Gifts NOT to Buy for Valentine's Day

When picking out a gift for your sweetie on Valentine's Day, the key is to think about what he or she would really like. Thoughtfulness goes a long way here.

Sometimes, we can pick out gifts that are more suited for ourselves, or a much too practical for a holiday such as Valentine's Day. Here is a list of gifts you might want to stay away from, unless they have been specifically requested.

Pets

You probably don't want to buy your Valentine a pet, unless it has been specifically requested. Pets take a lot of work and dedication, especially when they are young.

If your Valentine is always admiring a cute puppy or kitten, you may think that he or she may want one. Before you consider buying such a pet, think about what it will really mean.

Your Valentine will have to spend time training a puppy, kitten or other pet. Also, he or she will have to be home for much of the day with this pet. Does he or she really have the time? Don't forget about veterinary bills. These can add up quickly. Will your Valentine really be able to afford this?

Appliances

These are a huge no for Valentine's Day gifts. If you are buying a gift for your wife, you may be tempted to replace that old vacuum cleaner or washing machine. Don't do it.

There is nothing romantic about essentially telling your wife that you consider the vacuum cleaner to be 'hers' and that you think she would love a new one.

And if you think that a brand new appliance would make her life easier, maybe you should rethink it and just help her with the chores. That would be a great gift, and it's much less expensive.

Lingerie

This is a hugely popular Valentine's Day Gift. Many men frequent Victoria's Secret or the lingerie department of their local department store with devilishly sheepish looks in their eyes. What better gift, they think, than something to make their wives or girlfriends feel sexy?

Again, this is usually a big no. If you are considering buying lingerie for your Valentine, stop and think who this gift is really for. Has your sweetie requested something like this? If she has, then go for it. But, if she hasn't, you should probably consider buying her a nice comfy pair of pj's and some fuzzy slippers instead.

Now, that being said, if you are a woman and are stumped for a Valentine's Day gift for you sweetie, a piece of lingerie that makes you feel really beautiful might be just the thing.

Valentine's Day Gifts of Thoughtfulness

Gifts that show that you have really thought about your Valentine's desires will go over big. Take a little time and think about what it is that would make your sweetie feel special and loved.

Listen and Learn

Has your Valentine dropped any hints recently? Maybe they haven't been overt hints. Hints don't always start with "I want this for Valentine's Day." Sometimes your Valentine might admire a piece of jewelry on someone else. Or your sweetie might say that so and so at work is always dressed so much better than he is.

Pick up on these hints and you will surely have a great gift. A gift of small monetary value will be treasured more than an expensive one if it is a gift from the heart.

Photos Make Great Valentine's Day Gifts

A great gift idea for almost anyone for Valentine's Day is a photo montage. If you are stumped for a gift for your Valentine, why not create a photo montage? With today's digital pictures and image scanners, it should be easy to have some pictures to print.

Consider calling friends and family of your Valentine and ask them to email you some photos. You can buy a frame and arrange them nicely as a collage. Or, you can buy a large frame which has several smaller frames within it and place the different photos in there. In either case, you Valentine will love your thoughtfulness and effort.

Be Romantic

Whatever your budget, remember that it is Valentine's Day. You want your Valentine to feel special and loved. This is probably not the holiday to give an overly practical gift. Try to choose something that your partner will cherish for years to come. It needn't be expensive, just thoughtful and straight from the heart.