by Shirley Bourget

Created on: January 10, 2012   Last Updated: January 17, 2012

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and it’s time to start contemplating gift choices for those you love. Traditionally celebrated as a time for lovers, the popular February 14th holiday has evolved over the years to include sentiments of warmth and appreciation to family members, friends and even co-workers. With that in mind, you might find it hard to choose gifts that hold the right expression of love and gratitude for the people in your life.

Gift giving is definitely a personal matter, and whether you are looking for an intimate expression of love or a heartfelt “thank you”, considering an individual’s likes and dislikes will show your thoughtfulness and intent in the gift. Keep in mind that Valentine gift giving needs to be appropriate. Never give gifts that are not equal with your level of intimacy. Here is a list of possible gift ideas to get you thinking in the right direction.

For that Significant Other or Special Someone – Traditional flower bouquets, heart-shaped chocolates, jewelry or lingerie are still acceptable gift choices for those with whom you share an intimate love relationship, and findgift.com is a great website offering anything from love coupons and intimate games to perfumes and gift baskets. But if you’re looking for something extra special, different this year by delivering your gift with flair.

Create a special day or evening by building up to your romantic time together. Tuck love notes or messages into his/her pocket, briefcase or purse telling them how much you look forward to being with them again. Consider a scavenger hunt leading up to that special moment when you two can be together by posting notes that reveal small bits of things to come or special instructions that will lead up to your special time together and will lend to the suspense of the moment.

Start out the day with breakfast in bed or arrange for an intimate private lunch. Make plans for a candlelight dinner, maybe recreating your first date or a special time you shared that holds deep meaning for you both. Plan an intimate bath or massage that might include a “basket of love” containing special oils, candles, music or foods to be shared together. Plan an overnight get-away or steal a few hours for a mini “vacation” by decorating your home or bedroom with theme-related items from that place you have both always wanted to visit. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to be romantic. Just think of something special and meaningful and build from there!

Family, Friends, and Co-Workers – A simple card goes a long way when it comes to saying “I love and appreciate you” to people who hold special places in our hearts. The trick here is to choose a gift that says “I value you”. Gifts pertaining to hobbies or special interests are always a good idea for family and friends. Or consider tickets to a favorite movie, or the entrance to a museum or favorite sporting event, these types of gifts will help individuals think of you during and after attending the event.

Give coupons for “lunch on me” or make special favorite dishes for the foodies you hold dear. Buy personalized candies. Give a gift that will make them feel special like coupons for pedicures, manicures, haircuts or time at the spa. Gift cards for special coffees or teas are also good ways to express a special Valentine greeting that says “You hold a special place in my heart!” and “Thanks for being you!”

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