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What’s the best gift for your Valentine? What’s the worst? There are great and terrible gift ideas for V-Day. The main thing is to be a hero and not end up in the doghouse. You don’t want to scare someone new off with a pricey pair of diamond studs, yet you don’t want to seem cheap with a dollar store gift either.

Appropriate gifts depend on the stage of your love relationship. If you are newly dating, a pretty box of candy and a card is just fine. If you are dating seriously or married, then you will want to avoid the following Valentine’s Day disasters!

(V-Day Don’t List):

1. Avoid the gargantuan candy bar or box of candy: She will never eat it, and if she does, she may complain for weeks how fat she is and that it’s your fault.

2. Gift Cards are a definite no-no unless she specifically asked for one. Gift cards are very un-romantic. You could take her on a shopping trip to her favorite store, but only if she enjoys that.

3. Unwrapped gifts are tacky. Nothing says I don’t care as much as an exposed gift in a plastic bag with no card and no thought given. Pick a pretty paper or gift bag. Remove the receipt and price tags. Save the receipt for later just in case.

4. Cheap jewelry is not a great idea, unless she has a brand of costume she likes. Avoid rings unless you are married or going to pop the question.

5. Whatever you do, don’t give her anything that plugs in; no vacuums, blenders or coffee makers. Women have been known to give the silent treatment for days over this mishap. Men, on the other hand, will think that electronic toys are a very hot gift.
(V-Day Do list):

1. When choosing a Valentine’s Day gift, think of what your love would enjoy. Even though roses are quite pricey during Valentine’s Day, they still make a romantic statement. Rainbow roses can offer inspiration to tradition.

2. Write a thoughtful note on a personal card. This lets your love know that you really took time to appreciate them.

3. Think before you shop. A spa day, an in-home massage or a weekend getaway make lovely and romantic gifts.

4. If you have run out of ideas, try something over-the-top like having a star named after your love. This one is just right for the love of your life that has everything.

5.If all else fails, go for a nice piece of jewelry. Birth stone studs, a bracelet, or a Tiffany heart necklace make beautiful gifts. If you are playing for keeps, the diamond solitaire is forever the most romantic and dazzling gift of all on V-Day.