Sure, Valentine's Day is a Hallmark holiday, it means nothing, and you are forced to give some token of affection to the significant other or face the wrath. That's just the deal. But that token doesn't have to be something generic like flowers, chocolates, or those pathetic stuffed animals that no one wants (certainly not any grown woman I know).
To give something more memorable, the secret ingredient is effort. First, you must find out something about the lady you are buying a present for. Is she your girlfriend/wife or are you stalking her? (If the latter, skip this post and step away from everything.) What exactly does she like to put in her belly, accept into her ear-holes or eye-holes, put in her house, put on her body? (It's not specific enough, for quality gift-buying purposes, to simply know that she puts "clothes" on her body. If you need assistance, you can always try consulting one of her friends.)
The following suggestions won't work for everyone, but might provide some inspiration.
* Instead of the default roses, pick her favorite flowers, or plant them for her, or put them in a vase that's her style, such as the glorious Misfits number pictured above. (Also available in KISS, AC/DC, and Thrasher models for way too much $$$ from LeGaragePierreBlanc.com -- it's even French, so, bonus romance.)
* Does she enjoy the sex? How about a gift card to Babeland? They're available in denominations from $20 & up, their business and web store is so woman-friendly, and whatever she chooses could very well become a gift that keeps on giving.
* Can't stand to be apart from each other? Has she always wanted a Love Toilet, as seen on Saturday Night Live? Desginer Sebastian Brajkovic has designed something similar, but without the toilet part.
It's probably really really expensive and you should just duct tape two kitchen chairs together. (Don't do that.)
* Does she have a favorite food treat found only in a faraway land? Is it shippable (or pick-up-able, by you) without causing a gastronomic catastrophe? Deliver it yourself or have it shipped in for Feb. 14 and you will be the PIMP! Some restaurant/bakery websites, such as the often-craved by this writer Babycakes, list shipping info on their website.
YUM
* This is probably the most potentially budget-friendly option: choose from thousands of items on Etsy.com, where you can buy her something that's handmade and likely one-of-a-kind or limited edition (or vintage, or custom-made), like this cool silver and gold branch pendant ($36).
And check Etsy's blog for Valentine-themed items like this sweet card ($3).
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