Are Valentine's Day gifts precious or pointless?

​Ashton Baysden
Staff Writer

       On Valentine’s Day, there are two types of people: those who love it and those who loathe it. Those who love it also happen to typically be those who are in relationships, and those same people are the ones currently scurrying to get their significant others the best gifts possible. Feb. 14 is quickly approaching, and couples everywhere are finishing up gift-giving season while hunting for the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts. As they wreck the shelves for something sentimental, yet sensible, there’s one question running through their minds: is he/she ever going to use this?

---

       A classic go-to gift that does not always serve a significant purpose is teddy bears. Anyone who walks into a store between Jan. 1 and Feb. 14 is going to see countless teddy bears in various shades of pink and red lining the shelves. They are adorable and abundant, so naturally, anyone is going to feel tempted to get one while gift-shopping, but in reality, there are few benefits to receiving a stuffed animal. Unless whoever is receiving the gift is a teddy bear-collector, or teddy bears hold a significant meaning to them, the stuffed bears have little to no use. Eventually, they become clutter. A more useful alternative to teddy bears would be something that would last a long time, such as a fond memory. Having a picnic or going on a small road trip would be fun for both the giver and the recipient, and the memory would last a lifetime.
       ​Teddy bears are not the only classic Valentine’s Day gift, though; one of the first thoughts that comes to peoples’ minds when they hear “Valentine’s Day gift” is flowers. Flowers are a classic gift for the Day of Love, but recently, people have been coming forward about the disdain they feel when they receive the classic gift. Sabah Karimi of Money – U.S. News & World Report says, “They may look pretty for a few days, and the recipient will enjoy a surprise delivery, but a bouquet of flowers has a very short shelf life.” Karimi then suggests that she would rather receive something more personal, such as a letter. If their significant other is sticking to the simple route when it comes to gifts, many people also prefer personal gifts. People want assurance that their date knows them, so things like collages and picture frames last longer and are more personal. Not only are these gifts personal and thoughtful, they also cost less than a large bouquet. If someone is passionate about plants and flowers, or enjoys the classic gift, then flowers are a wise option. Otherwise, their purpose is minimal.
       Candy is also debatable when it comes to value or long-term use. Many people love receiving something to satisfy their sweet tooth, but candies like chocolate don’t go a long way. They are delicious, but it does not take very long to empty the box, leaving the recipient with a feeling of, “What now?” If the gift does not last for over a month, then there are other gift alternatives for your significant other that will last longer and mean more to them.
       ​Convenience stores are being raided for cute gifts that boyfriends and girlfriends will treasure forever, but sometimes, convenience stores are not the best places to look for gifts. Personal gifts sometimes go much further than a bouquet of roses or a giant teddy bear. If gift-buyers want something for their partner that will mean a lot to them, putting some thought into it could result in a great Valentine’s Day for both parties. Things like letters or surprise road trips can go a long way. When buying gifts for the most romantic day of the year, gift-buyers need to ask themselves: does this gift have a point?