If pink is your favorite color, your favorite Hallmark holiday is just around the corner (well outside of breast cancer pink October)…Valentine’s Day.  Let’s be honest, this day is an area of contention for many people.  It really should be called “Name that relationship day”.  For example, you set out in the new year full speed ahead on the love trail and lucky you, you started seeing someone that doesn’t make you cringe..yet.  Well hello, in the next few days you are inevitably going to be asked what that person is to you, boyfriend? future husband? just a friend?.  Sorry, blame it on the time of year.  Then complicate that with whether or not you should get a gift.

Now you’re thinking damn, I should have just waited to date after the bracket of commitment season ended.  What is this you ask?  Well I have learned from my own past relationships and countless friends and family the time from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day is a commitment and it is really sticky to get out during that time.  Many people want to end it before the holidays start so they don’t have to worry about it, but some grin and bear it so they don’t have to explain or answer questions to family about the separation.  You are married you say? in a committed relationship?…you aren’t out of the woods yet.  Again people look to this day as the one day your significant other should profess their love by shouting it from the rooftops.  If they don’t, what does that mean?  Gasp.  You try to play it cool, like oh yeah, I don’t care about Valentine’s Day, it’s just a stupid ploy to get me to spend money so we don’t celebrate.

Then everywhere you turn there is an aisle of heart shaped everything.  And the commercials, oh the commercials…which are all full blown eye roll worthy.  Never fear, here are a few gift ideas for those of you that are all heart shaped eyes emoticon over the big day and for those of you just trying to get through it alive!  Single or attached, there are ideas for you!

Disclaimer: These are mostly geared toward gift ideas for the ladies, so just let your guy know to look here for ideas for you!  

Now of course remember, you don’t need a holiday to share your feelings and you should never have to prove to anyone other than each other how much you love one another.  So have fun with the day!

Need ideas?  Here you go…you are welcome.  If I didn’t cover your situation, let me know, I’ll see if I can help!

 

Married/long term relationship?

~Maybe you have a tradition at this point, if not flowers are never a bad idea but for the love of God don’t get roses!  Tell your florist a color scheme and budget and tell them to go crazy.

~You’ll really be the hero/heroine if instead of flowers you send your loved one a heart shaped pizza or box of cupcakes to the office.  So much cooler than flowers!

~If you are looking to impress (or for the gals wanting to spoil themselves) see the options below.  Yes, they are investments, but they also fall into the current color trend and are totally worth it!

 

Single?

Have any single girlfriends? (Hopefully this answer is yes, if not, I’m available)

~ Purchase mani/pedi gift certificates and have a girls date, preferably at a nail salon that is BYOB and relish in girl talk, dissect past relationships, plan a trip together, talk about whatever, just enjoy the time with people you love.  I do not advise going out to a restaurant….think Sex and the City when Carrie and Miranda went out with all the balloons and ribbons hanging from the ceiling and an unending row of tables for 2.

~Have a Netflix marathon, and if you are all Scandal fans, the wine glass featured below (the individual one shown)  is the exact one Olivia Pope uses on the show!  Just add a bottle of wine and best gift ever!

No single friends? (at least none that are around for the dreaded day of gushy love)

~Whatever you do, do not watch the Notebook at home alone, I repeat DO NOT do it.  Instead, enjoy your alone time, start reading a new book, possibly Amy Schumer, which I just happened to purchase.  I also enjoy Sex and the City reruns, always a good laugh and a healthy dose of fashion there!

New love?

Best way to go here is thoughtful.  Such as framing a photo of the two of you, especially since no one prints pictures anymore!  Want to be romantic and sweet?, I always think serving breakfast in bed is a good idea.  Have a coffee lover?  Try a departure from the Keurig with a Nespresso!  Get a really cool bed tray and go all out with mimosas, pancakes, eggs.  Added bonus: Put a wrapped piece of jewelry on the tray, such as the fabulous Gucci earrings below (yes, I know these are not for everyone, but you get the idea: JEWELRY).

  And finally, I will leave you with this…..