Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for a Teenage Girlfriend

It is difficult for teenage boys to realize how fickle underage love is because they are caught up with the feeling of first passion, with being able to say "girlfriend," and with behaving altogether grown-up. Don't let these feelings dictate the present you pick out for your teenage girlfriend on Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day is a celebration of love - not overindulgence or stupidity - so plan out your gift choices with 50% heart and 50% brain to avoid overdoing it.

Jewelry

Jewelry is the quintessential Valentine's gift according to every jewelry store on the planet. Thanks to shrewd marketing, almost everyone else would agree. If you are thinking about presenting your high school girlfriend with an expensive ring, bracelet, or necklace to fit a tradition, think twice.

Before buying jewelry, assess the length of your current relationship. Has your girlfriend been your girlfriend for a few months or a few weeks? Like Kanye, "I ain't sayin' she's a gold digger," but if you have only been involved with a teenage girl since January, you may become a victim of "I don't want to be the only one of my friends without a Valentine's Day gift" syndrome. Opt for a less expensive token like a bargain basement stuffed animal and chocolate.

If you and your girlfriend have been together for several months, a nice bracelet or necklace In the $30-$50 price range is a suitable gift if you have a part-time job. Avoid spending more on a present than you make in a day though. If your love is really a forever love, your future wife will eventually come to appreciate the fact that you can live within a budget.

A Shirt or Sweater

Maybe you're thinking that clothing is a totally lame present, but have you ever actually watched a young girl open up clothing from a peer? Shopping is an activity most women of all ages take very seriously. If you are able to pick out a t-shirt, sweater or cardigan that your girlfriend would actually wear, she will be very pleased. Do avoid buying an obviously cheap garment though. If you have a highly limited budget, shop the clearance racks at a storewide sale and grab a coupon from the Sunday paper. On a good day, you should be able to find a $50-$60.00 shirt at a store like JCPenney's for $10.00 or less. Remove the price labeled part of the tag before gifting.

A Gift Basket

If you're having a hard time deciding between a few different gift genres, considering going small in multiple categories instead of splurging on just one item. Take the basic Valentine's gifts of candies, stuffed animals, and jewelry. With a $40 budget, you can buy a $20 bracelet, a $5 to $10 stuffed animal, and a $5 to $10 box of chocolates. Spend any let over change from the animal and chocolates on gift wrap. Your girlfriend will have three nice gifts while you stayed within budget without having to make a tough decision.

Be smart when you shop for Valentine's Day gifts. Let love guide your decisions, but don't let it rule your pocketbook.