Valentines Day: Avoid Giving a Bad Gift

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, all you guys out there are probably biting your nails down to the nub. Maybe this is your first Valentine's with your girlfriend, maybe last Valentine's didn't go so well, or maybe it's neither of those and you just feel like going all out this year - you're in the right place.

Let's all say it together "I'm un-original and a bit lame!"

These gifts should be avoided at all costs unless you have something big following. I figured we better get the worst out of the way so you don't do anything....umm....dangerous or unhealthy for yourself, and trust me - giving any of these gifts will send you ducking for cover.

1. Wilting flowers: Ouch! No guys, giving your girlfriend wilting flowers on Valentine's Day does NOT say "I'm dying for you." They more so say "I really love to smell dead flowers and I got these so you would smack me in the face with them." If you happened to forget a present don't try to reprieve yourself with grabbing the nearest batch of flowers. Try making something by hand like a personal card, a single paper machete rose, or anything that says I really put my time and effort into making this for you.

2. Gym membership: Women do not take a gym membership as "I love you so much and I want you to be healthy and live a long time so I can be with you". We take it as "You are getting a bit chubby and, well, maybe you should consider doing something about it. This is a major NO!

3. Lingerie: This screams pervert! Avoid it.

4. Drugstore chocolates: These chocolates are generally on the older side and don't taste all that great. Try to get Harry London chocolates or something (and make her a custom box of all her favorites so she doesn't have to waste half the box picking out what she doesn't like, and taking this extra time for her will say that you really do care).

Now let's say "I really care about you and I'm going to make this the most memorable Valentines for you":

The 'Your night to be a princess' plan -

Go ahead and treat her like a princess. Find out her dress and shoe size and by her an elegant dress with dress shoes for the evening/night and lay the dress and shoes neatly in an area where she will see it (i.e. on her bed). Leave a little note on the dress that doesn't give the surprise away but builds her curiosity (and if you really want to put icing on the cake, lay a single rose across the dress by the note).

Rent a limo for the night and schedule the driver to pick her up at a special time.

Pick a private location for dinner (like a lake side gazebo decorated with lights, hidden by a garden, with a table set for two). Have the driver drop her off at the location (where you are) and meet her at the limo to open the door and escort her to dinner.

After dinner, ask her for a dance. You can either bring music or simply slow dance to the quiet night.

The 'I'm sorry I'm not home, but I still really love you - Happy Valentines Day' plan -

Life doesn't always permit us to be together every special day in the year, but it doesn't mean you can't still treat her to something special. Consider buying her a weekend pass to a spa. Make sure to send her flowers with a personalized note.

If you really want to make her heart jump, try your hardest to get home to her and make it a surprise.

The 'Take us to new heights' plan -

Think about renting a hot air balloon for a trip to the sky (unless your girlfriend is scared of heights).

At the landing area, have dinner reservations to a special place or have a table and dinner set up near the landing.

The 'Fun in the sun' plan -

Consider taking a small trip somewhere like Hawaii or Fiji. Give her time to get away from work, cleaning, and/or college classes. And use this time to get to know each other.

The moral of the story - don't stay un-original forever. Try to shake things up and add your own touch to this Valentines!