"It's the thought that counts" may sound like a cliche bit of advice, but cliches are repeated again and again because they're tried and true. Thoughtfulness is very important when it comes to choosing a
romantic gift for your sweetheart.
When shopping for sweet,
romantic presents, rather than grabbing the first teddy bear on the store shelf or purchasing the most expensive item in the jewelry case, pause to think. If you want the love of your life to swoon with heartfelt emotion upon receiving a gift from you, here are a few simple guidelines.
Romantic Gift Ideas:
1) Pay attention.
Hopefully, you do this already! But when your sweetheart is talking, listen. Really listen, to every word. The clever, thoughtful lover makes mental notes of preferences and secret desires that slip into everyday conversations.
If he or she speaks of a favorite poet, find a book by that poet and inscribe sweet messages of your own throughout it, or print and frame a copy of a meaningful poem. When your lover mentions something random but particular -- a beloved childhood toy, a special place that he or she once visited, a cherished song or film -- try to come up with ways to showcase and honor his or her specific life experience and interests.
Also wise is to pay attention to whether he or she is in need of anything of a practical nature -- lined gloves to keep cold hands warm, a new coffee mug to replace the chipped one with the broken handle. Make him or her feel taken care of, looked out for.
In essence, know his or her favorites and wants, take note of all the little bits and pieces that make your sweetheart who he or she is, and keep them ever-present in your mind.
So maybe your lover does want a teddy bear or expensive jewelry. But what kind of teddy bear? A great big one to hug and squeeze or a little one to hang from the rear-view mirror of the car or place on his or her desk at work? And what sort of jewelry -- necklace, earrings, bracelet, watch? Yellow gold or white gold? Which gemstone?
Details, details, details. They make the difference between a gift that's received, put aside and forgotten and a gift that's remembered and held dear for a lifetime. It's important to express that you recognize -- and cherish -- your sweetheart's unique qualities. Listen and learn.
2) Personalize.
"Personalization" does not necessarily entail engraving your beloved's name on a sterling silver object at Things Remembered. Personalization is about giving a gift so special and particular that it seems made for your sweetheart and your sweetheart alone. Even better if it truly was made for him or her -- made by you.
Exploit your talents. If you draw, fill a book with sketches for your sweetheart. If you write, pen him or her a poem or story that expresses your feelings. If you're musical, play or sing a song in your lover's honor. If you cook, prepare a special feast comprised of his or her favorite dishes.
Be creative!
And be crafty! These days, crafting has become a hip hobby, spawning innumerable books and websites full of handmade gift ideas. Scrapbooking, papercrafts, beading and jewelrymaking, decorative painting, cross-stitch, plastic canvas, knitting, crocheting and sewing... The list goes on forever. There's something for everyone, regardless of experience or ability.
Your lover will cherish a present that you made just for him or her. Handmade gifts communicate the fact that you spent precious time and careful thought, that you did more than drive to the mall and hand the cashier a wad of bills...that you truly care.
3) Plan.
So it's the day before your sweetheart's birthday, and you don't have a single gift for him or her yet. The clock is ticking. You panic. You buy something impulsively, unthinking.
Turns out said present is the wrong size/brand/color, and it's returned to the store in disappointment.
Don't let this happen to you!
When an important, gift-giving date is approaching, pull out a notebook and start planning. Jot down little ideas whenever they occur to you. There's no need to turn this into a stressful or complicated exercise, but thinking ahead will always give you an upper hand and open up more options.
If there's a hot new restaurant that your lover wants to try out, don't wait until the last minute to make your reservations. If there is a gift that you need to order through the mail, allow plenty of time for shipping. In this way, you avoid the pressure, limited selection and snap-decision mentality of last-minute mall frenzies.
Gift-giving doesn't have to be a chore! With adequate time and consideration, it can be lots of fun... And nothing compares to the happy glow on the face of loved one who just received the most perfect present imaginable.
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In the grand scheme of things, material objects are superficial and unimportant. But, remember, this isn't about money. You want your sweetheart to feel adored and appreciated. Thoughtful gifts are just one of many ways for you to artfully express the depth of your love.
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