Whether this is your first or your 30th Valentine’s Day, it can be a tricky holiday to shop for. Not quite as important as a birthday or Christmas, but it’s still worthy of something meaningful to show your love. Look no further. All you need to know before reading this article is which of the five love languages most applies to your girlfriend: quality time, receiving gifts, physical touch, words of affirmation or acts of service. If you aren’t sure, here’s a quick quiz that the two of you can take to find out!
1. Quality Time
This first love language is suitable for those whose most valuable part of a romantic relationship is genuine time together. Vamp up your classic movie date by organizing an at-home theatre with a home-cooked meal, candles, blankets and a good movie. If possible, get yourself a small projector to enhance the experience from a typical laptop screen. Another simple yet meaningful idea is to pack a car with snacks, find a good playlist (or make one) and go watch the sunset. It seems cheesy and basic, but it’s calming and creates a great moment to sit and talk with your loved one. Last but not least, Airbnb! Unfortunately, there are limited options due to the pandemic, however, planning a getaway weekend in advance for the upcoming months would mean the world.
2. Physical Touch
The following love language fits those who value physical intimacy and touch as a form of love. Firstly, buy a few warming oils and some nice lotion and then watch some YouTube videos on how to give a good massage. It’s a simple yet intimate moment between the two of you and she’ll undoubtedly appreciate it. Another idea is a body pillow! This is a great option if the two of you don’t live together because you’ll be giving your girlfriend something to hold onto at night when you aren’t around. Lastly, why not get scandalous and buy her some lingerie? Those who value physical touch often also value the sexual aspect of their relationship. After all, it’s pretty much a gift for both of you…
3. Words of Affirmation
This love language belongs to those who value reassurance and vocabulary in their romance. First of all, a journal filled with pictures, quotes and messages would mean the world to any girl. Along the same lines, write her a handwritten letter about anything you love about her. Another classic option is to fill a jar with small pieces of paper and name it “50 Reasons Why I Love You.” Lastly, go to Build-A-Bear and ask them to insert a voice recording of your voice reading her a message. This is by far the corniest option but corny works.
4. Receiving Gifts
The following gift ideas are for those who love exactly that: gifts! These people are not materialistic, they simply feel the most appreciated and loved in the form of gift-giving. So, if this describes your girlfriend, start with anything you’ve heard her mention in the past. If she’s mentioned she’s in need of a new silver necklace or a specific pair of pants, start there. If not, look into more meaningful options such as a framed picture of the two of you or a sky star map of the day you met or started dating. The sky star map can be found on Etsy and is guaranteed to be a gift she won’t forget. Lastly, if you’re planning on getting her flowers this Valentine’s, also look into getting a vase to put them in. That way, despite how long the flowers last, she has a beautiful vase to keep and use time and time again.
5. Acts of Service
This last love language describes those who appreciate being shown they are loved in small acts to help out. If you’re looking to do a few acts of service, start off easy like filling her car with gas one evening, bringing her car in for an oil change if needed or offering to change her winter tires out for her summer ones once the weather calms down. Furthermore, for the busier ladies, go do the groceries for her and look into some tasty recipes to meal prep for her upcoming week. Sometimes, not having to think about what to make for lunch or dinner can relieve more stress than one would think! Lastly, a classic and easy gift is to clean! Clean the bathroom, kitchen and bedroom, or all of the above! It’d be appreciated more than you’ll know.
No matter what her love language is, find a gift that comes from your heart and that shows her you love her. It never has to be expensive or luxurious, but it should demonstrate your love. When in doubt, write out a card and pick up some chocolate-covered strawberries! You can never go wrong with those.
XO