Valentine’s Day Buying Guide

Valentine’s Day, celebrated 14th February, is a day you celebrate the people you love most in your life. On Valentine’s Day, you can show someone just how much you appreciate them and all that they do. However, as Valentine’s Day fast approaches, it can seem daunting to make the day as special as possible.

In this gift guide, we’ll help you tell and show your loved ones just how much you value them.

Is Valentine's Day for him or her?

Traditionally, Valentine's Day has been a day where a man would show his love and appreciation for a chosen lady with a romantic gesture. However, in recent years, women have wanted to return the favour. Nowadays, Valentine's Day is about both people showing love and appreciation for each other, no matter their gender.

How to ask someone to be your valentine?

Asking someone to be your valentine is a sweet and thoughtful gesture. Whether you’re asking someone to be your valentine for the first time or the 50th, here are some ways you can do it:

1. Send or give them a bouquet of flowers – this is a classic and thoughtful gesture expressing affection. You could add a valentine’s message to the bouquet card or ask them directly
2. Write them a letter – writing a letter can be a thoughtful and personal way to communicate with someone, expressing your feelings or thoughts in a more deliberate and lasting way
3. Invite them to an activity – an activity provides an opportunity to share an experience and enjoy each other's company, providing the perfect timing for you to ask them to be your valentine
4. Be funny – being witty and humorous can ease the pressure of asking someone to be your valentine. Try telling them a cheesy pick up line or funny joke.
5. Keep the spark alive – if you’ve been together a while, you should know some of their favourite foods, activities and hobbies. Surprise them with something you know they’ll love!

When do you ask someone to be your valentine?

Ideally, you want to ask someone if they will be your valentine at least a week before the day. Two weeks is even better if you can. This gives you enough time to plan your special day just how you would like it.

If you’re planning to celebrate with a meal, as most people do, asking in advance allows you to reserve a table at your favourite restaurant and avoids disappointment.

Although asking last minute shows spontaneity, it can also give the impression that you haven't put much thought or effort into the invitation, which may lead the other person to feel undervalued or unimportant.

Do you gift gifts on Valentine’s Day?

It’s completely up to you if you choose to give a gift on Valentine’s Day. Most people do, as a gift is a token of their love, showing someone how much they mean to you.

Gifts can be given in all shapes and sizes, bought or homemade. It’s all about finding the right gift that your valentine will love.

How to choose a valentine's gift

If you are planning to give a gift, here are some tips on how to choose the right one:

Romantic or platonic?

The first thing to narrow down is if this is going to be a gift for a family member, friend, or client, or if it’s going to be for a romantic interest instead. There are both options available; it just makes it easier to decide on a present.

Find out what they like

If you don’t already know what they like, find out! Are they a fan of sweets, do they prefer chocolates or fruit-flavored candies? Do they like to look after themselves and would appreciate a self-care gift basket? Would like they like something sentimental or homemade? Really ponder over what they’ll prefer out of a gift and you’ll make the right choice.

Think about previous gifts

If you’ve done this before, think about gifts that have impressed and others that haven’t. This will help narrow down the search for a perfect gift.

Consider experiences

If you’re still stuck for ideas, think about something you could do together. Tickets to a show, a family day out or a gift card to your favourite restaurant are all great ways of showing your appreciation without having a physical gift to give.

What to write in a Valentine’s Day card

What you write in your Valentine's Day card will depend on the nature of your relationship and your feelings for the person. Here are some ideas to help you express your sentiments:

1. Express Your Feelings – "Wishing the sweetest, happiest Valentine's Day to the one who makes my heart skip a beat. I'm so grateful to have you in my life."
2. Share Memories – "Remember the time we [insert a special memory]? That's just one of the many reasons I love you. Happy Valentine's Day!"
3. Compliments – "To the most amazing person I know, inside and out. You're my sunshine on even the cloudiest days. Happy Valentine's Day, my love."
4. Funny Note – "Roses are red, violets are blue, I bought this card because I love you. Happy Valentine's Day, you're stuck with me!"
5. Looking Forward to the Future – "Here's to many more Valentine's Days together. I can't wait to see what adventures and love the future holds for us."
6. Acknowledging Each Other's Quirks – "Love is sharing popcorn even when we both wanted buttered. Thanks for sharing the ups and downs of life with me. Happy Valentine's Day!"
7. Appreciation – "On this Valentine's Day, I just want to express my appreciation for your love, support, and the joy you bring to my life. You're my everything."
8. Poetry or Quotes – Include a romantic quote or a short poem that resonates with your feelings. You can find many beautiful quotes and poems online or write one yourself.
9. Personalized Message – Include something specific to your relationship, like an inside joke, a shared interest, or a reference to a special moment you've had together.

Remember, the most meaningful messages come from the heart, so feel free to tailor these suggestions to reflect your unique connection with the person you're giving the card to. Whether your message is sweet, funny, or romantic, the sincerity behind your words is what matters most.

If you need more help, we are here to help. Order your Valentine’s Day gift with Broadway Basketeers today for gourmet baked goods, gorgeous bouquets, decadent chocolates, fresh desserts, and evergreen items that last like serving trays and wine bottle openers. Give them the gift of luxury – send them a gift basket.