Top 10 practical yet romantic gifts
Repost to give you more ideas on the upcoming Valentines Day:
After all the debate about the Top 10 unwanted gifts, you will have to ask... then what is there to buy?!! Okok, this is a bit unfair and my choices are definitely different from other girls but it's better than giving hello kitty presents all the time. Let's see if I can give you some ideas... Warning: All of them require certain amount of time, effort, research and sincerity.
1) Electronic gadgets/accessories
Honestly guys, stick with what you are good at and what she is not in general cases. Most guys know more about gadgets than girls so it should be a safe bet. Hard disk, bluetooth hands-free earpiece, selfie stick, handphone car holder, cover, or even the accessories! They are definitely practical and much appreciated. A hair straightener that can double up as a curler is also a cool idea that most guys will not think to buy. You can even give her a thumbdrive that include your love story and photos in nice powerpoint slides and heartfelt messages in it!
2) Water bottle
Everyone always needs to change their water bottle. I actually have 3 of them, 1 for work, 1 at home and 1 for sports. A good, nice one is easy to get from Royal Sporting House or Taobao. Write a simple note and insert into the bottle together with some stars, ribbons or petals and there you have your simple, thoughtful gift.
3) Thermal flask
Working adults normally need it for their coffee/tea and it's great for travels. If you have time to spare, plan a picnic. Otherwise, let me share with you the perfect way to worm into her heart: Fill it with hot cocoa/coffee and bring it to surprise her on a cold night and you are bound to get lucky that night.
4) Facial and hair apparels
Let's face it, our skin will not be so youthful forever. Body moisturizer is like the essential product that every of my female friends has so it should be safe and practical. Check out her usual brands and you could go even further to buy other things like face mask, nail polish or hair products. It doesn't sound romantic but she will appreciate that you have paid attention to what brands that she is using. Best is if you buy her make up remover and you remove make up for her that night.... Score!
5) Jewellery box
I have found that every girl needs a jewellery box and I have started giving all my girlfriends this handy gift recently. Surprisingly, none of my friends have got a nice, fashionable and big one with lots of compartments to store rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets. You can shop around depending on budget at all the online stores. If you have also bought some accesories then store it inside and wait for her to find out!
6) Accessories/Watches
Diamonds are girls' best friend. If your pocket is not so deep, go for pearl earrings then. Please don't go for those sold in Accesorize shop. I heard Pandora is a really good choice but quite steep. Couple watches are also a safe bet as it goes to show your commitment to her and always seems more expensive than it really is. City chain 50% off is a good bargain but price makes all the difference in this case.
7) Customized travel kit
One of my best and most thoughtful gift that I have received. It contains some basic medication, nail clipper, band-aids, zip lock bags, small bottles of sun screen, lip balm and knick knacks. With some good packaging, you can even sell it as a plan for your next overseas trip together. Swee.
8) Puzzles
Everyone loves a good teaser and it excites your relationship and brings the intimacy to a whole new level. Someone once drew me a treasure map and then passed it to me on valentine's day. The X marks the place my present was hidden in school but I had to find it on my own! I gave up looking after a while until he hinted that I was looking at the right place. I think this idea is great but please be beside her while she is doing the search if not, she will look quite idiotic looking around.
I once did a treasure hunt with hidden clues leading to the next and ultimately to the end point (which can be the present or the dinner place) and it was easier than I thought to do it! Less crowded places will be better to hide the clues and it can be somewhere that meant something to both of you. Or if she loves food, make it a food hunt. My friend once did a crossword puzzle and the girl has to solve all of it to find out the final word which is the place for dinner! All of these doesn't have to be just on the guys' initiative, actually the girls can do it to surprise the guys too.
9) Flowers
Yes, you know about flowers (Not potted flowers!) but I need to explain why it is listed here. The truth is, not everyone like flowers. I don't and I think it's a waste of money. But, flowers are meant to be a display of affection and a symbol of romance. A show off. A proud declaration that she is attached. An announcement that she has a romantic partner. If every girl has it, then she will need it to make you and her look good. Flowers are only given when there is a crowd around, like in her school or office or a gathering. Luckily there is social media so it's still meant to be broadcasted to the world if she wants it.
10) Hand made/ home made stuff
Nothing says sincerity as much as when she can see that you have put in effort to do something for her. A home made dinner, cake, dessert, chocolate will touch her even if it tastes disgusting. Hand made cards, scrap book, little sweet notes/post-its, a simple drawing captured on camera and sent to her, even a customized desktop or mobile wall paper/ screen saver will secure your happiness late into the night.
Even if you are married, you shouldn't take your relationship for granted and should continue to put in effort to create some romance once in a while. Please share your best gifts and feedback so that we can all benefit from it! Good luck everyone!
After all the debate about the Top 10 unwanted gifts, you will have to ask... then what is there to buy?!! Okok, this is a bit unfair and my choices are definitely different from other girls but it's better than giving hello kitty presents all the time. Let's see if I can give you some ideas... Warning: All of them require certain amount of time, effort, research and sincerity.
