When it comes to buying gifts for significant others, there's often one big issue: you're trying to think of something to get the one person you probably know, love and want to please most — no pressure.
When it comes to buying gifts for significant others, there's often one big issue: you're trying to think of something to get the one person you probably know, love and want to please most - no pressure.
What can I get her that she doesn't already have? What can I get him that he'll actually like? Ideally, every year, you'd completely surprise them with that most thoughtful gift that's exactly what they wanted - again, no pressure.
Now, no one's saying you can't achieve this or something close to it every year, but more often than not, these gifts are rare, which is also part of what makes them so special.
But, there are also some gifts that will almost always please your significant other, and these gifts too can involve the thoughtfulness and creativity that your loved one probably appreciates most.
JEWELRY
No matter what anyone tells you, jewelry is classic, not clich. This
could be the fifth time you've given her jewelry, and she'll still love
it because it's one gift that can be different every time. For truly
one-of-a-kind pieces, visit Kent Jewelers on Main Street in
Blacksburg.
PICTURES
Even if you see each other all the time (and especially if you don't),
photos of the two of you as a couple or of family or friends can make
the best gifts. Walgreens can put your photo on a mug or the cover of a
notebook; or for something really different, make a photo mosaic, which
takes dozens of photographs and arranges them in the form of another
picture. The Andrea Mosaic Web site will help you make your mosaic for
free, and a copy store will print the picture to almost any size.
PAMPERING
You still open the door for her, you offer to pay, you buy her roses -
you're a downright gentleman. But a gift certificate for a beauty
treatment, hair styling, manicure, pedicure, massage or facial will
truly pamper her.
PERFUME
There might not be a local gem of a shop that offers unique perfumes,
but it's one of those gifts she'll like even more because she can be
sure that you like it. When the scent comes with your approval, she'll
feel that much better wearing it.
CLOTHES
You might not know the difference between a cowl neck or a v-neck, wool
or tweed, polyester or cashmere, but you know what she looks good in.
If you think she looks killer in red and you can't keep your hands off
fuzzy sweaters, try a red cashmere sweater.
WINTER WARMTH
Scarves, gloves, hats, coats and blankets all make for good
seasonal gifts. Each time she puts them on she'll think of you.
Blankets can be a more interesting gift than it may seem. Places like
Joanne Fabrics have fleece in different prints. If she loves snowflakes
or "Starry Night," a fleece blanket sporting either design can be a
warm accent for her room.
DINNER & A MOVIE
As clich as it sounds, time is a hugely underrated gift. Take her to
one of the nice local restaurants Blacksburg is so full of and just
have a nice night together. A place like Zeppoli's has fantastic
Italian food and a large wine selection.
SWEETS
If she has a sweet tooth, assorted chocolates, toffee, flavored
truffles and fudge from the Chocolate Spike could make a different yet
delicious gift.
ADD TO HER COLLECTION
Everyone has a favorite theme, motif or collection they love to
supplement. Kari's Keepsakes in Christiansburg has things such as
candles, Boyds Bears and Willow Tree collectibles.
VIRGINIA TECH STUFF
Most students never tire of Virginia Tech items. Local company Initial
Thoughts can monogram Tech-themed bags, keychains, robes and more.
For him:
JERSEYS
Football, hockey, basketball, baseball, it doesn't matter. Size isn't
much of an issue with jerseys, so they're virtually guaranteed to look
good and still be comfortable.
TICKETS
While he might love to listen to his favorite band on his iPod or watch
his team on TV, he'll probably like seeing them live even more. If it's
something you both enjoy, it might even be something you can do
together.
MOVIES/CDS
Movies and CDs might seem generic, but they actually require you to
know what he likes. If you're looking to avoid Wal-Mart or FYE,
Crossroads is a good local option to try.
VIDEO GAMES
Whatever game he's into can essentially become your background music
when you're over at his place; here's your opportunity to get a game
you might like too.
COLOGNE
Giving him cologne works about the same way as him giving you perfume.
He knows you like the way it smells, and he didn't have to pick it out
- it's a win-win for him, and you get to pick out one that smells good
to you.
CLOTHES
Most guys will never put clothes on their list. In fact, they might
claim to hate getting clothes as gifts. But if he really hates clothes
you buy him, try something simpler, such as boxers. The Web site
Skiviez is something of a Victoria's Secret for men.
TOOLS
Every store has sales on tools right now. From local hardware stores,
such as the TrueValue in Blacksburg, to Lowe's and Home Depot, you can
spend as much or as little as you want on a thousand different tools
for every job.
ELECTRONICS
If you're in the mood to really splurge, TVs, iPods, and cameras make
great gifts. Accessories such as cases, cords, and memory cards are
cheaper and still make great gifts. Scotty's Audio and Video is a local
store for electronics with its emphasis on service.
HOBBY-RELATED ITEMS
Giving your guy hobby-related items achieves two things: it contributes
to an activity you know he enjoys, and it tells him that you're okay
with him spending time with his hobby.
VIRGINIA TECH STUFF
Most students never tire of Virginia Tech items. Sweatshirts, T-shirts,
key chains, glasses, mats, car decals, flags, clocks and bags in maroon
and orange are all things Tech fans covet, but often don't want to
spend the money on.