Guys,

In case you don’t know, if you’re in any semblance of a romantic relationship (2 months or 20 years) there is a considerable amount of pressure associated with Valentine’s Day. Fair or not, your lady is expecting you to show her how much she means to you, even if you show her all the time (and ESPECIALLY if she says, “oh don’t worry about doing anything…”)

Her coworkers, friends and family will be flooding social media with all the ways their significant others SHOWERED them with thoughtfulness, and I’m here to keep you out of the doghouse and give her something to brag about. A few tips from a girl who’s gotten both ends of the Valentine’s Day stick:

#1 MORE MONEY DOESN’T = BETTER.

I personally don’t like couture & diamonds. Crazy, I know. But if you got ME a $500 purse, I honestly wouldn’t know what to do with it. Even for girls who like those kinds of gifts, don’t overextend yourself financially to impress your girl. That’s dumb, not impressive.

#2. IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS.

Girls want to know you care, that you not only thought about them on this particular day, but that you care enough to notice things that are important or special to them.

— Does she love things with kittens on it?
— What’s her favorite drugstore candybar?
— Is purple her favorite color?
— Go for things that say - I notice what matters to you. That’s better than something extravagant any day.

#3. EXPERIENCE OVER EXPENSE.

Create an experience she’ll remember, that shows your thoughtfulness. LIKE: Swing by Thrift Town and grab a comfy blanket, an astronomy book, some champagne flutes and a cute basket to put them all in. Find a hill to hang out on and look at the stars & drink champagne. I promise she’ll remember that over an expensive piece of jewelry any day.

#4. ASK FOR HELP.

Ok, so you don’t know all her quirky favorite things. Ask someone who does. Call her best friend or mom and get the inside scoop. Then get the inexpensive props for your evening out at Thrift Town, so you can afford to take her to her favorite restaurant (call NOW and get a reservation!)

#5. USE YOUR WORDS.

I used to say this to my students all the time. And girls want to hear from you. Words are powerful. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-written card (extra points for handmade!) telling her how awesome she is and how lucky you are to be with her.

#6 OUT OF THE ZONE.

Do something totally out of your comfort zone.

Get a bunch of cheap magazines from Thrift Town and make a funny collage for her. Fill in the blank with something she thinks you’d never think to do for her… even if it’s totally cheesy. A little laughter, a lot of thought, she’ll love it.

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Hope this gives you a little something to go on to make
your girl feel awesome. Give some love, and have fun with it!
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Kari Shipman is thrifty, eco-conscious, and knows the importance of supporting local charities. She has been our featured blogger since we started the blog in 2010, and has a serious passion for fashion. In addition to owning a Fashion Consulting Business, Juniper James, Kari is also the owner of her own boutique that carries all locally made clothing. Kari lives out her passions in Northern California with her wonderful husband Charles, and their black lab, Gracie.