How to Choose a Valentine's Day Gift Based on How Long You've Been Dating

Valentine's Day gifts provide the perfect opportunity for committed couples to express their deep feelings for one another. But Valentine's Day can be a frustrating holiday if you haven't been dating long. When is it too soon to give a sappy Valentine's Day gift? Do you have to give flowers and candy? When do you have to do more than just take him or her out to dinner? I have a habit of getting into relationships right before the major gift-giving holidays like Valentine's Day and have given and received my share of mistakes. To keep your Valentine's Day gift from making your significant other uncomfortable, follow these recommendations for appropriate Valentine's day gifts based on how long you've been dating.

1 month or less

Awkwaard. Will she think I don't like her if I don't get her a Valentine's Day gift? Will he feel like we're moving too fast if I buy him something? This is tricky territory. I recommend steering clear of gifts altogether. Instead, use this opportunity to spend some time together.

What about dinner and a movie? Don't go anywhere too romantic, make it some place you've been before. Or, you can rent a movie (something funny) and a ton of goodies and stay at home. This says I'm interested in getting to know you better even though we're not officially a couple yet.

2 months

Now you can add a small gift to your evening out. I recommend filling up an inexpensive mp3 player (this one is around $10) with your favorite songs. Include a card that will let your new boyfriend/girlfriend know that you want them to get to know you better. Its a non-confrontational way to say that you want to use this Valentine's Day to get closer.

You can throw in one or two sappy love songs if you just feel compelled by the Valentine's Day spirit. But, be careful. A play list full of love songs says 'pretty please don't break up with me or I might stalk you for the next few months'.

3 months

I personally don't like to receive flowers as a Valentine's Day gift. But if you or your significant other really like them, go for it. As an alternative, consider a potted plant. It'll hang around a lot longer, and will give your loved (or liked) one a reminder of your feelings for them. Include a nice card and maybe a box of Ghiradelli chocolates to boot.

Four months

Ok, things are getting pretty serous and your Valentine's Day gift should reflect this. It's time to stray away from generic Valentine's Day gifts like flowers and chocolate and give something more personal. No, not lingerie personal. Its still a bit to early for be-hearted boxers or Victoria's Secret getups. By now, you should know your Valentine well enough to know his or her likes. Try for some concert tickets for the music enthusiast, or monogrammed golf balls for the sports nut.

Don't feel compelled to literally interpret a Valentine's Day gift. It can be anything you know that they'll like as long as it comes with an appropriate Valentine's Day card. But I wouldn't spend more than 100$. Even if your loved one likes jewelry. Still a little too early for that.

Six months or more.

Show your Valentine your appreciation for them sticking around so long. Now you're allowed to be as sappy as you want. Go ahead and scribble sappy nothings in the Valentine's Day card and don't be afraid to splurge on the gift. You can even pick up a little jewelry or saucy underpants if you want. To seal the deal, go out to a nice dinner and a play or something similar. Think candlelight and mushy displays of feelings. If you get the feeling that this is all too personal, maybe its time to consider that this relationship might not be the right one for you.