Valentine's Gift Dos and Don'ts

Valentine's Day is the time for showing your special someone that your one and only...by giving them a cliche gift?  Flowers, candy, lingerie...I think we can do better, don't you?  This is the love of your life we're talking about here!  Woo your dearest with something that shows you care, not something that shows you ran to the drugstore on the way to your date. (Ooh.  A box of chocolate with Sesame Street characters on it.  What every girl dreams of!) 

Here are a few Do's and Don'ts for your Valentine's Day gift hunting.  Most of my suggestions are for beauty products, of course: they don't come in sizes, they're fat free, and--unlike a stuffed animal--you actually use them. 

Scroll down to find a gallant gift for every situation--and savings to boot!

It's New.

Things are heating up, and you want to wow her with a fun, playful present.

DO Surprise her with a gift that sexy, but subtle, like JimmyJane massage candles. It sets the mood without being tacky.

DON'T buy her lingerie unless you really know her taste (and her size!).

She's on a Diet.

Every year you buy her a box of her favorite cupcakes, but this year she's made it clear she's trying to slim down.

DO Show her you think she's the sweetest with some bath products with sweet scents.  Fresh Brown Sugar Kit or Chocolate scented body wash are a nice, calorie-free alternative to the traditional box of chocolates. 

DON'T get her a product designed to fight cellulite.  Even if she's mentioned that she wants to try a great slimming product like Fat Girl Slim, that's not exactly the mood you want to set on Valentine's Day.

She's Been Hinting She Wants to Leave Town.

It's been years since your last vacation, and your honey keeps saying "I hear Jamaica is nice this time of year."

DO Surprise her with a trip somewhere romantic and slip a Red Flower Travel Kit in her bag.

DON'T surprise her with a trip to your family's house and slip a neat little portable game player into your bag. 

She's a Makeup Junkie.

You know nothing makes your lady happier than a new "toy" for her makeup kit.

DO Treat her to some NARS I Want You Lip Gloss Set or spoil her with some E.L.F. Studio goodies.

DON'T Buy her anything that claims to mask wrinkles.  That's not the "fun" part of makeup.

She's Overworked.

She's been exhausted and her mood betrays her need for an endorphin boost.

DO Get her a spa treatment to ease all the stress she's been having at work lately.

DON'T Get her a workout video.  * See: DON'T Buy her a product designed to fight cellulite.

If All Else Fails ...

You've been together for a long time, what's left to buy her?

DO Get her favorite scent.  Even if you've bought it before, you could try buying lotion or dry oil spray in her signature scent.  Shop around at Scented Monkey to find it at a great price.

DON'T Get her a random body splash.  Unless you're both in middle school ...

Ladies, you make some gifting gaffes yourself, I'm sure. Here are a few pointers for you.

DO Buy him a shave kit.  Gift him with something old school, or surprise him with  a new electric shaver.

DON'T buy him a nose hair trimmer or products for thinning hair.

And the hottest Valentine's Day gift of all is one I lifted from a recent issue of Details.  It's not a beauty product, but it's too good not to share: Get her a hot pair of heels and slip a note inside that says "Wear these tonight.  Pick you up at 8pm."  Of course you've got to put your money wear your mouth is and take her somewhere worthy of those shoes.

Hopefully these tips will have you ready for love on February 14th.  And if your gift doesn't go over well, remind your honey that Valentine's Day is just a Hallmark holiday invented to sell greeting cards

Wait--actually, don't do that ...

Got any Valentine's Day Dos and Don'ts to share?  Post them in the comments!  And no matter what you do for Valentine's Day, be sure to follow me on Twitter @SavingsMBones for the best beauty deals!