Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Which Makes the Better Valentines Gift: Flowers or Jewelry?

By Art Barron

Shopping for a Valentines Day gift can be challenging. There are so many options available and so many ways to approach the occasion. A choice you might meet is whether to go for flowers or jewelry. Which of these two do you think makes a better Valentine present?

Either or both can be good choices, but there are things that you might want to consider when choosing between the two. Consider the following:

Your budget. Both options may be acceptable to you but it's your budget that can settle the issue. While extravagant flower arrangements can be quite costly, majority of them are still more wallet-friendly than jewelry. If you can't spend that much for this occasion, gifting flowers is your best option.

Always remember that it is the thought that counts. A lot of men and women are actually turning to flowers because they're less expensive than jewelry. It shows that you're not conforming to the commercialization of the holiday, and that, really, you don't need to spend much to give much.

Quality over quantity. Beautiful as they are, those flowers that were so colorful and striking a week or two ago will be gray and wilting by now. The best they can serve in the present are either dried pieces, or just mere memories.

Jewelry may be more expensive in the short term but considering that it's a possession you can use forever, the investment is well worth it.

Your relationship level. When you give a gift, it means that you consider that person special. After all, you wouldn't just give gifts to anybody. Your decision should be based on where you both are in your relationship. If you and your loved one have just started dating, or are still in the process of getting to know each other, flowers would be more appropriate to show appreciation for the time you've spent together. Flowers are generally neutral; you can give flowers, but this doesn't make anyone feel obliged to give something back.

Since jewelry is a symbol of solidarity and strength, these are more appropriate to mark a very special occasion, especially for couples who have been together for some time, such as the aptly named "journey chain", which basically represent the couple's journey together by adding pendants during anniversaries and specific milestones. Jewelry brings memories that are lasting, and it symbolizes the relationship's strength.

Your expertise. You can also refer to how much you know about each of these options when deciding what to get your girl. If you don't know enough about jewelry and you are reasonably scared that you'd make a costly mistake, then go for the flowers. If you don't know a lot about flowers but are an expert on jewelry, then perhaps you should go with what you are good at.

Your girlfriend's personality. Lastly, some personality types would likely prefer flowers more, others would prefer jewelry. Figure out which type is your girlfriend and use this information as the basis of your choice. Is your girl the type-A corporate type? If yes, then she might be more appreciative of jewelry than flowers. The same goes if she tends to be cosmopolitan and fashion-conscious.

On the other hand, some people are born naturalist; they prefer living things than man-made objects. If your girlfriend is a nature-lover who couldn't care less about the difference between a diamond and cubic zirconium, then flowers are what she would likely appreciate more. This is also true if she has an introspective and poetic nature. - 15252

About the Author: