Happy Friday!

Valentine’s Day is already next week, can you believe it!?

Valentine’s Day is a special day for me since it’s really close in date to when my boyfriend and I first met.  It has so much sentimental value, so I try to make it as memorable as possible.  My bf is really hard to shop for, so here are some tips on how I find the perfect gift for him:

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Do Your Research

Before you head off to the shop, think about your significant other’s interests.  What do they like?  What do they need?  I actually keep an ongoing list of things my bf mentioned he needs or likes so that when it comes to shop for him, I’m not completely lost.  If he’s explicitly said, “I want a pair of Converses,” I’ll get it!

For example, my bf loves outlet shopping and it’s always a safe bet that I’ll find something he’ll like there.  Our favorite outlet in the Bay Area is the San Francisco Premium Outlets (SO MANY GOOD STORES!), so I did my research prior to going and marked down which stores he shops at the most and where I’d find the items he needs:

• Bloomingdales Outlet
• Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth
• Boss Hugo Boss
• Nike Factory Store
• Lacoste
• Neiman Marcus Last Call

So when I got there, I already had an idea of what he wanted (according to my list), so shopping was easy peasy.

It’s The Thought That Counts

You’ve probably heard this a thousand times, but it’s so true!  Putting thought into the gift – whether it’s a personalization or a special item he’s been wanting for months, will mean so much more.  Studies show that when recipients compared expensive vs frugal gifts, recipients did not rate the expensive gifts any higher than the cheaper ones.

Make It Easy To Use

Whatever you choose, make it easy for your significant other to use the gift.  As much as I’d like to give him a Valentine’s Day themed gift that’s pink and red (ha!) or a fancy designer shirt, I know he probably wouldn’t get as much use out of it as a t-shirt or a business casual sweater.  Put yourself in his shoes and buy something that’s convenient that he’ll truly enjoy experiencing.

Don’t Overthink The Wrapping

When I receive gifts, unwrapping is one of my favorite parts.  But don’t over think it!  I’m not saying give the gift in a brown paper bag you found lying around the house, but studies have shown that overly wrapping a so-so gift in fancy paper leads to disappointment and dissatisfaction.  The point is, put more thought into the gift than the wrapping.

Still stuck?  

After asking my bf multiple times, sometimes he’ll say, “I don’t know what I want.”  Super frustrating, I know!  Instead of focusing on an actual item, I think about what we can do together.  That could mean spending more time together by going wine tasting or by spoiling each other with breakfast in bed.

My favorite Valentine’s Day was our trip together to Seattle years ago.  Of course, I would’ve loved anything he gave me, but that trip is filled with so many special memories we shared that I’ll never forget.

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K I’m off to plan my weekend V-Day staycation (coming to the blog soon!).  Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday, so I’ll be celebrating this weekend instead.  Can’t wait!

xoxo,

Alyson