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Valentine's Day always produces a flurry of activity to find the right gifts for one's partner or date. Most people tend to leave it until the last minute to decide, sticking to the well known favourites as their chosen gifts, or they have to get help from others to make the final choices. There are some top inexpensive gifts for both men and women which are extremely popular each year and they include the following:
FOR HER
10. Chocolates: These are a perennial favourite but they come last on this list because, apart from being a romantic choice, they are not suitable for everyone, especially diabetics, and can actually put weight on!! However, very few women can resist chocolates, especially the sophisticated and stylish Belgian types, so they have to be included. In fact, over £90m ($141m) were spent in the UK 2008 on chocolates alone, that's £171 ($256) per minute!
9. Sexy Lingerie: This is always welcomed, but, unless one knows the actual size and taste of the person, it could turn out to be a disappointing gift - or even a disaster! Men tend to buy lingerie that fits their fantasy of what they would like to see, but that does not necessarily suggest it would suit the wearer, or they would feel comfortable in it. However, when the right lingerie is given, and truly appreciated, it can be so romantic and erotic.
8. Flowers: Of course, they would come on everyone's top list because they are the epitome of romance. Who cannot appreciate beautiful bouquets? In fact, the President of France, Nicholas Sarkozy, and his First Lady, Carla Bruni, actually spent over $1000 per day on flowers in 2008 to brighten the Elysee Palace! It is low on the list because it is so popular, it is almost too predictable.
7. Teddy Bear: A stuffed toy of any kind, especially wrapped in a gorgeous ribbon, is very romantic. Most ladies love cuddly things and a teddy bear is the most endearing. It is something that will always remind them of the giver.
6. Scarves: An individual scarf for those winter months, or even to add a touch of style in the other months, is a most welcomed gift. Many ladies love to add a touch of class to their attire with a scarf. It can be monogrammed too which makes it very special and meaningful, especially as a reminder of the loved one.
5. Books: A book that is much needed, or one you wish to recommend, makes an excellent gift, especially if you sign it on the front page with a loving message. Books never fail because one can always keep them or carry them around for that quiet moment when they are needed.
4. An Ipod: There is nothing better than a music player with your favourite romantic music; the ones you both love. Every time she listens the songs will remind her of you. Not only that, it is great for enjoying on walks alone, when she is out jogging, or for when she wishes to relax. One can never fail with music.
3. Fragrance Gifts: Perfumes are sure fire winners for women and are top of the list, and the more expensive (like Chanel) the better. No lover can go wrong giving such prized items. However, it is better to give her a favourite than something new she might not like.
2. Jewellery: A necklace, or bracelet, in particular, is a very good gift. The partner can keep it for posterity, it can be monogrammed to suit, and it can be worn whenever required. It means that one gets the opportunity to see the loved one with it. It never fails as one of the top Velentine's gifts. Better still, perhaps a ring instead to pop the question? That would be rather special.
1. 50 Things Declaration: This is top of the list because it has a lot going for it which the others don't, and can also go with any of the other gifts too, especially the jewellery and stuffed toys. This declaration will be a card, either bought or made, with a special message listing the 50 qualities you like best about the lady. Things like, "I love the way you smile at me with that crooked little smile", or, "I get so excited seeing those gorgeous green eyes" or, "I love the soft touch of your hands on my neck." These are all great affirmations of the person that will not only come as a surprise to them, but would also bring a smile of awe and gratitude to their lips. Not only that, though it costs the keast, it is worth the most in sentiment and will be treasured for ages.
FOR HIM
7. Monogrammed Lighter: Whether the person smokes or not, a lighter, especially a stylish and customised one, is always handy. It is appropriate particularly because of its cost and keepsake value.
6. Concert Tickets: Any event, in fact, that your partner would wish to attend, provides great opportunities for gifts. Most important, you can experience it together, which makes the occasion even more romantic, while allowing your partner to enjoy something he really likes in your company.
5. Scarves: An individual scarf for those winter months, or even to add a touch of style in the other months, is a most welcomed gift. It can be monogrammed too which makes it very special and meaningful, especially as a reminder of the loved one.
4. Books: A book that is much needed, or one you wish to recommend, makes an excellent gift, especially if you sign it on the front page with a loving message. Books never fail because one can always keep them or carry them around for that quiet moment when they are needed.
3. An Ipod: There is nothing better than a music player with your favourite romantic music; the ones you both love. Every time he listens the songs will remind him of you. Not only that, it is great for enjoying on walks alone or for when he wishes to relax. One can never fail with music.
2. Jewellery: A chain or, more likely, a bracelet or ring, never fails. There is so much romance in such a present, which is always special, especially when monogrammed or linked to a proposal. Jewellery can be kept forever, or worn whenever suitable, and last a lifetime, so they make enduring and endearing gifts.
1. A Love poem/50 Things Declaration: This can go with any other gift, or it can stand alone. Your heartfelt feelings can be put into a special card or frame. It doesn't have to rhyme or be the best poem. As long as it reflects how you truly feel about your loved one, it is guaranteed to be unique, special and last a very long time in the memory, specially as it will be unique and unexpected.
FOR BOTH GENDERS
Two Lottery Tickets: This costs so little yet has the potential to change that person's life dramatically if they won big. Lottery tickets are the icing on whatever else you give because of their potential.
©Elaine Sihera (Ms CYPRAH) 2012
Emotional Health and People Management Consultant
"Happiness is a state of being. We are the ones who decide whether we wish to be happy or not, by the script we use inside our heads."
