BY NICOLE TOMMASULO

Are you stressing over what type of gift to give your Valentine? My interview with @TheListDaily offers advice for each phase of your relationship. #ValentinesGifts #giftgiving #relationships #love

Nicole writes, “Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and whether you take the holiday seriously or not, getting a gift is always a great way to show the person you’re with you’re thinking about them. But no matter if you and your main squeeze actually care about the day, relationship experts say you still need to acknowledge it.

Susan Trombetti, matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking, spoke to The List exclusively about how to pick out the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Not to add more pressure, but she says, “You can tell if your relationship is on track by the gift someone gives. Not getting the appropriate gift at the right time in your relationship means a lot and tells a lot about how your [significant other] is feeling towards your relationship and the level of commitment.”

A gift is never just a gift, no matter how long you’ve been in a relationship. Even cute, funny gifts — like a card saying “So, like what are we?” with a mini pennant inside from Oxford Pennant — can bomb if you and your partner aren’t on the same page. As Susan Winter explains to New York Magazine, “[t]he subliminal message underneath your choice of gift should say: I’ve paid attention. I’ve listened to what you like and don’t like, because your happiness is important to me, and this relationship is important to me.”

If you’re still looking for a last minute Valentine’s Day gift idea, we’ve rounded up creative and cute gift ideas for every stage of your relationship.

1. If your relationship is brand new, you’ll want to grab one of these Valentine’s Day gifts

There’s already a lot of pressure in a new relationship, and Valentine’s Day only adds to that stress. Whether you’re worried about coming off too interested, not interested enough, or you’re just unsure where this relationship will go, there are a variety of brand new relationship-friendly gifts you can still spoil your SO with.

Unless it’s a first date, Susan Trombetti says a heart-shaped necklace is what she always suggests. But since things are still new, something sweet and thoughtful like flowers and a card, while traditional, are safe gifts. Save the lingerie and diamonds for later on in the relationship, one relationship expert told New York Magazine. Getting your valentine a plant from The Sill or dried bouquet from Bouqs are creative twists on the old tradition without worrying about crossing a line.

2.Valentine’s Day gifts for if you’ve been in a relationship longer than a year

Whether you’ve been dating one year or five, it’s safe to say you know your partner pretty well at this point, down to exactly how to speak their love language. With how many Valentine’s Day, birthday, and holiday gifts over the years, staying creative and thoughtful can start to become a challenge.

One of the ways to show your significant other you still get them without going overboard on romance is ordering them a subscription box (per Cosmopolitan). Since it would be a monthly gift, it’s perfect for long-distance relationships — even when you can’t be there with them, a monthly surprise can help get them through to your next visit. With options like books, beer, and succulents, if your significant other loves something, a subscription for it probably exists. If you share streaming accounts, surprise them by paying for a few months or the next year of Netflix or HBO Max.

Planning a romantic weekend, whether out of town or as a staycation in a fancy hotel, is a great way to pamper your significant other as well. If you’re still worried about traveling, a weekend at home can still be a romantic Valentine’s Day gift. Good Housekeeping suggests hallway bowling as a fun at-home date night activity you and your partner can have fun together with. 

https://www.thelist.com/761634/valentines-day-gifts-for-every-stage-of-your-relationship/