What NOT to give your partner this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and although we want to shower our significant other with affection and thoughtful gifts, it’s crucial to remember that not every gift idea is a winner. Some gifts might send the wrong message or leave your partner questioning your sanity.

“Often the gift someone thinks is thoughtful and loving leaves their partner feeling frustrated and angry. Don’t forget, simple is often better, and Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be about buying something expensive, but about showing your partner you can make their life easier by doing something instead,” suggested Bronwyn Ragavan, brand manager for Chemico.

Many partners appreciate the effort made, and sometimes a simple homecooked meal or a picnic in the garden is all you need to do. Another option is to gift your partner with a day of pampering while you take on their chores around the house. Cleaning the house while they are away will mean so much to them.

To help steer you in the right direction, Bronwyn suggested the following items to stay away from when gifting your partner:

• Gym membership: Nothing says “I love you” like implying your partner needs to hit the gym. A surprise gym membership might be misconstrued as a not-so-subtle hint, leaving your loved one feeling more offended than loved. A scale is also not a thoughtful gift, no matter how high-tech.
• DIY anything: Unless you’re a professional artist or craftsman, think twice before attempting that homemade scrapbook or hand-knit sweater. While the effort is commendable, your partner might end up questioning your creative abilities more than appreciating the gesture.
• Appliances: Resist the urge to gift your significant other a vacuum cleaner or an iron complete with an ironing board. While a tidy home is important, Valentine’s Day isn’t the time to address domestic duties. Save the household items for more practical occasions.
• Pet tarantula: Sure, some people love exotic pets, but read the room. Surprising your partner with a hairy eight-legged friend might not be the best idea. The last thing you want is a pet-induced panic attack on the day of love.
• Toilet paper subscription: While practical, a subscription to toilet paper might lack the romantic touch you’re aiming for. Save the household essentials for a less sentimental occasion, and choose a gift that’s a bit more, well, charming.
• Cooking classes: Unless your partner has expressed a genuine interest in enhancing their culinary skills, cooking classes might be a recipe for disaster. It’s one thing to enjoy a romantic meal together, but implying your partner needs improvement in the kitchen could leave a bitter taste.
• Re-gifted items: No matter how well you think you’ve hidden it; re-gifting is usually a risky move. Your partner might appreciate the thought, but discovering a familiar gift from the past could lead to some awkward conversations.

Many couples want to create an occasion to remember, which often doesn’t turn out as well as they thought it would. The aptly named KISS rule works perfectly when it comes to planning for Valentine’s Day: Keep It Simple Stupid.

“Simple, thoughtful actions will be rewarded as it shows that you understand your partner’s needs. Avoid a spectacle and rather gift your partner with an occasion or an action that allows them the opportunity to enjoy themselves,” explained Bronwyn.