stone.” Better think again. it would take a very confident man who really does love Dan Marino too much to see how you put two and two together to figure out this great gift. Add to this any gym memberships, scales, or exercise equipment.

Bad Gift #2 – Self Help Books

So you read about this great book that has changed a lot of people’s lives. Maybe it has even turned a few unemployed down and outers into millionaires overnight and you think the book would make a great gift. Well, nothing says get your life on track like a self help book for Valentine’s Day. Throw in any motivational or inspirational books and guides as well.

Bad Gift #3 – A Gift You Really Wanted

It happens more often than you might think. You see something you like that you think both of you will use. It could be as obvious as a gift card to a hair salon (gift cards in itself could be its own category), or an accessory for an electronic gadget only you use. Either way, if it will get used by you 95% of the time and by him 5% of the time, chances are it’s a bad gift.

Bad Gift #4 – Cheap Cologne

Nothing says I love You like a $4.99 industrial sized bottle of cologne. And nothing quite smells like it either. He might not be into fancy cologne, but I’m sure the people around him would appreciate a little more thought. And to add to that list are items like socks, underwear, deodorant, hair products, etc. Yes, they are gifts that he will most likely use. But, these are also items that should only be given as gifts by a mother to a preteen boy and not a woman to a significant other.

Bad Gift #5 – Anything with Assembly Required

He might have a tool shed that would make even Bob Villa envious. However, most guys do not want a gift for Valentine’s Day that’s going to the next 20 hours of their free time to assemble. What kind of gift is that? Add to this category any items that would be considered home improvement items like a new shelving system for your closet.

There you have it. Five gifts you should avoid this Valentine’s Day for the man you love.