Girlfriend Gift Guide
A conversation I just had about Valentine's Day with a certain male friend (who shall remain nameless) reminded me how little guys our age know about choosing presents and planning holidays. I know Valentine's Day isn't that important, but it's still a stressful time for a lot of boyfriends and I'm sure they'll find these tips useful for birthdays and anniversaries as well...
..Candy..
Um. I don't really like getting candy, personally. So I probably shouldn't comment on this. But there's nothing wrong with it, technically.
..Flowers..
Please, do not give her a heart-shaped box of chocolates with a dozen red roses wrapped in cellophane! (Can you say cliched? And how do you accent e's in LJ?) If you're having flowers delivered, make sure it's from a place that presents them in a box or decent vase, not in cellophane or a plastic vase. If you're handing them to her yourself, arrange them nicely and take out any baby's breath.
Old-fashioned girls like me would probably like some combination of full-bloom roses and peonies with a filler like waxflower. Girls who like modern designs might prefer orchids or calla lilies. Not popular: carnations, daisies, or sunflowers.
If, like most guys, you're not confident about your flower choosing and arranging skills, you're (hopefully) probably getting a professional arrangement. For the locals: I like Rossi & Rovetti in SF. A girl who likes more contemporary designs might prefer Columbine Design. I do not recommend anything by Teleflora (or any florist that adds a plastic heart on a stick to your girlfriend's bouquet.)
..Gifts...
Speaking of cellophane, anything that can be found at Long's Drugs or Walgreen's is a no-no. Unless you're trying to be ironic. Not that many people can really appreciate irony. (And it might not be the best day for irony.)
If you're considering lingerie, please make sure it doesn't send the wrong message. Nothing edible or crotchless, please. And since this is a gift, think silk and lace, not synthetics.
**The best gift would probably be something really personal that only you can figure out**; not the usual stuffed animal, lingerie, perfume, or jewelry. (But if you are considering a special piece of jewelry...)
..Jewelry..
Costume jewelry does not make a good special occasion gift. No cubic zirconias or moissanite, whatever that is. (Not that people our age can afford them, but...) even diamonds are iffy nowadays due to ethical considerations. (If you ever do plan to get them, make sure they are certified Conflict-Free). Most girls our age prefer platinum, silver, or white gold to yellow gold.
..Perfume..
I'm really super-prejudiced about this so I'm not sure if I should comment. Well- okay, I'm so prejudiced that I have to comment. Most everything in a typical department store gives me a headache, especially Estee Lauder. If something by Burberry or Ralph Lauren smells pleasant and familiar, it's probably because she already owns it (or her roommate does). Everything by Chanel is too strong, except No. 5, which would be a better present for your mother or grandmother. Jo Malone and Annick Goutal make nice, light scents that have near-universal appeal. But basically it's really hard to choose a fragrance for someone else; I'm not sure I would try.
..Restaurants..
Good restaurants are really crowded on Valentine's Day and reservations need to be made in advance. Like, now. If you're planning to eat in a popular restaurant in SF, you probably should have made reservations on January 14. Any restaurant with a good reputation and cloth napkins should be fine.
..A Final Note..
I'm sure your girlfriend is a nice person and would just be happy that you remembered the birthday/anniversary/holiday. I'm sure she truly believes it's the thought that counts and she'll be happy with whatever you give her. So don't worry too much about it. I really wrote all this out, not for guys who are afraid their girlfriends will get mad at them for getting the "wrong" thing, but for guys who want to impress their girlfriends and aren't sure how.
..Candy..
Um. I don't really like getting candy, personally. So I probably shouldn't comment on this. But there's nothing wrong with it, technically.
..Flowers..
Please, do not give her a heart-shaped box of chocolates with a dozen red roses wrapped in cellophane! (Can you say cliched? And how do you accent e's in LJ?) If you're having flowers delivered, make sure it's from a place that presents them in a box or decent vase, not in cellophane or a plastic vase. If you're handing them to her yourself, arrange them nicely and take out any baby's breath.
Old-fashioned girls like me would probably like some combination of full-bloom roses and peonies with a filler like waxflower. Girls who like modern designs might prefer orchids or calla lilies. Not popular: carnations, daisies, or sunflowers.
If, like most guys, you're not confident about your flower choosing and arranging skills, you're (hopefully) probably getting a professional arrangement. For the locals: I like Rossi & Rovetti in SF. A girl who likes more contemporary designs might prefer Columbine Design. I do not recommend anything by Teleflora (or any florist that adds a plastic heart on a stick to your girlfriend's bouquet.)
..Gifts...
Speaking of cellophane, anything that can be found at Long's Drugs or Walgreen's is a no-no. Unless you're trying to be ironic. Not that many people can really appreciate irony. (And it might not be the best day for irony.)
If you're considering lingerie, please make sure it doesn't send the wrong message. Nothing edible or crotchless, please. And since this is a gift, think silk and lace, not synthetics.
**The best gift would probably be something really personal that only you can figure out**; not the usual stuffed animal, lingerie, perfume, or jewelry. (But if you are considering a special piece of jewelry...)
..Jewelry..
Costume jewelry does not make a good special occasion gift. No cubic zirconias or moissanite, whatever that is. (Not that people our age can afford them, but...) even diamonds are iffy nowadays due to ethical considerations. (If you ever do plan to get them, make sure they are certified Conflict-Free). Most girls our age prefer platinum, silver, or white gold to yellow gold.
..Perfume..
I'm really super-prejudiced about this so I'm not sure if I should comment. Well- okay, I'm so prejudiced that I have to comment. Most everything in a typical department store gives me a headache, especially Estee Lauder. If something by Burberry or Ralph Lauren smells pleasant and familiar, it's probably because she already owns it (or her roommate does). Everything by Chanel is too strong, except No. 5, which would be a better present for your mother or grandmother. Jo Malone and Annick Goutal make nice, light scents that have near-universal appeal. But basically it's really hard to choose a fragrance for someone else; I'm not sure I would try.
..Restaurants..
Good restaurants are really crowded on Valentine's Day and reservations need to be made in advance. Like, now. If you're planning to eat in a popular restaurant in SF, you probably should have made reservations on January 14. Any restaurant with a good reputation and cloth napkins should be fine.
..A Final Note..
I'm sure your girlfriend is a nice person and would just be happy that you remembered the birthday/anniversary/holiday. I'm sure she truly believes it's the thought that counts and she'll be happy with whatever you give her. So don't worry too much about it. I really wrote all this out, not for guys who are afraid their girlfriends will get mad at them for getting the "wrong" thing, but for guys who want to impress their girlfriends and aren't sure how.