Valentine's Day 2012 Gift Guide for Her
This Valentine's Day, show the woman in your life how much you care with a gift for her. Draw gift inspiration from this current guide loaded with traditional, unique, quirky, and fun ideas. In fact, there's something special for every woman. From homemade tokens to romantic getaways, these ideas will delight and surprise. Best of all, they suit different budgets.
Traditional Gifts
The traditional Valentine's Day gifts of flowers and chocolate are sure winners every year. Many grocery stores, florists, and gift shops create convenient gift sets and packages, which eliminate the guess work for you. They come decoratively wrapped and have different price points starting about $25. If you're short on inspiration or time, these presents are life savers.
However, if you can do some planning, consider putting a unique spin on the traditional. Rather than red roses this year, opt for an exotic orchid plant or flowering houseplant. Instead of a heart-shaped box of candy, present her with artisan chocolates. Companies like Godiva, Richart, and Fran's offer excellent intricate confections. In particular, Godiva is famous for its silky truffles. Richart features chocolates imprinted with colored designs, and Fran's sells legendary salted caramels. All can be ordered online.
Or, why not make your own sweet treat? Homemade brownies, chocolate dipped strawberries, and decorated cupcakes are inexpensive and thoughtful.
Personalized
Personalized gifts make ideal presents any time of year, but especially during Valentine's Day. It's easy to purchase monogrammed items such as makeup bags, bath robes, slippers, luggage, and pillows, which are practical and often used. Other ideas include a monogrammed silver computer mouse, locket, or wine glasses.
For a woman who appreciates offbeat gifts, order fortune cookies with personalized love messages. The company Custom Fortune Cookies lets you insert 4 special messages into 50 cookies. Or add your own picture to a set of playing cards. The company Newt's Playing Cards will create a card deck with your image on them.
Romantic Getaways
If your budget allows it, spend the night away from home. Research nearby Bed and Breakfast hotels catering to couples. They often feature sweetheart specials during February. There's nothing better during the cold winter than a cozy retreat. If you can't go away overnight, plan a special day together. Rent a limousine to visit a local winery. Take her to a museum exhibit and lavish lunch in the city. Finally, hire a babysitter for the day and plan a picnic at the park.
Spa Experience
Most women love to be pampered, but don't often have the time or finances to visit a spa. This year, give your special woman a spa experience. Not only is this gift indulgent, but it can be used anytime according to her own schedule. Many spas offer packages at different price points with massages, facials, and manicures. If you're not sure what she'd like, simply buy a gift certificate for any service of her choosing.
Another less expensive idea is to create a spa experience she can do at home. Give her a basket filled with lotions, bath salts, loofahs, and creams. Or present her a foot-bath and massager she can use after a long day of work.
