So its almost February already, and you know what that means.  That girl or guy you met on New Years has made the preceding month or so exciting and adventurous, but now things are settling down and its time to pay up or hit the road.  Yes, that’s right, it’s almost Valentines Day once again and that means more gifts!  And you thought you’d have a break now that the holidays are over.  

The good news is, gifts for Valentine’s Day are usually less crucial as the holidays, or birthdays.  Let me emphasize the ‘usually’ in that last sentence.  Hopefully you’ve gotten a feel for the person you’re dating, and you can tell if they like to make a big deal out of Valentines Day or not.  Even if they don’t, if you’re with someone you really care about you may want to seize the opportunity to make a big showing of it.  The right gifts for Valentine’s, and a well thought out plan can really knock your date’s socks off.  

I think this last point is especially important, and especially for men.  Good gifts for Valentine’s Day are one thing, but good gifts combined with a fun and/or romantic evening you’ve been planning for weeks is a lot better.  

Personally, I’ve found that a ‘shotgun’ approach works best with gifts for Valentine’s Day.  I take the opportunity to get a handful of smaller gifts, and try to weave them in with a night out on the town, or romantic candle lit dinner cooked, served, and cleaned by yours truly.  Flowers, candies, and jewelry combined together make some great gifts for Valentine’s Day.  

Now that all sounds like a lot of money, and it certainly can be, but you don’t have to take out loans to get some decent gifts for Valentine’s Day.  If you’re on a tight budget, opt for the romantic candle lit dinner you cook yourself idea.  Can’t cook?  Even better!  Learning how to make a decent meal, or at least trying to, will show her your willing to make some effort for her.  Also, you can say a lot with a well-written card, which won’t cost you much at all.

All gifts convey a message, and gifts for Valentine’s Day are no different.  Choose your message carefully before diving in and buying things.  What stage are you in your relationship, and what stage would you like to be in?