|
The
Perfect Gift?
An
evaluation of popular Valentine’s Day Gifts
Get
out of Valentine’s Day exactly what you want to get out of
it. Now, wait—you don’t have to take it in that sense. Or
maybe you do. Anyway, don’t wait until the last minute to
buy a Valentine’s gift. Thoughtful planning is essential.
Here are some popular V-Day gifts, and the pros and cons of
each.
Dinner
Pro:
There’s no such thing as a “too expensive” or “too nice” restaurant
on Valentine’s Day.
Con: None. In fact, it’s required.
A
Special Event
Pro:
There’s a lot to choose from, from the Albany Symphony’s trio
of concerts in Saratoga, Troy and Pittsfield, Mass., to 3
Mo’ Divas at Proctors.
Con: None. Just don’t think you can get away with it being
the only gift.
Teddy
Bear
Pro:
Indescribably cute. If you know what your valentine really
likes—hockey, say, or ninjas—you can get a bear in a Rangers’
jersey or dressed up in a ninja suit with some tiny nunchaku.
You know, the personal touch.
Con: Can be seen as indescribably cheap, depending on the
status of your relationship. Also, be careful that your giftee
doesn’t already have a shelf full of furry stuffed creatures.
Chocolates
Pro:
Everyone who isn’t actually allergic to the stuff loves chocolate.
Something Swiss, or better, from one of our fine local candymakers.
Upscale chocolates show that you appreciate the finer things,
for a not-necessarily-too-high price.
Con:
Can be seen as too generic—who hasn’t given/received chocolate
on Valentine’s Day? To be safe, give it as one of two gifts.
Lingerie
Pro:
Sexy time!
Con: It’s impossible to underestimate the number of women
quoted in newspaper features and on TV to the effect that
they hate lingerie gifts on Valentine’s Day.
Sex
Toys
Pro:
See above. Plus, even if you get dumped, they’ll always think
of you during those private moments.
Con: See above. Be very, very sure of where you are in your
relationship.
Champagne
Pro:
Nothing says “special occasion” like a nice sparkling wine.
Con: Alcohol, however exquisite, can send the wrong message.
Like, “I want to get you drunk and have my way with you.”
Except that might actually be the right message. Tricky.
Beer
Pro:
Ladies, this is a cheap way to buy off a guy.
Con: None.
A
Pony
Pro:
Deep down inside, everyone wants a pony. Right?
Con: As demonstrated on that TV commercial, ponies can have
prickly personalities.
Electronics
Pro:
Everyone likes something they can really use.
Con: Not very romantic. You’ll have to pair that Wii with
something sweet to put your valentine “in the mood.”
Jewelry
Pro:
Lots of choices for both sexes, from earrings and pendants
to rings and pins, at all prices.
Con: The wrong choice can give the, um, wrong impression about
where you want the relationship to go. Gift with care.
Flowers
Pro:
Roses are aces. Plants can be great, too, if fancy enough.
Especially if they’re sent to your intended at their job.
Your valentine can demonstrate to coworkers that however much
they may hate them, someone loves them.
Con: None. Well, except allergies.
Custom
T-Shirt
Pro:
At least it’s personalized.
Con: “I agreed to go out with that jerk and all I got was
this lousy shirt.”
iPhone
Pro:
It’s an iPhone!
Con: It’s an iPhone!
A
Poem
Pro:
You can express how you feel directly, in a more personal
way than any greeting card.
Con: You may suck as a poet.
Or you could just e-mail your sweetheart a nice LOLcat.
—Shawn
Stone
|
Site
Search 
