All or nothing: Valentine’s Day gifts

January 30, 2022 — by Jason Cheng
Sorry, single people.

It’s that time of year again, where you’re judged for being single and resented if you’re taken — it’s a lose-lose for everyone, really. 

For those of you with a special someone this Valentine’s Day, this means hauling your lazy butt off the couch and surprising your shawty with their fifth gift of the year.

Don’t worry: If your gift doesn’t blow them away, it’ll only be a week of ghosting and side-eyes before things return to normal. Let’s start simple with the worst possible gift ideas: A box of chocolates. A teddy bear. A last-minute Valentine’s Day letter. Unless your bank account has a negative balance, these are usually no-go’s. Come on, it looks like you didn’t even put in an ounce of effort for your significant other.

It’s offensive, really, if you’re celebrating the love of your life with a pink and purple box of half-melted chocolates from Target, paired with a $10 worn-out teddy bear you found at the back of your closet. Put yourself in their shoes: Would that really cut it?

Instead, try something creative that shows you truly understand them on a deeper level. Maybe it involves a memory box full of inside jokes, or recreating your first date — whatever the cliché, make it something that only you two will understand.

Even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly, they’ll appreciate the effort you put in for them. If they don’t, it’s time to move on. Monetary value really shouldn’t matter since it’s the relationship that holds meaning, not the gift. 

Gifts don’t have to be materialistic, either; a shared experience can be just as rewarding, if not better. Take them out on a romantic date, and treat them to luxurious fine-dining. Your wallet will be crying for help, but it’s a noble sacrifice to show how much they mean to you. 

Ironically, Valentine’s Day can be  a trying time for couples. Your gift could be a make-or-break for your 2-month relationship, but cheer up: There’s always more fish in the sea. Too bad, you’ll just have to run it back next year.

My main piece of advice would be to not overthink anything. It’s a special time to celebrate someone important to you, and in reality, this should be an enjoyable experience to reflect on the time that you two have spent together. Just be yourself — you’re the best gift they could wish for.

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