What Not to Get a Girl for Valentine’s Day
As a girl, I can understand that we are difficult. Our moods change for no reason at all, we take a long time to get ready and the words “I’m fine” never actually mean that we are- in fact- fine. However, I think we are pretty easy to shop for, especially for Valentine’s Day.
As I mentioned in an earlier post this week, most women typically like the 3 main gifts for this holiday: flowers (roses), chocolate, and jewelry. Now knowing which type of jewelry, flowers and chocolates she likes may take a bit of investigation, but that’s what her friends are for, right? And you should really know most of that just by dating her, anyway.
However, sometimes guys still mess up. Although most of my Valentine’s Day gifts have been wonderful, I’ve heard many horror stories from my girl friends. So guys, here is a list of what NOT to get a girl for Valentine’s Day.
Candles. Unless your girlfriend/wive/fiance collects candles or she has a particular favorite scent, candles are a very impersonal gift. First of all, they’re incredibly overpriced and you could easily buy something more worthwhile with that money. Second of all, she probably already has tons of candles, so will this one be any different? Candles are something you should be buying your mother-in-law or your female boss, not someone you share your deepest thoughts with.
Body wash/spray. Giving your girlfriend that new Givenchy perfume for V-Day? Totally acceptable. Buying her that cupcake-scented body wash set that’s on sale for $19.99 at Bath & Body Works? Not acceptable. Body wash is another form of an impersonal gift- it’s something girls can get for each other during the holidays, but a man shouldn’t give to his partner. A lot of those scents are extremely overpowering- especially on your skin- and might give her a headache. Also, some of us women have sensitive skin and we can only use certain brands of soap, body washes and perfumes. So your best bet is to stay away from those sugary-smelling gels with glitter in them- save it for your 13-year-old sister instead.
Lingerie. We get it- you want to see us wearing this. But buying a girl lingerie is essentially giving yourself a gift- not her. Spending $80 on a bra and panty set at Victoria’s Secret with crazy fur and leopard will probably only get worn once anyway. If you’re gonna go the lingerie route, pick something she can get a lot of use out of and could be worn outside of the bedroom. Then there’s the issue with sizes. If you get her panties that are too big, she’s incredibly insulted that you think she’s “fat”. If you get a bra that’s too small, she’ll worry that you think her breasts aren’t large enough and that she needs implants. Us girls are crazy. So just skip the lingerie and you’ll avoid that nasty argument.
What is on your list of things men shouldn’t get women for Valentine’s Day?
I’m sure my boy will go with the lingerie – remember I’m the queen of granny panties so I wouldn’t be surprised, ha!
HAHA yes I remember that!
all great suggestions!
Definitely cannot go wrong with flowers, chocolate, or jewelry… or all 3 😀
This post totally made me smile! I always think girls are so easy to shop for, but for some reason boys think the opposite!
Aw thank you Kenzie!
Love this post. I’m not really big on V-Day and I’ve gotten so many bad gifts in the past but I completely agree with your tips here.
This is AMAZING, so true!
haha, I actually laughed out loud reading this because it is so true! Great post Rachel!
I’m so glad it made you laugh!
Haha I had a blast reading this Rachel…..thanks for giving out hints!!!
thank you- I’m so flattered you liked it!
You’re too funny! I’m totally different…love lingerie and candles! But body spray..ick – you’re so right
aw thanks for the compliment! Yes nice candles and lingerie (like the ones you picked for your wishlist today on your blog) are nice, but the boring candles and tacky lingerie are what I was more referring to 😛
This is great, and so true! Power tools happen to be on my mom’s list haha
HAHA! oyyy
Haha love this!! SO true.
Haha! My hubby often gets me lingerie for V Day but I really don’t mind. He knows I’m probably only going to wear it a few times and then it’ll be back to my sweatpants 🙂
And I’m probably in the minority saying this, but I’m not a huge fan of flowers since they die in a week!
Haha, very nice! I’m just happy to get something on Valentine’s Day now… I’ve had some past horror stories with exes… one year my boyfriend (well my ex-boyfriend) from high school asked one of my friends to the Valentine’s Day dance while we were still dating… YEAH that happened. So candles would still be an upgrade, but I’m all about the flowers! I don’t mind lingerie either because I think its fun but it would be nice to get some under garments that are useful for everyday wear too!
Ouch! haha at least it made for a funny story? maybe?
Love this roundup! This Valentine’s Day, I’ll be buying myself macarons and cupcakes and pink champagne and toasting to what an amazingly amazing person I am. 😀
xx
m
Macarons would be divine!
Too funny and too true! I hope this post helps some poor, clueless sucker out there!
Thanks!
So funny! I love it! I would literally die for some flowers. I swear that’s all I need. Jewelry and dinner doesn’t hurt but flowers are just so romantic! xo
aw thank you! Flowers are so romantic- even though they die in a few days. womp womppp
I’m not really sure… My husband usually gets me flowers and a card, which I love. I take those any day of the year!
Those are the best! I love cards
Hahaha!!! I can’t think of anything “not” to get the girl (you should ask my husband…he’s full of ideas) 🙂
I do like the typical flowers and all that…but I really like getting gift cards to get a mani/pedi!
oooh that’s a good idea, too!
I am laughing so hard at your ideas!! I agree with them, but I ‘d take any of these gifts over a blender or any other kitchen item:) This may have happened to me in years past.
I’m so glad I could make you laugh! Oh boy, I’ve heard many horror stories about vacuums, so I understand!
Definite NOOOO on the lingerie! A friend of mine once broke up with a guy over a fight they had on Valentine’s Day for that same reason.
oh gosh- see I knew I was right!
That quote is too funny! And I totally agree – those things are so cheesy!
hahahaha so true!!!! On another note, I marathoned Girls all weekend via time warner on demand. I was cracking up and thought of your post. Thanks for getting me inspired to watch.
Yes awesome! So glad!
Love this post. It is perfect and so funny.
Too funny! The quote is hilarious.
I love this post! Haha! It’s so funny! lo
thanks Kacie, glad you enjoyed!
Red roses. Unless they are her FAVORITE flower, then skip them and go with her fav. Or use the $30 and buy something that will last longer than 3 days!
True… but I just love roses, they are so pretty!
You are SO spot on with this post. Every girl out there needs to print this and hand it to her man! 🙂
Thanks Lauren!
Haha I like the what not to buy list – although I secretly love candles, but only if they are the really good (read: overpriced) ones 🙂
exactly!
hahahah hilarious! My boyfriend and I try not to buy Valentines day gifts, we usually buy an “us” gift for like a wine tour or a weekend away together. I think those are the best! 🙂
That’s a great idea!
All good points! I always appreciate some pretty flowers and a nice card. I especially love if the card is made!
me too!
i swear if i get another bath set from bbw, i will go nuts! but thankfully my boyfriend has never been the one to buy those things! phew.