Alternative Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day 2019

Oh the irony of writing a Valentine’s Day gift guide when you’re single! Well, here I am. And just because I’m not loved up doesn’t mean a girl can’t dream, right? So, dear Future Husband, please read this and take notes for our future dates, hopefully away from the obvious. Here it is: my Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day 2019.

‘Unsexy’ Pyjamas

Sod lingerie, I want a pair of matching long sleeve pyjamas this Valentine’s Day! Is there honestly any better feeling than getting home from the gym after work, having a shower and putting on a fresh pair of PJ’s? Nope. The answer is a firm no from me. I absolutely adore my pyjamas and will happily spend good money investing in a high quality set to keep me comfortable all nightttt longgg. My favourite style are long legs, long sleeves with a collar and a chest pocket – proper oversized, boyfriend style. Plus, I personally find pyjamas quite sexy and way more subtle than cheap lingerie.

There’s also a ton of different patterns and prints you can get pyjamas in, so you can use this as a nice excuse to find something that reflects your loved one. For instance, if a guy ever bought my pug pyjamas, I would say ‘I do’ right there and then.

No More Roses

Okay, okay, a dozen red roses are romantic and not to be sniffed at – but why just buy flowers for Valentine’s Day? And why buy the same as everyone else? Not very imaginative, is it?

Whatever the occasion, however, flowers are always lovely and so if you do choose to buy flowers this Valentine’s Day 2019, I would urge you to consider buying a bouquet other than roses that truly reflect’s your date’s personality. What’s her favourite flower? Does he have a colour he -always- wears? What’s her favourite scent? Does she have a lot of house plants? How about something potted?

Something that always leaves a soft spot for me is when men buy me lily flowers. Simple. But they’ve thought about it. And let’s be honest, men don’t do that for their ladies very often.

Oh and if you’re really lazy, you can even get them delivered through the postbox by services such as Appleyard London (like mine pictured above). There’s no excuse, lads.

Let Them Choose Their Own A Weekend Away

An oldie but a goodie! You just simply can’t go wrong with a romantic weekend away. For him, for her, for any age and any relation (hey, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just for your significant other, it can be the perfect time to treat your bestie to a girl’s weekend away!). This time, let your date pick the destination instead of risking it all with a surprise that can fall flat on it’s face. As an example, my ex boyfriend bought me a surprise holiday to Barcelona one Christmas. If he had listened to me when I was talking about my past holidays, he would have heard that it was my least favourite city break and I am personally not a fan of the Spanish destination… But that’s another story!

Aside from the cliche European city breaks such as Paris and Prague, there are so many great getaways in the UK to experience for a stay-cation. Obviously, Manchester is the best – I’m biased, I know – but Newcastle is a great party town, Edinburgh is historically beautiful and York is so picturesque. If you prefer your date to pick the destination themselves, you could even purchase them a gift voucher for them to redeem themselves. I have a voucher from Red Letter Days for a UK weekend away that I’m waiting to use on the right person, and they have plenty more Valentine’s Day Gifts on their site, too.

A Puppy

They call it ‘puppy love’ for a reason!

Puppies aren’t just for Christmas, they’re for life, I know, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make the most romantic Valentine’s Day gift in the world if given responsibly to a good owner. Sonny, my pug, is without a doubt the best thing that has ever happened to me and so imagine how wonderful it would be for someone to notice that and want to double it?! Personally, a date with Sonny means more than it ever could with anyone else, so spending Valentine’s Day cuddling my pup is the best way to remind myself of how loved I am this year.

In all seriousness, if you are looking for a gift to cheer someone up, consider incoporating their pet into it. Or dare I say, ‘their child’? (Shudder). Something as simple as a framed photo or a homemade card printed with a picture of them on it can often mean way more than an elaborate gesture. I even recently had a beautiful diamond created from Sonny’s fur from Heart In Diamond which was just the most amazing gift in the world. Thoughtfulness is key.

Money

I’m half joking here. Half.

But inspired by The Slumflower, this year I aspire to be as terrifying as possible to men so that only the self-aware ones who are doing the work, can enjoy the wonder of my existence. This 2019 I am only going to be sharing my life with men who add tangible value to my life. If you want to date me, you’re going to have to be able to offer me something; I no longer have time for commitment issue, broke ass boys. As she said ‘don’t come to visit a Goddess with no offerings’.

If All Else Fails: Alcohol

If all else fails, there’s always alcohol. Also applies if, like me, you’re spending another Galentine’s Day single with the girls, your dog, and a bottle of prosecco. Cheers!