Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her: Gift, Experience or Both?

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, you may be torn between giving your GF a traditional gift she can show off to all of her friends or a memory-making experience. If you really want to impress her, go for both.

The best way to make your loved ones happy is by giving them real-life experiences, says Money Magazine. Pair these experiences with a traditional gift that presents a tangible keepsake she can display and admire, and you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable (and adventure-filled) Valentine’s Day.

For the Hopeless Romantic

Give it: If your sweetie dreams of getting whisked away in a true romantic fashion, sweep her off her feet with a chivalrous gesture. Since Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year, extend the celebration. Arrange for a bouquet of fresh-cut long stem red roses to be sent to her office earlier in the week. It’ll show all her co-workers just how sweet you are. Include a note with Valentine’s Day flowers inviting her to dinner the evening of the 14th. You might even drop a hint about your romantic post-meal plans to get her excited for the weekend.

Do it: For your evening experience, keep up the timeless traditions but add a little personalization to show her this day is all about her. Dinner out is great but the hopeless romantic in your life will expect more than reservations. Plan out the entire night and keep her in suspense of what’s next. Need a few ideas? How about a post-dinner moonlight gondola ride or a midnight hike under the stars. These are grand gestures right out of “Say Anything” star Lloyd Dobler’s playbook.

For the Decadent Foodie

Give it: Whether it’s sweet or savory, food is the way to her heart. She loves sampling decadent foods and can’t wait to travel the globe to get first-hand experience with culinary flavors. Chocolates are a good start for your gourmet girl but don’t insult her taste buds with stale convenience-store candies. Only the best will do. Choose a delicious delivery of artisan chocolate strawberries. They’re sure to melt her heart.

Do it: Share in her love of all things gourmet with a gastronomic experience she won’t forget. Sign up for a couples cooking class. Tip: Foodies are ingredient connoisseurs (and often picky eaters) so make sure you browse the menu before signing up for a class to ensure the ingredients are suitable to her epicurean palette.

For the Music Lover

Give it: From country and folk to pop and rock, as long as it has a beat she can dance to, she loves it all. Show her you’ve been paying attention by giving her a thoughtful gift she’s sure to love. A new iPod touch complete with a playlist of her favorite artists, songs, and bands will display just how tuned-in you are to her interests.

Do it: Couple your high-tech gift with a pair of local concert tickets to see her favorite band. Since the concert will likely be later in the year, you’ll both have something to look forward to. Think of it as a way to extend the Valentine’s Day celebration.

For the Wine Aficionado

Give it: Wine is more than a tasty adult beverage. For her, it’s a way to unwind after a long day, a perfect pairing to a gourmet meal and a welcome guest to any soirée. Be her favorite sommelier with a trio of wines, available from a variety of regions. Make the day even more memorable by selecting the right pairing of hors-d’oeuvres for a pre-dinner wine tasting.

Do it: Plan a weekend getaway to a vineyard or arrange a date night to a local wine cellar. If you’re not a wine connoisseur, sign up for a wine-tasting class you can take with her. She may already know it all, but will still enjoy it. And you’ll earn extra brownie points for acing the subject. Make sure you also check out the FTD Valentines Day collection!