Valentine's Day Gifts Ideas for Your Girlfriend

After looking through several websites recommending Valentine's day gifts for girlfriends, I thought the record really needed to be put straight. As a woman, some of the suggestions I read were really just appalling! Here I have compiled a list of the best and worst Valentine's day gift ideas. But remember, the most important thing when shopping for Valentine's day gifts is to be personal-women can see through shallow attempts at romance-so put a little thought into your gift and I'm sure your girlfriend will be happy.

The Bad- Terrible Valentine's Day Gifts Ideas

1) Lingerie

By far the worst Valentine's Day gift suggestion that I read was lingerie. Please, women do not want to be gifted lingerie for Valentine's Day! Whoever suggested chocolate panties or lacy underwear for women was really just being selfish. While it may seem like a great gift in your (her romantic partner's) opinion, it is not romantic to her! Valentine's Day is supposed to be about honoring your partner, not asking her to dress up for your own benefit.

2) Mixed CD

While this idea may seem really romantic, it actually is just plain corny and void of meaning. If you want to give your girlfriend music for Valentine's day, try choosing a CD that fits her music taste-don't throw together a CD of gushy romantic songs because this just looks lazy. Valentine's day is about using your head and heart and giving gifts that are meaningful.

3) Stuffed Animals

Whoever thought of giving women stuffed animals really was confused! Most women past the age of 13 have no need or want for stuffed animals anymore. So even if you see a cute teddy bear that speaks "Happy Valentine's Day", don't buy it! Your girlfriend is most likely looking for something a bit more meaningful and personal than a generic hallmark teddy bear. Most girlfriends would rather cuddle their partners than a stuffed animal.

The Good- Great Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

1) Spa Treatment

Most women, even those who don't want to spend money on pampering themselves, would love a spa treatment. Figure out whether your girlfriend likes to keep her hair, complexion, nails, or skin in perfect condition, and purchase a spa treatment accordingly. If you're not sure, most women love facial treatments, so these make great Valentine's day gifts.

2) Home-Cooked Dinner

While it's easy to take your girlfriend out to dinner on Valentine's day, it also isn't very personal. Instead, take some time and plan out a beautiful and delicious dinner menu (with foods that you know your girlfriend loves) and cook for her. Valentine's day will be much more memorable for you and your girlfriend if you make her a special dinner at home this year.

3) Jewelry

While some authors will suggest that you buy your girlfriend an expensive set of pearls or a diamond ring, do not buy into this commercialism. But jewelry, when chosen with care, can be a great Valentine's day gift for your girlfriend. Choose jewelry in colors that you know your girlfriend likes, and pieces that you know she will wear (don't buy her bracelets if you know she never wears them-go for earrings instead). And remember, you don't need to break the bank just to make her happy.

4) Photobook

Women love photos and often are stuck with the unlucky task of being the one to organize and order photos. This year for Valentine's day, try using an online service to produce a beautiful photobook with photos from the past year. Don't worry about selecting just with the photos of you two together, but go ahead and include photos of family events or special trips. Your girlfriend will love having all the photos in a beautifully organized book.

Last piece of advice: just be thoughtful! It isn't very hard to please a girl on Valentine's day as long as you use your heart.