February, the month containing St. Valentine’s Day has, undoubtedly, come to be considered as the month of love, celebrated as such by people of varying ages and all over the world. Even though the most highlighted day in this month is the 14th, it is a celebration of love all through the 28 or 29 days of the month. Love is one of the strongest forces that births unity, positivity, sharing and caring for one another and it is usually expressed in this month mainly through the giving of gifts.

But what really is the perfect gift? Well, many people say the perfect gift is anything that comes from the heart, whether big and luxurious or small and simple. With that in mind, we thought we’d help out with a list of thoughtful gifts you can give your loved ones this February.

• SPA TREATMENT 

Few things say “I love you” as well as getting someone in a state of freedom from anxiety and tension. Some health and beauty treatments as offered in spas specialise in giving a person those very relaxing feelings. From facials, steam baths or sauna sessions; massages; manicures and pedicures; waxing and hair removal; and so many others.

There are many spas in the country to pick from. Once you identify the treatment which resonates well with your special person, grab a voucher to the best spa offering it. It may work well for your bond if you take the treatments together.

• FLOWERS

Though Ghanaian cultures, generally, are not very big on flowers, Ghanaians are gradually accepting the western traditions regarding flowers. And let’s face it, flowers seem to have a way of bringing warmth into the hearts of many, their different colours communicating different messages. For instance, red being the colour of passion and so being the main colour associated with 

Valentine’s Day and lovers; pink indicating cheer and youth mainly, and in some cases, respect and value for the other person; yellow being the colour of platonic friendship, and in some cases jealousy. So be careful of sending yellow roses to your special someone as it may be interpreted as a step towards breaking up or that you want to be just friends.

• JEWELLERY

The gift that keeps on giving. Authentic jewellery does not only enhance the good looks of the wearer in social as well as private settings, but also serves as a potential source of funds to its owner in case they find themselves in a pinch. 

Like real estate and fine wine, authentic jewellery tends to appreciate in value with time. The inexpensive jewellery out there is also highly appreciated, especially, when picked out as a gift based on a connection with the interests of the recipient. That connection provides it with value money cannot supplant. Whether expensive or not, when done right, the gift of jewellery is a very thoughtful one.

• REAL ESTATE

This is one gift that keeps on giving. The benefits of real estate are numerous. They include: passive income generation (when you rent it out); long term security; protection against inflation; and many more. The best part? Real estate rarely ever depreciates in value but generally appreciates over the years! 

A gift of a parcel of land, an apartment or a house is a huge deal indeed and communicates deep affection for the recipient. Another great reason to give real estate is that since you already own it, you do not pay anything for giving it away if you do it via a deed of gift. No extra cost whatsoever!

Your gift of real estate will ensure your loved one never forgets your generosity, with the added bonus of scoring you points in the romance department (if that’s the kind of relationship you have). A gift of real estate will definitely make this February stand out in memory in the years to come as the month when the gift that lasts and can be passed down from generation to generation was granted. Some may just call this the ultimate expression of pure true love! If you can afford it, go for it!

• SHOPPING VOUCHER

If that special someone’s love language revolves around shopping or clothes or electronics or just shopping in general, a shopping voucher from a great retail store with their fancied products is a great gift to give. It reduces the stress on them of waiting to save up before going for that outfit, video game or vintage wine they have been eyeing for a while or simply restock their kitchen supplies. 

The gift voucher operates like an imprest (which they do not have to refund) given to your special person to obtain products or services they love from a shop or shops dealing in those products or services. Imagine someone stocking up your pantry for next month and you didn’t have to spend a dime? Yep, that’s the feeling you are going to give that special someone. Gift vouchers come in so many types depending on the retail outlet offering them. They could be used for grocery shopping; getting facials, massages and other services from a spa; getting electronic appliances; and so many others. For it to be really valuable, identify what your love is excited by and find the shop offering a voucher to receive exactly that!

• MONEY 

In the event you are unable to find something exceptional enough to be worthy of your special person, maybe, because they’re the type it’s difficult to shop for or you have not known them long enough to be sure of what they would value in a gift, a gift lots of people are likely to appreciate is money. A gift of cold hard cash grants the receiver the choice of what they want to do with the money. When in doubt give cash! With most things to do with people, do your homework and be certain your special person is the type to appreciate a cash gift before making your grand gesture. As with any gift, an unappreciated one is no fun for both the giver and the receiver.

To finish up with style, don’t just limit yourself to the gift given. A shared experience is always great for strengthening a relationship. What better way to do this than to have a get-away together in one of the many luxury holiday houses and apartments in romantic getaways across the country. You can book one for a night or a week and pamper that special someone with a luxury staycation. Live by the maxim: “the couple that plays together, stays together!”

Wishing you nothing but the best of happiness, laughter and love this season!