by Diane Johnson

It’s time for Valentine’s Day again, and while the man in your life is trying to figure out how many roses to send you and whether you’d like the pendant or the bracelet (or maybe the earrings) more, it’s time for you to sit down and figure out how you will show your man that you appreciate all his hard work and love him with all your heart.

But buying a Valentine’s Day gift for a guy is both harder and easier than you might think. First of all, we need to get rid of the notion that men want anything that is Valentine’s Day themed. They don’t want teddy bears, plush hearts, a box of chocolates, and certainly not flowers. They just want you to show them that you know what they like and that you appreciate them. So, without further ado, here are some ideas to get you thinking in the right direction.

1) Gadgets and Electronics
This is something that all guys like. Valentine’s Day may not be the time to go out a buy a full entertainment system with a 46” flat panel HDTV, but smaller items would be great. An iPod or electronic music player is great, as is an iTunes gift card. Other cool gadgets might be a handheld GPS device, Bluetooth earpiece for his cell phone, or compact video recorder like the Flip. And if you want to get romantic, Apple even offers engravings on their iPod products, so you can still tell him you love him in a way that he will keep close to him on a regular basis.

2) Sports Stuff
I know this is a broad category, but it really encompasses a lot and depends on the type of guy you have. For one, tickets to a sports game that he loves is never a bad idea, and if you’re willing to go with him—all the better. Sports memorabilia is another great gift if you can get your hands on the right item. Of course, your last, and perhaps best alternative is to get him some cool gear for the sport or activity he likes to play/do the most. If he’s an avid golfer, try looking for some cool golf accessories, like an all-in-one golf tool. If he likes living a more active lifestyle, maybe you can look at running shoes, workout gear, or a new digital watch. Just keep in mind what he enjoys doing everyday, and get him something useful he can use while doing it.

3) Dinner for two
Everyone knows the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach – so take the time this Valentine’s Day to make him his favorite meal (even if it is his mother’s meat loaf recipe). He’ll appreciate the gesture and may even be inclined to do the dishes for you after.

About the author: Diane Johnson likes to write about college pell grants, holidays, and anything else that interests her. She enjoys traveling, reading, sledding, and sports.

Resources on dating and relationships:

• Get Your Ex Back
• Understand Your Man – Men Made Easy
• 1,000 Questions – What You Must Know About the One You’re With
• 7 Secrets to Fixing Your Marriage

Books to Help with Your Breakup

• It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken: The Smart Girl’s Break-Up Buddy
• The Girls’ Guide to Surviving a Break-Up
• The Frisky 30-Day Breakup Guide: One Month of Manicures, Massages, and Mojitos to Help You Forget About Him

Image: sxc.hu