10 Valentine's Day Gifts For Women

Of all the holidays in the year, Valentine’s Day is the one to truly make the thought count when it comes to gift giving. It is all about her. Take yourself out of the equation. If it’s something you will love, chances are it’s not a gift exclusively for her. I shouldn’t even have to say this by now, but please no sexy lingerie!

So before you rush off to the mall, take a look around your woman’s surroundings, her favorite places in her home. You may think you know her, but a fresh look is always time well spent. One well thought out gift can erase from her memory her horror when you gave her a box of low fat chocolate, or the slinky lingerie three sizes too big. It’s neither all about pretty nor all about practical. It’s not about expensive or cheap. Again, it’s the thought and effort put behind the gift. As you plan your gift, practice a little imagery. Imagine her opening up your gift. Prove to her that you know her, what makes her heart go pitter patter, her eyes well up with happy tears, her face beam with delight.

Still can’t think of a great gift? Allow me. Here are ten thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts.

Books, CD’s, books on tape, videos.

Again, take a long look at what she already has in her bookshelf, in her music collection. Don’t be afraid to ask the store clerk either. You already know her tastes, right? But store associates know what’s hot or even what classics are most sought after even if you don’t. Music or dance lessons. Does she not so secretly express her desire to compete on American Idol? Do you catch her singing into a hairbrush in the mirror? Does she fawn when PBS airs the international ballroom dancing competition?

A romantic meal at home.

Notice I didn’t say you had to cook it? Restaurants are now making it easier than ever to pick up a meal on the go. There are also some excellent frozen entrée’s in your grocer’s freezer. The famous chef to the stars, Wolfgang Puck even has a line of frozen gourmet dishes. Don’t forget dessert. Either way, make it easy, put out the best china and silverware, and do not leave a mess in the kitchen! Cushions and pillows. Nothing says lovin’ like a little luxury. Does she sit in a chair most of her day? Or does she like to sit in bed and read magazines? Give her a top of the line back or bootie cushion. Go to a store that specializes in orthopedic or ergonomic products. This thoughtful gift will remind her how you care about her comfort.

Gadgets.

Gadgets aren’t just for guys anymore. What about a cool camera phone? Or an MP3 player? Or, if and only if, she’s already an exerciser, visit your local sporting goods store and check out the latest device designed to help her accomplish her fitness goals, maybe a talking pedometer. Don’t’ forget the card and words to the effect of, “I love it that you’re taking care of yourself. I want us to be healthy and happy for a long time.”

Shoes and a day of shoe shopping together.

No matter if she’s the diva type or the earthy type, a good pair of shoes can put a smile on a woman’s face for a long time. Look, there’s no way in heck you’re going to be able to pick out a pair of shoes. I don’t suggest trying it. Don’t even buy a gift certificate. You can’t limit her to just one choice of store! Instead, put it in writing that you will accompany her in good spirits to as many shoes stores as necessary in a 24 hour period for her to find a pair of shoes she will truly love.

24 hours of personal service---housekeeper, cook, masseuse, butler, secretary, and chauffeur.

We should all have the feeling that our every whim is being catered to at least once a year. You might wake her with breakfast in bed, then run a bubble bath for her, and bring her the morning paper. While she reads her favorite magazine, you are dusting and mopping and cleaning the house from top to bottom. Remember, it’s the spirit that you undertake the chores with that will make the biggest impression, so don’t forget to whistle while you work!

Make an appointment with a professional to have something “fixed” about you. Yes, I said it, the “f” word. Are your teeth needing some repair, have you been putting off an uncomfortable but necessary health screening? Now some will say, “How romantic is that?” But she will know that you’re finally listening to her and taking care that you’ll stay healthy for her, and that, my friends, is happiness money can never buy.

Of course, you’ll need to give her the news over a romantic candlelight dinner. Selection of gift certificates from her favorite stores, the stores where she buys things for other people. If she likes that expensive coffee place, that’s a good start. Take a walk around her favorite mall without her. Her spirit will guide you and before you know it, you’ll be thinking you’re a genius for being so thoughtful!

Professional photo session.
You know how she’s always the one making memories from your everyday life? She’s the photographer, rarely the photographed. Give her a session with a professional photographer. Now we know the most popular form of this gift is from that place where glamorous shots are taken and tons of makeup is applied semi-professionally. Again, know your woman. If that’s not her style, then find a local photographer who will photograph her naturally or however way she truly wants to be seen.

Now if you’re a traditionalist and these ideas have your head spinning, then go ahead and throw in a bouquet of flowers and a shiny box of chocolates. It never hurts to have a backup!