Valentine’s Day often sends people in relationships into frenzy – what to do, what to buy, should we celebrate it at all? However, as much pressure as you may be feeling to make the experience memorable, Valentine’s Day needn’t be an exaggerated affair.

Remember, it’s the little things that make relationships worthwhile and a thoughtful gift as opposed to an over the top one is always a winner.

Don’t Leave It to the Last Minute

The key to buying someone a thoughtful gift is listening to them. People often unknowingly give their partner’s clues about what they are interested in, what they value, and what would mean something to them.

Keep these in mind throughout the year to be prepared when buying their gift. Last minute gift buying will always lead to panic and likely disappointment – there’s nothing worse than someone opening their gift and the disappointment is obvious.

Get Advice from Friends

If you’re feeling truly stuck for ideas about how to celebrate or what gift to get, get advice from friends and family. Ask them what they are doing to celebrate and how they decided on a gift for their partner as this is sure to get your own creative juices flowing. The conversation may spark a memory and you’ll suddenly have a lightbulb moment.

Make Something By Hand

You may not have plenty of extra cash to spend, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t make Valentine’s Day special – just like sports betting NZ doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If going out for a meal is out of your budget, set the table, light some candles and make your partner their favourite meal. A gift also doesn’t have to be expensive or shop-bought to make an impact. Use your creative talents and make something for your partner instead.

Make it Appropriate to the Relationship

The gift you would buy your partner of 5 years should be different to the one you would buy for someone you’ve just been seeing for a few months. Valentine’s Day may put unnecessary pressure on a new relationship, especially if the gesture is too grand. If you’ve just started seeing someone, an overly sentimental card may send the wrong message, so be careful.

Opt for Romantic Instead of Practical

While your partner may need a new frying pan or socks, this doesn’t make it an appropriate Valentine’s Day gift. The 14^th of February is a day to celebrate love and romance and your gift should reflect this. Also be sure to buy your partner something they would like or enjoy, not something you would.

Consider an Experience Instead of a Gift

People who have everything are almost impossible to buy for and if your partner is one of those people, then it may be a good idea to opt for an experience over a gift. Consider what your partner enjoys doing and make the experience the gift! Perhaps their favourite band is playing a live concert or their favourite sports team will be in town. Surprise them with tickets and make a night of it!