Out of ideas?
Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Dumbstruck Oh dear, oh love of my life, my diamond in my rough, how I so wanted ever so much to express to you my adoration through this gift. I hope you really love it. Tearing of wrapping paper. Audible hum of anticipation. “Edible underwear. Two sizes too big. You shouldn’t have.”
Paul Dockery
And you really should not have. A gift like this shows you care more about the meeting of a deadline of sorts than for your S.O. Guys, seriously. As tempting as those fine rose-shaped things they sell at the convenience store are, they too fall into the category of “You suck as a boyfriend/husband.” If you get something like this, you really do suck. You don’t understand women, and she probably already knows this, but so far you’re still together. Contributor
Listen: You do not have to spend lavishly. You don’t have to even think that much. Just plan ahead a little bit and let other people do the work for you. If you know anything about your S.O., it’s easy. Go into one or more of these local establishments and throw yourself at their mercy. Tell them, “I need your help. I have this much to spend.”
she really likes, and for the most part the classic red rose bouquet works every time. But to show you’ve put some thought into the gift, do some research on flowers and their meaning. Since Victorian times, many popular flowers have certain qualities assigned to them: Statice stands for lasting beauty; tulips stand for perfect love; lavender signifies constancy. Imagine the home run you’ll hit with a bouquet of flowers that you point at each blossom and describe why each one is important. You stud, you.
GIFTS, MISC.
To put the brakes on, this goes for the clueless women out there too. But they’re smarter than we are, know how to shop and have already purchased/ made/ordered a Valentine gift for you anyway. So anyway, the helpful person will/should be able to help by seizing this opportunity to ask questions: “What is she interested in?” “What are her favorite flavors?” “Is she spontaneous? Conservative? Freespirited?” You get the gist.
CHOCOLATE/CANDIES Mike Libs and the Chocolate Factory: Pecan flipovers are an easy winner, as are their Valentine-specific packages. Fudge is an item they make that people in the area sometimes overlook, and if treats of the nut/ caramel variety aren’t her cup of tea… I mean, who doesn’t like fudge? Oh, and Mike’s is locally-owned and operated. This is a good thing.
FLOWERS Any number of places can be visited (shop locally!), but what to get, what to get? You may be tuned in to what
Looking beyond these classic standby Valentine gifts, there are simply gifts. Yeah, pretty broad term. This can mean anything from jewelry to a new car or something specific to her interests. One place to start looking is Nance Galleries. This neat little shop on Green River Road is part art gallery, part museum, part gift shop. Again, by having a conversation with staff, you can probably come up with something amazing and unique for Valentine’s Day. Funky, eclectic or just plain strange gifts can be found at Nick Nackery. The place at Virginia and Heidelbach that’s well-known for all things Halloween is, in fact, open for business all year. It would be foolish to forget the sexy side of Valentine’s Day. Use caution, however. One person’s sexy is another’s smut. Hopefully you’re well aware of what your partner’s tastes are. Check with places such as Exotica on Washington Avenue for items ranging from tame to “for your eyes only.” One route to think of traveling is combining something sweet and romantic with something wild and sultry. Again, talking with the people at these and other establishments helps a lot. And hey – here’s an idea – talk to your partner! You can learn a lot without giving away secrets, and it’s easier than you think. Happy shopping, guys. And remember: No edible undies.
February 2010 • Call for Advertising Information (812) 962-1309
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