What She Really Wants for Valentine's Day 2018

Valentine’s Day: The ONE day of the year that you can totally blow it as a husband, boyfriend or significant other.

Yes, it’s a “Hallmark Holiday” for some and I totally subscribe to the fact that you should show your partner how much you love them every day, not just on February 14th; BUT it’s a cultural thing that we have to- pretty much- just deal with, soooo…..

I have surveyed over 300 women from my facebook group on what they REALLY want for Valentine’s Day and I think some of the answers may surprise you! So I’m sharing them to help all of you who *think* you’ve “got it” when, let’s be honest – that appliance, inspirational wall art, or lack of any sort of gift whatsoever shows that you really DON’T “got it”!

#1 – Spa Day

The #1 thing she REALLY wants for Valentine’s Day is a Spa Day and when I say Spa Day, I do NOT mean a gift certificate for a massage.

If I’m honest, I have about four of them lying around and they inevitably expire bc, as a mom and just an all-around busy gal, I never carve the time out for myself to go and actually use them. Call it “Mom Guilt” if you want, but every single other thing that I could be doing with my life always seems to be more important than getting an hour massage or facial that my physical and mental self definitely really needs.

So if you go the spa route, check your gal’s calendar, pick the day, and schedule her a massage and facial so she HAS to go and doesn’t just add another gift certificate to the pile of things she’ll get around to doing one day. Not sure where to go? Ask her friends for recommendations or hit up your local Hand & Stone – I’ve been to a few of their locations and have always enjoyed them! If you are local to the South Jersey/Philly area, I also highly recommend the Rizzieri Salon & Spa!

#2 – One on One Time

This is a BIG one and I think something that is consistently overlooked, One on One Time.

I need to first clarify something: One-on-One Time is NOT binging Netflix on your couch, going to the movies or going out to dinner and staring at your phones the whole time.

One-on-One Time is looking at each other, sharing your current highs and lows, and catching up on each other’s lives. I know that when life gets chaotic, work is busy, and the kids have more activities than you can possibly cram into your life; its very easy to sacrifice a date night over anything else. Please don’t do that – you NEED those date nights! The hubs and I work together every single day and I can tell you that close proximity to someone is NOT spending time with them. We have moments that, even though we’re spending 24/7 with each other, we’re still not connecting. We need our one-on-one time to actually talk, enjoy each other’s company and have emotional intimacy so our Date Nights are non-negotiable. We always find time for them. I’ve seen that when couples don’t communicate and make real time for each other, that’s when issues arise, frustrations creep in, and resentment starts to form. Am I an expert in marriage? Absolutely not, but I do know that when I’m not truly spending time with the hubs and really listening and talking to him, we start to bicker a bit more and assume things that aren’t the case. So, when you think you’re hitting a rough patch in your relationship, stop and actually spend time alone with your partner, invest in them, remember what it is that made you fall in love with them and see how quickly things can turn around.

#3 – Dinner

Yes, she wants a nice dinner so YOU need to make reservations at your favorite spot or somewhere new and then refer to #2 bc if I’m honest, her asking for a nice dinner for Valentine’s Day is also her way of saying she wants some quality One-on-One Time with you!

Get dressed up, compliment her outfit, and make it a great night!

For my local peeps, some of our favorite dinner spots are Bistro di Marino, Amada, Terrain and Kitchen 519 – make your reservations now bc these places will book FAST!

#4 – To Sleep In

I mean, who doesn’t want to sleep in?!!

You may be reading this thinking, how do I “gift” her sleeping in? Well, one, write a little note in a card to her saying something like, “You deserve a morning to sleep in and relax, so on _____ (fill in the date), that morning is all yours to sleep in and lounge in bed for as long as you’d like! I’ve got the kids/housework/whatever handled!”

Feel free to add in a cozy but cute pair of PJs like these or these, sleep mask, slippers, soft blanket and a relaxing lotion and box it all up in a pretty package for her as well!

#5 – Keepsake Jewelry

Gals love jewelry; but even more so, we love things with meaning!

So whether it be a diamond initial necklace or an engraved disc with your wedding date or her monogram, these heartfelt mementos are sure to please her on Valentine’s Day! Not sure what to grab? We’ve crafted these amazing gift sets for any budget that’s she’s sure to love!

#6 – Flowers

I know it may be clichéd, but we LOVE flowers!

I personally hate roses – I know, shocking, but I prefer something that has required thought (see #5) and shows that he really pays attention! Roses are the easy route in my mind, when I’d much rather peonies, tulips, or a mixed bouquet in some of my favorite hues. Trader Joe’s always has ready-made bouquets on the cheap, but I am LOVING The Bouqs! They deliver sustainable, farm-fresh blooms anywhere and even have subscription services for deliveries every week, every 2 weeks, monthly or every two months. I don’t know about you, but I looooove the idea of flowers appearing on my doorstep every week or so! You can now get 20% off with any subscription OR 15% off their Valentine’s Day Collection with code XO15XO

So those are the six things she REALLY wants for Valentine’s Day!

The things that didn’t score even one vote? Candy/chocolates, clothes, and stuffed animals.

What does that tell you? Stick to my list and you’re sure to have a VERY happy gal this February 14th! Xo