Gifting this Valentine's? How to make it count

Until recently, the custom was for the man to get his woman a bunch of red roses, and a candle-lit dinner on Valentine’s Day. Nowadays, both partners expect gifts.

But beyond the sentimental flowers, what should you consider when choosing gifts? According to image consultant Richard Makibia, here is what you should keep in mind:

Gifts for the lady                                              

• Consider her personality and uniqueness when choosing your gift.
• Your gift needs to evoke fond memories months down the line. For example, don’t pick the same old restaurant you have been picking for her last five birthdays. Be elaborate. Spontaneous surprises during your dinner date will be welcome.
• If you must send flowers or a gift hamper to your woman, send them on February 13. Remember to add a note saying how much you’re looking forward to February 14th.
• For a surprise getaway, you’ll have to arrange it early on. Book a hotel that is exclusive and classy. Have the room decorated according to her taste. Once you’re ready, you can send her the get-away brochure in a card, accompanied by some flowers or a bottle of champagne before the 14^th.
• On 14th, you may get her personalised gifts such as a customised watch with her name engraved on it. You may also get her an expensive mobile phone or iPad.
•  Rather than wrap your gift with the usual Sh. 10 decoration wrappers in the supermarket, go for a pretty fabric with her favourite colour. Have it tied with an intricate bow.
• Resist the temptation to follow the norm in your gifting. If you have never gifted your wife a spa treatment, this could just be the right moment.

Gifts for the man      

• Themed gifts work best with men. Begin by considering where his current interests are and get him a gift that proclaims these interests.
• Don’t buy shirts or vests. Whiskeys and cigars are also off-limits. Instead, “a good classy watch, belt, and shoes will excite him.
• Most men love gadgets. If he does, secretly find out what he’s been eyeing at the display shelves. Don’t be cheap with your gifts. For example, if you decide to get him a shave brush and machine, don’t buy from a back street kinyozi or an equivalent of what is used at a common kinyozi.
• Don’t buy anything he has asked for right before Valentine’s. It’ll be too predictable.
• Consider gifts that are a mixture of vintage and modern. For instance, a vintage espresso coffee cup to go with a modern espresso machine. If your man is into arts, consider buying him a thoughtful artifact or hanging. Let it be deep, something manly that he can look at and really reflect on.
• Your relationship’s stage should determine the gift you give.
• If he’s mature, chances that he will love books are high. Find out what genre he’s into. If he is the literature type, then this might be the best time to throw in that highly acclaimed novel, The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed. If he’s into business, get him a book that will stir his business mind such as Barbarians at the Gate or The Fall of RJR Nabisco. You may also consider gifting him with a year’s subscription to a business journal or magazine. A good notebook to accompany your gift of books is good icing.