As we grapple with a pandemic-riddled world, it is pretty easy to lose track of the little things that incite joy. Now more than ever, as every day presents new challenges, it is crucial never to forget to savor light-hearted and feel-good moments such as the Big V Day!
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and for 2022, we are normalizing better, more thoughtful gift-giving.
Before Covid-19 rained on our parade, Valentine’s Day lost its luster and became relatively mundane. How many mugs does one man need? And how many heart-shaped trinkets and candies can one woman consume?
Let us declare Valentine’s Day 2022, the year bad gifts fade into oblivion.
So, stop! Put down that discount gift card, don’t you dare wrap that tray of truffles, and for the life of me, your spouse does not need another tie.
And those are just the tip of the iceberg. Keep reading to learn the 5 gifts you should not give on Valentine’s Day.
1. Stuffed Animals, Especially the Oversized Variety
For the people in the back, front, in between, and even next door, no self-respecting adult wants a stuffed animal as a gift, especially on a day dedicated to love. It’s cliché, lacks a personal touch, and is slightly off-putting.
2. Gift Certificates
The humble gift card is highly overrated and highly impersonal, more so if it’s for something your partner has no interest in. Folks, no man or woman in a relationship wants a gift card for valentine’s day. It screams lazy.
3. Gym Membership/Exercise Equipment
Giving this gift is a sure-fire way to start an argument that you may never recover from. Even if you have the best intentions and no underlying message, giving exercise-related gifts never sits well with the receiver. It will always be assumed that you are implying your partner has a weight problem. Not only does this awaken anger, but it also leads to lowered self-esteem.
4. Sex…Seriously?
The Big S, the horizontal tango, coitus, a tumble in the hay, good ole’ intercourse; sorry to burst your bubble, but it doesn’t count as a gift no matter what you call it. Ladies are the primary culprits of this faux pas. The act that bonds and naturally occur in a union is not a present. Though sex can be a part of your gift, it definitely shouldn’t be the main attraction.
5. Belts/ Pens/Socks/Shirts/Roses
These items and accessories are already part of his wardrobe and will remain a mainstay. Getting them is less of a gift and more so just pointing out the obvious. And no, personalizing the tie, adding a quirky tie clip, or engraving the pen does not improve the situation. Men, resist the urge to patronize your local florist with yet another order of roses. It’s overdone and, as such, no longer sends the message it should. If you must opt for flowers, there is a world of other unique flower choices.
No one is saying you should throw the budget to the wind and lose all sense of control for one day. But it never hurts to let that special someone in your life know you appreciate them and have taken the time to cater to their likes.
Written by: Steven O’Connor, Writer and Marketer
