With the festive season finally behind us, another gift-giving holiday is slowly approaching: Valentine’s Day. And this one’s a tricky one. So follow this handy guide to help you avoid going for chocolates and flowers three years into a relationship.
3 months
Instax Mini 9
Help her start her collection of loved-up photos with an instant camera. Whether she’s pinning them to a cork board or keeping them in her wallet, make sure there’s plenty of you and her. It’s a fun, thoughtful gift that doesn’t scream i’m ‘lost without you’ after only a couple months.
Gold Class Movie Tickets
You’re still in the honeymoon period – three months in. You’ve reached the stage where you’re expected to spend money on a great experience without setting the standard too high. You can’t go wrong with Gold Class Tickets. Plus, you get to go as well.
Little Succers Cactus
While most hopeful romantics will lean towards a bouquet, little known fact: women don’t want flowers for Valentine’s Day. Keep them for when you want to surprise her at work after she gets that promotion or starts a new job. Instead, opt for a cactus – they’re low maintenance and won’t go brown after a week.
6 months
Framed Photo
What’s an easy way to remind her daily about how great you are or how great your time together has been? A framed couple photo of course. Plus, it’s basically DIY so they’ll appreciate the effort that went in.
Byredo Candle
Congrats on reaching the six month mark. By now you should know her favourite scents. Impress her by remembering the aroma that calms her with a candle that isn’t overpowering. The Byredo candle ticks that box.
12 months
Aesop kit
Including a wide-range of cleansers and washes, this luxe gift-set will make your partner feel treated. Botanical scents are becoming more and more popular, so you can be rest assured that this will be a hit with anyone.
Savage x Fenty
By now, you should have a good idea of what kind of lingerie she’s into. You should also be at the stage where it’s okay for you to pick out something for her. Really, it’s a win-win for you. She’ll appreciate the new threads and you get to see her looking and feeling confident and sexy.
3 years
Apple AirPods
When you’ve reached the three year mark, practicality is romantic. Flowers and chocolates definitely don’t cut the mustard, so get her something that she can appreciate every day. AirPods also fit into that ideal price bracket: enough spent to show you care but not enough to have her expecting the world next time.
Petite Letter Necklace
Three years in, you’ve both put in the hard yards while also at the point where it’s either going the distance or deciding she’s not the one. If it’s the former, now’s a great time to splurge on something that will remind her just how great you are. Simplistic yet sophisticated jewellery is always a winner, especially if you’re not too sure of her personal style.
Cocoon Pearl Earrings In Gold
I’m told everyone in the office is wearing these. Guaranteed winner from all accounts. Again, they’re simple and they won’t encroach on her look.
Ovolove Package by Ovolo Hotels
Ovolove combines a weekend getaway while exploring your kinky side. If your relationship has reached the stage where your comfortable with exploring each other’s wild side, this is a perfect fit.
5 years
Nespresso Machine
Deep into the relationship (or hopefully marriage), gift-giving is all about practicality and making your significant other’s life easier (it shows you truly care). As you settle down with your own place, your focus should start to shift to decor. You know what most people love? Waking up with a good coffee. This is the simple solution.
Nikon Coolpix B600
“Let’s make more memories together,” she often tells you. If travelling is on the cards, it might be time to invest in a solid camera that will help her capture both the scenery and your time spent together. Photos on digital cameras can also be easily transferred to your computer and be used to create a photo book (hint: there’s your next Valentine’s Day gift sorted).
LE LABO Santal 33
10 years+
Aquabumps Artwork
Do you ever entertain guests or sit around the rumpus room and perhaps your friends or kids ask you about a certain piece of art or memorabilia? Chances are your wife is quick to let them know you gave them that for Valentine’s Day and she’s usually pretty proud for it. Non-perishables are the best kind of gifts, especially with little maintenance required. Can’t go wrong with the ocean-inspired Aquabumps.
Endota Spa Treatment
If she’s stressed out from life-admin or the kids, now is the time to step in. Set her up with a day at the spa to help untie those knots in her back or release the tension from her shoulders. Happy wife, happy life, isn’t that how it goes?
