OKOTH: 5 Valentines Day gifts that are a waste of money

OKOTH: 5 Valentines Day gifts that are a waste of money

Valentine’s Day should be special – treating it as such will allow you to live up another ordinary day.

Traditionally perceived Valentine’s Day gifts such as oversized boxes of chocolates, glittery cards and stuffed toys are just too conventional – they are meaningless.

My motive is not to make stores that are fully stocked with the products to record a surprise minimal sale on February 14 – no.

Make this the year you think outside the box. Your lover may truly cherish a gift that is unconventional. And you won’t waste money on a gift that could easily be tossed aside once Valentine’s Day is washed out.

Below are five Valentine’s Day gifts that are a waste of money – and what you can buy instead.

  1. Flowers

I am sorry if you have already bought a bouquet of flowers for memsahib – I am not out to make you feel that you are financially irrational. Flowers may look pretty for two days, and the recipient will enjoy a surprise delivery.

However, they have a mortally short shelf life. They will most likely be forgotten shortly after delivery and make their way to the dumpster in about a week if not two days.

Yes, you communicated your love, but the message probably died immediately the flower was discarded.

What to give instead: A handwritten letter or a handmade collage of photos in a beautiful frame will have more sentimental value than flowers – and will also last a lifetime.

  1. Fancy greeting card

There are better ways of expressing your love and commitment to your flame than spending a huge chunk of money on an overpriced pre-made card that is sold at a high-end store in town.

Do so if only you are planning to write something truly sentimental in the card.

What to give instead: Make your own card to share your love. Your partner will appreciate the effort. Better still, you will be free to design and write a message that completely resonates with your lover.

  1. Dinner at a restaurant

Well, it could serve for memories, but you may end up spending a fortune on that epicure meal, parking and valet service. Not to mention, a crowded bistro.

It is a gesture of romance, nothing will change that; but it may miss the mark on being a relaxing night out for two.

What to give instead: Reservations at your treasured restaurant on an alternate night (any other night of your choice besides February 14) when it’s less crowded or a cozy night at home where you cook up your significant other’s favorite meal.

  1. Bottle of wine

Consider leaving this gift out – unless you are certain your significant half subscribes to a particular bottle of wine, and will be excited to get a bottle of it from you.

What to give instead: Tickets to a wine tasting event. Enjoy some quality time together with a wine tasting for two. Look for wine and cocktail events in the area, and purchase tickets to take your sweetheart out for a special date night.

  1. Box of chocolates

Killing a tradition takes rebellion or revolution. Box of chocolates as gifts during Valentine’s Day is boringly mainstream – forgive me.

Unless your beloved is a fan of a certain type of chocolate he or she can’t find any other time of the year, this edible gift won’t last long enough to be truly memorable.

Commercial chocolates tend to become rancid within countable months.

What to give instead: Handmade cookies or other baked goods. If he or she has a sweet tooth, treat them to their favorite dessert that you make yourself. Baking some sweet treats for your partner and wrapping them in a gift box will show you care.

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