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The clock is ticking...Valentine’s Day is coming up this Saturday, so it’s time to figure out what to get for your someone special. But before you run out and grab roses and a box of chocolates, like you’ve done many times before, Alyse Dermer, founder of luxury gift concierge service Mr. Considerate, has some advice.
She often sees her clients - mostly men in relationships with women - scramble to find a present for the holiday. While being a thoughtful gift giver takes time and effort, Dermer points out that it’s not impossible. She explains, “The perfect gift says, ‘I hear you, I see you, I appreciate you.’”
Expert tips for finding the best present for your partner:
- Give a gift that shows you’ve been paying attention - That means noticing your partner and what they need or want before you go shopping. Think of things that they could use every day that would be an upgrade, things they’d never buy for themselves. If you can remember something they mentioned liking, even better.
- Be careful about going too practical - Giving your partner something they can use regularly or that will solve a problem may be appreciated, but they may not be excited to unwrap a toaster for Valentine’s Day. This holiday is about a little luxury and pampering, Dermer notes, but that doesn’t have to be expensive. Try to come up with something useful and special, like a cashmere scarf to keep them warm in this particularly cold winter.
- Experiences over material things - People love to give things, but experiences can be enjoyed far longer. Sure, a new piece of jewelry can be an exciting present, but buying tickets to see your partner’s favorite band creates a special memory. Giving the gift of something that lets you spend quality time together is always a hit.
- Presentation makes all the difference - There’s nothing wrong with Valentine’s Day classics like roses or chocolates, but you don’t want it to look like you’re just checking the boxes with your gift. If you buy grocery store flowers, take the plastic off and put them in a vase to make it look like a thoughtful present, or fill a jar with chocolate candies in pink and red wrappers instead of just handing a box of chocolates over. And you can never go wrong with a heartfelt message in a card.
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