Top 5 Gifts to Avoid for Valentine's Day

If you're a man desperately looking for the perfect gift for Valentine's Day this year it's going to be far to easy to fall into the trap of buying a traditional gift. While traditional gifts still hold some merit, they are likely to not be considered the "perfect" gift by any woman.

What's a guy to do?

Here are five gifts that you should avoid at all costs if you want to win her heart forever, or if you want to make sure that you don't lose it!

Traditional Gift #1: Candy
I don't care if the woman of your dreams is the biggest choc-o-holic, candy as a primary gift is never a good idea, especially if it comes packaged in one of those cheesy cardboard hearts with a plastic flower glued to the top. When a woman receives candy for Valentine's Day it sends the immediate message that you didn't think enough about the holiday, or her, to buy something more personal.

If you're set on buying candy for your Valentine, do so with extreme caution - and with a much better gift in your other hand.

Traditional Gift #2: Lingerie
While it might seem cute, and even a bit on the sexy side, the chances that you'll get the size, color, and style choices all right are slim to none. Even if you happen to be lucky enough to nail the trifecta in lingerie then the gift will immediately send out the message that the only reason you took the time to think about the holiday, or her, is because you were hoping to get lucky. Trust me, even if you were about to get lucky, your chances will greatly diminish once she realizes that's what you were after.

If, however, you've already made that special trip to an over priced lingerie store then don't panic. Your naughty gift will be received a lot better as long as you pair it with something more sentimental.

Traditional Gift #3: Flowers
Repeat after me: FLOWERS ARE AN ACCESSORY - NOT A GIFT.
If you think you're going to get away with only giving your special girl a dozen roses for Valentine's Day then you're crazy. During Valentine's Day, flowers are viewed a lot the same as candy, with the exception of the calories. This traditional stand-by gift will only get you labeled as someone who didn't care enough to give a gift with more of a meaning.

If you're planning to give your special girl a dozen roses for Valentine's Day, then I would highly suggest reading this article: How to Make a Dozen Roses Romantic.

Traditional Gift #4: Jewelry
Jewelry is a tricky one, so take this warning gift with a bit of a warning. The only reason you should buy jewelry for a Valentine's Day gift is if it's something that has been specifically requested, otherwise you're likely to get it wrong. Sizes, styles and types of jewelry are so varied that you really have to know what you're purchasing in order for it to be the perfect gift.

If you're still certain that jewelry is the way to go, then pay attention to the woman you're buying for. Does she wear jewelry? Did she recently break or lose a piece that she was particularly fond of? Does she prefer to wear gold or silver? The answers to these questions will become critical if you're planning on picking out something perfect. If you aren't sure of these answers, then steer away from the jewelry counter and look for something else.

Traditional Gift #5: Candy
I know I already used this one, but it's so important that I had to use it again.

For the love of all that is sacred, stay away from the box of assorted chocolates with the cheesy plastic flower.

Now that you're totally confused about what to buy that special woman in your life for the most romantic of holidays, I would highly recommend checking out my article on Top 5 Valentine Gifts that are Guaranteed to Win Her Heart.