February 14th is Valentine’s Day, a day for celebrating love and that someone special in your life. Some people seem to have a knack when it comes to perfect Valentine gift giving. Those are the people who manage year after year to buy the gifts that are not only loved by the recipient, but envied by all. What makes these gifts and those who give them so special and unique? The answer is simple; they know the secret of how to buy the perfect Valentine’s Day gift.

Buying a gift for Valentine’s Day isn’t hard. Every year as February nears consumers are inundated with advertisements on television, radios and online about what makes a perfect gift. Diamond jewelry, boxed chocolates and cute teddy bears are tried and true gifts, but there isn’t anything inherently unique about these sorts of gifts and aren’t always the best way to display true affection towards a loved one. Basically, a true expressions of love can’t come in a one size fits all package. Buying the perfect gift for the object of your affection, male or female, is as simple as a little creativity and knowing what makes his or her heart skip a beat. To jump-start your creativity when shopping for that perfect gift, read the following easy tips.

Step 1: Take Relationship Length into Consideration

When buying a gift for Valentine’s Day, it helps to consider how long you’ve been in a relationship with the object of your affection. Not every relationship is at a stage where a gift professing an undying love is appropriate or necessary. A gift that says too much too early on in a relationship could scare the recipient off just as easily as a gift that says nothing at all can make a long term love feel under appreciated.

1. A gift for a relationship that is under a year old should be fun and say that the giver is interested in the relationship, but not be presumptuous in assuming to know where the relationship is headed. For this type of relationship think of those traditional gifts such as candy or stuffed animal, something that you know will be appreciated.
2. Couples dating 1-3 years know that they are in a relationship and it’s safe to assume that there is a certain level of commitment. More personal gifts are appropriate for these types of relationships. The most meaningful gifts are those that demonstrate how much you know your loved one and what he or she finds thoughtful and romantic.
3. Couples that have been together longer than three years or those who are married can be both the hardest and easiest to buy for such as red roses. Coming on to strong isn’t the issue for these couples, it’s failing to show enough affection that can be the problem. Valentine’s gifts should show how much this person continues to mean to you.

Step 2: Buy Jewelry Thoughtfully

Jewelry buying and Valentine’s Day are like two proverbial peas in a pod. Think of Valentine’s day and all the images embedded in the psyche of men and women by jewelry store advertisements comes readily to mind. And with good reason. According to the website No Dirty Gold nearly half of all people surveyed by the Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council call jewelry their favorite Valentine’s Day gift. They also state that 28 percent of shoppers gave the gift of jewelry last Valentine’s Day, with only cards and candy being more popular.

If considering jewelry as your Valentine’s gift, make it extra special by purchasing jewelry that has not been manufactured or produced in a way that has been negative to it’s community of origin, it’s workers and the environment. Purchase from companies such as Brilliant Earth that specializes in conflict free diamonds and renewed gold or Green Karat an eco-friendly company which sales jewelry made from recycled diamonds, gold and other gemstones. Another option is to do your own part in recycling by purchasing a vintage piece of jewelry. Not only will she or he love the gift but they will also appreciate your socially conscious efforts.

Step 3: Consider What Makes Your Loved One Unique

Everyone has something about them that makes them unique. A love for adventure, an artistic soul, a mellow nature. A great gift is one that shows that you know who your partner is and what makes them special. When shopping for a Valentine’s gift keep in mind those things that were probably integral to why you fell in love in the first place. Find a way to incorporate that uniqueness into a one of a kind gift. A few traits and ideas to consider for example:

1. The reader. If your looking for a gift for a mate who loves to read and expressed an interest in the latest technology, consider buying him or her an e-book reader as a gift. There are several popular readers to choose from including the Cybook Opus , the Sony Reader and the most recognizable (and one of the most expensive)being the Kindle.
2. The adventurer. Consider going on an adventure weekend or date. Sites such as REI Adventures have packages to choose from in order to create an unforgettable weekend. Rent a hot air balloon, go sky diving, think of what your thrill seeker enjoys the most and plan a day around it.

Step 4: What She Always Wanted But Never Asked For

Do you know of something that your wife always wanted but has never gotten as a gift or for herself? Is there a place that your husband has dreamed of visiting? Tickets that your boyfriend or girlfriend wishes he/she could obtain? Making a gift out of a not often spoke of wish can make an exceptional present with lasting memories. If your partner has discussed a particular desire with you, this makes your job an easy one.

On the other hand, if you know there is a secret wish but your significant other has yet to share it with you a little investigative work may be needed. Start a conversation by telling her what you have a secret desire for, and then ask her to share the same with you. If it’s something that you can buy or make happen then go for it. Not only will you learn something new about your sweetheart but you may have an opportunity to make a dream come true.

Step 5: Don’t Spend Money at All

Spending money on a gift isn’t the only way to express how you feel towards a loved one. Although this is a guide on how to buy the perfect gift, there are many reasons why not spending money can be the perfect expression of how much you care. With high unemployment rates and tighter budgets, it just doesn’t make sense to buy an expensive gift when there are bills to be paid. For those who aren’t having financial difficulties, there just may not be a particular gift that means as much as an expression of love. When in either of these situations, creativity is the key. Show how much you love your Valentine by your actions.

A few ideas:

1. Do something that you otherwise hate to do, but know your significant other wishes you would.
2. Does your Valentine usually run late in the mornings and skip breakfast? Get up early and serve breakfast in bed.
3. Put love notes in various spots that you know your lover will come across during the day.
4. Write out love coupons to be redeemed during the year. This is a great free gift that a creative couple can have a fun with.
5. Just say “I love you”. Sometimes the words just aren’t spoken enough. Your loved one knows your situation and if a gift isn’t feasible, just hearing that they are loved and that he or she is special can be the perfect Valentine’s gift.
6. Romantic dating. Yes, an unusual dating plan for this Valentine’s Day.

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