Gift Ideas for Valentines Day

Valentine's Day is coming and you're wrestling with what to get your wife. You want something as special as your feelings for her, yet as tangible as the ring
you placed on her finger when you were married. Following are some gift ideas any wife would love.

1. Private retreat.
If your wife is like most, she would appreciate some extra time spent alone with you, especially if she's also a mom and has had little personal time for herself lately. Why not consider splurging for a weekend away. Can't afford that this year? Then consider hiring a baby sitter and spending the weekend all alone doing some of your favorite activities. Little things mean a lot, by taking the step to spend more time with your wife, you will give the greatest gift any wife would love -- her husband.

2. Spa special.
Any wife would appreciate being pampered with a trip to her favorite hair salon. Throw in a manicure and pedicure, and enjoy watching her twirl in delight as she shows off the results. One great spa special is a make-over, including a facial and image consultation to help your wife choose colors that would flatter her most. Many larger departments stores have ongoing and special make-overs for free with or without a make-up purchase. Stop by your local store and ask whether they offer gift certificates. If they do, don't forget to add enough cash to the certificate so that she can purchase some of the new make-up she tries. Warning: If you wife does not wear makeup often, this may nto be the gift for her.

3. Sparkling gems.
Consider buying your wife a piece of jewelry to replace something she has always wanted, or desperately need. Earrings (make sure you check to see if she prefers clipped or pierced), watches, necklaces, pendants may fall in this category. Based on your budget, you can choose from precious, semi-precious or custom jewelry in styles and designs that flatter you wife's personality and unique image. One idea, could be to replace a stone that she has lost from a favorite piece of jewelry, bringing new life to an old favorite.

4. Perfect picture.
Surprise your wife with a new family portrait. There are two ways you can do this. The first is to get a professional portrait with just yourself, and if you have them, your children. The second, is to set an appointment that includes your wife post-spa special. In the latter, the portrait will remind her of the special spa treatment you gave her this year.

5. Money, honey.
Your wife will love money as a valentine's gift. The pitfalls of this, however, is that she may consider it a "no-brainer" gift that you gave her as an afterthought. Or worse, she'll take the money and run and spend it on you and the kids. The alternative? Give her a gift certificate, gift card, or e-certificate (online gift certificate) to one of her favorite stores. This could include a store that sells clothing, perfume, jewelry, handbags, shoes
or any other things for women only! Put a deadline on it (say 30 days), and that'll force her to think and buy quickly.