1) Electronic gadgets/accessories
Honestly guys, stick with what you are good at and what she is not in general cases. Most guys know more about gadgets than girls so it should be a safe bet. Hard disk, bluetooth hands-free earpiece, selfie stick, handphone car holder, cover, or even the accessories! They are definitely practical and much appreciated. A hair straightener that can double up as a curler is also a cool idea that most guys will not think to buy. You can even give her a thumbdrive that include your love story and photos in nice powerpoint slides and heartfelt messages in it!
 |
| If budget is low, just buy the accessories! (Source: lifestyle9.com) |
Everyone always needs to change their water bottle. I actually have 3 of them, 1 for work, 1 at home and 1 for sports. A good, nice one is easy to get from Royal Sporting House or Taobao. Write a simple note and insert into the bottle together with some stars, ribbons or petals and there you have your simple, thoughtful gift.
3) Thermal flask
Working adults normally need it for their coffee/tea and it's great for travels. If you have time to spare, plan a picnic. Otherwise, let me share with you the perfect way to worm into her heart: Fill it with hot cocoa/coffee and bring it to surprise her on a cold night and you are bound to get lucky that night.
 |
| The perfect image in my mind... (Source: ciderwithrosie.com) |
Let's face it, our skin will not be so youthful forever. Body moisturizer is like the essential product that every of my female friends has so it should be safe and practical. Check out her usual brands and you could go even further to buy other things like face mask, nail polish or hair products. It doesn't sound romantic but she will appreciate that you have paid attention to what brands that she is using. Best is if you buy her make up remover and you remove make up for her that night.... Score!
5) Jewellery box
I have found that every girl needs a jewellery box and I have started giving all my girlfriends this handy gift recently. Surprisingly, none of my friends have got a nice, fashionable and big one with lots of compartments to store rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets. You can shop around depending on budget at all the online stores. If you have also bought some accesories then store it inside and wait for her to find out!
_-_20100203.jpg&ei=oFFtVcinGY-TuATs3oPYBg&bvm=bv.94455598,d.c2E&psig=AFQjCNFqOaNsCEkHdjfy2QBsBeOvnEBqmA&ust=1433314057756355) |
| Doesn't cost much if you buy online (Source: Wikipedia) |
Diamonds are girls' best friend. If your pocket is not so deep, go for pearl earrings then. Please don't go for those sold in Accesorize shop. I heard Pandora is a really good choice but quite steep. Couple watches are also a safe bet as it goes to show your commitment to her and always seems more expensive than it really is. City chain 50% off is a good bargain but price makes all the difference in this case.
 |
One of my best and most thoughtful gift that I have received. It contains some basic medication, nail clipper, band-aids, zip lock bags, small bottles of sun screen, lip balm and knick knacks. With some good packaging, you can even sell it as a plan for your next overseas trip together. Swee.
8) Puzzles
Everyone loves a good teaser and it excites your relationship and brings the intimacy to a whole new level. Someone once drew me a treasure map and then passed it to me on valentine's day. The X marks the place my present was hidden in school but I had to find it on my own! I gave up looking after a while until he hinted that I was looking at the right place. I think this idea is great but please be beside her while she is doing the search if not, she will look quite idiotic looking around.
I once did a treasure hunt with hidden clues leading to the next and ultimately to the end point (which can be the present or the dinner place) and it was easier than I thought to do it! Less crowded places will be better to hide the clues and it can be somewhere that meant something to both of you. Or if she loves food, make it a food hunt. My friend once did a crossword puzzle and the girl has to solve all of it to find out the final word which is the place for dinner! All of these doesn't have to be just on the guys' initiative, actually the girls can do it to surprise the guys too.
9) Flowers
Yes, you know about flowers (Not potted flowers!) but I need to explain why it is listed here. The truth is, not everyone like flowers. I don't and I think it's a waste of money. But, flowers are meant to be a display of affection and a symbol of romance. A show off. A proud declaration that she is attached. An announcement that she has a romantic partner. If every girl has it, then she will need it to make you and her look good. Flowers are only given when there is a crowd around, like in her school or office or a gathering. Luckily there is social media so it's still meant to be broadcasted to the world if she wants it.
10) Hand made/ home made stuff
Nothing says sincerity as much as when she can see that you have put in effort to do something for her. A home made dinner, cake, dessert, chocolate will touch her even if it tastes disgusting. Hand made cards, scrap book, little sweet notes/post-its, a simple drawing captured on camera and sent to her, even a customized desktop or mobile wall paper/ screen saver will secure your happiness late into the night.
 |
| Better not expect that she will clean up for you.. (Source: Wikipedia) |
Jes
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Hehe thanks for writing this up. Bookmarked cos Mrs RetailTrader's birthday is coming!
ReplyDeleteHi RetailTrader,
DeleteNo problem, your missus is a lucky woman to have you! Any other ideas feel free to let me know!
Thanks for reading =)
Jes,
ReplyDeleteI'm not so sure I would want to remove her makeup....
Put it back on!
Slap!
I guess no dessert for me tonight?
LOL!
Hi SMOL,
DeleteMuahahaha... *slap* well deserved. But you have probably got used to her natural face already!
No dessert and you probably got to hug the couch!
Naughty naughty
DeleteHaha I guess I am the practical type then. I have received watches, jewellery, flowers but I must say that there are none that stand out the most. It's a gift an ultimately it's the thought that counts.
ReplyDeleteFurther more, Valentine' Day is just another commercialised occasion that make us feel that you need to do something about it if you have a partner.
Hi Kate,
DeleteYou are indeed practical to look past the price tag and look at the effort. Not many girls will do that nowadays judging from the branded stuff they have. Yeah, it is indeed commercialized but also a good reminder for partners to do something special together. For old couples, avoid valentines' day is the best, everything is usually more expensive!