With Valentine's Day right around the corner, you may be scratching your head wondering what in the world you can get your girlfriend. Something that she would actually like and that you won't feel cliche for buying. Or you may be planning on going with the classic flowers and chocolate combo, which is completely fine, considering the thought is really all that matters. But really, if girls had a choice, 99% of the time they would prefer a sentimental gift over a vase of flowers and a box of chocolates. Flowers will wilt and die. Chocolate will be eaten and forgotten. But something like a letter or painting lasts forever, and every time she looks at it, she'll remember you and how much you love her (or loved her, depending on what's written in the stars).
Here's a list of personal gifts your girlfriend will fall in love with this Valentine's Day:
1. Magnets, Photo Books, and Calendars (with her favorite pictures)
Use the cutest pictures of you and her and go to Social Print Studio to make a ton of cute gifts. You can make magnets for the fridge, tiny photo books, wall calendars, metal prints, photostrips and more. With these, she can decorate her apartment with memories in a very individualized way and think of you all the time.
2. Write a letter
Cards are great and all but nothing beats getting out a piece of paper and pen and writing from the heart. Heart over Hallmark every time.
3. Jewelry
It doesn't have to be from Tiffany & Co. She'll love any heart locket necklace, rose gold ring, or Pandora bracelet. Or any necklace, ring, or bracelet, really.
4. A Couple's Journal
Buy a cute journal and reflect on your relationship. Write about all that you've been through together. Make goals for the future, places to go, things to do. Go crazy and have fun. If you really want to get into it, use crayons, glue on pictures, and draw pictures to add life to the pages.
5. Life size teddy bear
These little dudes are just so stinkin' adorable. Plus she'll have something to cuddle with when you're gone.
6. Paint a picture
Even if you're not artistic at all, you can still buy a small canvas and paint something cute and simple. Just paint whatever comes to mind when you think of your girlfriend and see what happens. She'll love the thought behind it even if no one else understands what it means.
7. Gift card to her favorite place
If being sentimental is not for you, give her a gift card to Sephora, Free People or Dunkin' Donuts, wherever she likes to eat and shop. You can't go wrong there.
Just remember, at the end of the day, the thought really is all that matters. Giving your time, affection and support every day of the year will always mean more to her than any gift you could give.