Valentine gifts–practical or romantic?

We’ve all heard of giving a loved one roses, a box of chocolates, perfume or cologne, jewelry, or even a stuffed animal for Valentine’s Day. But have you ever heard of giving a loved one a purely practical gift for Valentine’s Day?

I had been divorced for over four years when I started dating again in my 40’s.  It was not something I looked forward to but my daughter and friends were persuasive.  I signed up for eHarmony and answered all of their probing questions while enjoying a glass of wine to make the process less of a chore.  I was hopeful.

Within a few weeks I met Doug, an educated businessman and father of four, on eHarmony.  We spoke on the phone several times before meeting in person in early January at a Denver Nuggets game (I had free tickets).  We lived about an hour from each other so after having a good time at the game we met at restaurants at the edge of town a couple of times a week.  We spent hours talking and laughing while getting to know each other.

When Valentine’s Day approached I searched for the perfect romantic gift for Doug.  I settled on a bottle of Ralph Lauren Polo Black cologne after smell testing several competitors.  I thought it smelled just like Doug, sophisticated and masculine, so I purchased the cologne for about $80 as I recall and wrapped it up to present it to my valentine.  I love giving gifts.

Early that week, Doug called and told me he would have his children on Valentine’s Day so he would not be able to go out to dinner with me.  His youngest children, twin boys, were 12 years old and his oldest was a high school junior. So when I met him a couple of days before Valentine’s Day, I had my Valentine’s gift ready.  He was empty-handed. I think he loved my gift as he put on the cologne right away.  It seemed perfect.

When I next saw Doug, a few days after Valentine’s Day, he presented a beautifully wrapped gift bag for me.  I asked him if he wrapped it himself and he said he had.  I was very excited since this was the first romantic gift I would receive from someone other than my ex-husband.  I slowly peeled back the pretty paper and ribbon to discover two SanDisk flash drives in separate packages.  My reaction was probably less than excited I’m sure.  Doug told me he thought flash drives would be the perfect gift for a teacher. Practical.  I hid my disappointment and thanked him.

Our relationship ended about six weeks later when we didn’t agree on me quitting my job and relocating to be nearer to him.  When I was married, I had to quit my job and move quite often for my ex’s job.  I wasn’t interested in sacrificing everything for Doug.  After all, I’m sure you have heard Kay Jewelers’ advertising slogan, “Every kiss begins with Kay.” It wasn’t, “Every kiss begins with SanDisk.”  It’s not always the thought that counts.

We all have given and received great, and not so great, Valentine’s Day gifts.  I’m a hopeless romantic so of course I love getting flowers or a piece of jewelry.  I love giving thoughtful romantic gifts like a home cooked candlelight dinner, a singing valentine or opening weekend Colorado Rockies tickets.

What gift do you prefer to receive, romantic or practical?  Which do you give?  Do you have a similar story to share? I’d love to hear from you.

Happy Valentine’s Day!