Valentine's Day 2010

With Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching, you men out there might be stressing about what gift to give to the woman in your life. This doesn’t have to be a nerve-wrecking task, just focus on showing your woman that you care. Here are some ideas from 5News on gifts to consider for this Valentine’s Day.

A mixtape: This is a great gift for men who don’t have a big budget for Valentine’s Day gifts. Mixtapes can say a lot about a relationship. Try not to worry about the genre of music you choose, but rather include music that you know she likes. Also, be sure to keep in mind the content of the lyrics; just because it’s a slow song doesn’t mean it’s about love. Look up or listen to the lyrics before you include any tracks.

Flowers: Flowers are another gift that won’t break your budget. Though flowers are a romantic gesture any time, they are especially romantic on Valentine’s Day. You don’t always have to get her roses; lilies are a beautiful and simple alternative. You can always ask her girlfriends or family for advice if you’re unsure what kind of flowers to get, and the gesture will be much more sentimental if you show up, bouquet in hand, to her job rather than just calling the florist.

Dinner and a movie: Spend an entire evening with the woman in your life and make her feel like the center of your world, especially on Valentine’s Day. This option is a little more expensive, but it’ll be well worth it. Consider making reservations in advance in order to avoid long waits on one of the busiest date nights of the year.

Couples Massage: Some women love to be pampered and would love a relaxing massage, especially if it involves her significant other. Most spas offer couples massages during which both of you are in a room together while being catered to by a professional masseuse, and some may even be offering discounted prices for Valentine’s Day. A relaxing spa adventure is an incredibly romantic gesture and is just the right atmosphere for a Valentine’s Day celebration.

Jewelry from Tiffany & Co: This is obviously more expensive than some of the other items on this list, but there’s something that women love about the little blue box from Tiffany’s. You don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive diamond ring in the store; Tiffany’s offers several pieces for less than $150. Remember to cater to her tastes--don’t buy silver if what she mostly wears is gold and vice versa.

Spend the day volunteering together: If you know the woman in your life is extremely passionate about a certain cause, she’ll be very impressed if you care enough to get involved. Tell her you want to spend the day sharing her passion for volunteering. Activities can be as simple as taking time to walk dogs at the local animal shelter or passing out blankets or food to the homeless. This gesture will show her that you understand her and the causes that she values.

A romantic weekend getaway: If your budget allows, you could take your woman away to a cozy bed and breakfast in the nearby countryside or to an exotic locale with a warm, sandy beach. A weekend getaway offers an amazing opportunity to spend quality time together and relax away from the stresses of everyday life Be sure, however, to give her plenty of notice so she can properly pack and prepare.

Home-cooked dinner for two: This is a very easy way to impress the woman in your life. By showing your prowess in the kitchen, whether you choose to cook a romantic Italian dinner or a luxurious steak or lobster, she’s sure to be impressed if you put a little effort and thought into the meal. Remember to include something special for dessert, and match a quality bottle of wine or champagne to the meal. Most importantly, do the dishes. She will be bragging to her friends for weeks!

Chocolate: The key to this gift is to branch beyond the generic, heart-shaped chocolate box from the grocery store and opt for something more luxurious. Brands such as Vosges and Recchiuti offer gourmet chocolate flavors and contemporary designs that can be purchased online. Be prepared to spend more than $50 on a box of chocolate if you decide to go with this gift, however.