How to Pick the Perfect Valentine's Day Gift

You finally made it through the first date and you're thinking things are going smooth, but then life throws your dating life a curve ball--Valentine's Day. How do you approach the "gift topic"? How much do you spend? What do you get? This move could take your relationship to the next level or allow it to shrivel up and die. But before you panic or hire a personal shopper, follow this Valentine's gift guide to help you work through the most romantic day of the year causing so much chaos in your life.

How to pick your gifts.

1. Dating for 1-3 months.

When you've been dating for this short amount of time, the pressure will seem like it's on but in reality it's the easiest gift to shop for, You want to avoid going all out because you'll come across as trying too hard. It's so early in the relationship, you want to take a smooth approach and luckily for you, it's the one and only time that you're actually allowed to be cliche. You can go for a cute Valentine's Day card (think Snoopy or Family guy--but avoid sending e-cards) with some candy, and maybe some flowers--don't make a huge production out of it--which will transform you into the smooth operator and always prepared and in control. If you go all out and purchase lavish gifts, you may give the illusion of being desperate and have all your efforts backfire. You don't want to be "that guy".

2. Dating for 3-6 months.

At this point, your relationship is progressing and you're ready for a more personalized Valentine's Day gift. If you've been paying attention to your sweetheart, you should have been paying attention to they types of food they like and or the types of gifts they tend to lavish themselves with--so you aren't totally clueless. Do they indulge in weekly spa treatments? What about restaurant week outings? Basing your gift on one or two of their direct likes will show you have been paying attention and get you those extra brownie points you've been looking for. But make sure to add the personal touch to whatever you decide. Even if you do make reservations at the trendiest restaurant in town--follow up the next week with a homemade meal prepared by you--this will add that added touch that shows you're going the extra mile.

3. Dating 6 month PLUS.

If you've been dating for six months and longer, you truly know your partner, (If you don't, you've got bigger problems than choosing the perfect Valentine's Day gift) You've shared details about each other's history, family, and desires. At this part of the relationship you will explore your creative side and their heart strings and combine the two. You want to be a bit more lavish and indulge because at this point you're confident you're in a good relationship and want to prove it to the object of your affection. And there's no shame in also taking part of the gift--plan a weekend get-a-way for two and book double massages.

Keep these tips in mind for other big gift-giving holidays. But whatever gift you decide on or what phase in the relationship you're in--don't wait until Valentine's Day to show your affection--there's nothing romantic about that.