If you are running out of time for Valentine’s Day, this guide can help with some classic gift ideas, including flowers, chocolate, and jewelry, custom photo gifts, experiential gifts (shared), a star naming gift, vouchers that say “I care”, and inexpensive gifts such as breakfast in bed. The guide focuses on personalization, realistic delivery times in Germany, and gifts that demonstrate thoughtfulness and care toward the recipient versus a large amount of money.
It seems like each year, this happens to someone. And one year, it occurred to me. I took a quick glance at the calendar and noticed the 14th of February looking directly at me. I immediately realized that I didn’t have anything planned. I didn’t purchase a card, make reservations, or even have a basic idea.
If this experience is something you can relate to, then relax. Some of the most valuable last minute Valentine gifts I’ve ever received were assembled on short notice. On the other hand, many of the most pricey gifts I’ve received were quickly forgotten.
Valentinstag has never been as huge in Germany as it is in the UK or the US, which actually works to your advantage. No one will expect a huge production. What people will realize is that you have given some thought to their special day. Here are some of the classics, as well as a couple of inexpensive ways to celebrate on a shoestring.
Why A Last Minute Valentine Gift Can Still Land
I would like to state something difficult for me to acknowledge: a gift doesn’t require weeks of thought and preparation to make it personal. A simple, yet specific thing can give your gift a personal touch. Those are the types of things people will recall.
Before you begin looking at products online, take two minutes to consider your partner. What have they mentioned recently? What caused them to smile/laugh during the past month? Those answers will most likely be a better gift for your partner than any product featured in a “top 10” list, including this one.
The Classics, Done Properly – Last Minute Love
The reasons why flowers, chocolates, and jewelry are so common as gifts are very simple, can be appreciated by almost anyone and usually do not cause any issues. The only thing you need to worry about is not buying them from a gas station.
Flowers
Red roses are a common option; however, it may be more appropriate to consider your partner. My girlfriend has consistently liked sunflowers or a “loose,” “wild” looking arrangement rather than a tight, rigid, long-stem rose arrangement.
When you order from an online source, find out what the cut-off time for delivery is during the early part of the day. Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest times of year for flower shops; therefore, if your flowers arrive on the 15th, you have created a sad little story. If you prefer to purchase flowers in person, a local florist typically provides you with a much higher quality product than a supermarket bunch of flowers, and the florist can typically create an arrangement for you in just 5 minutes.
Chocolate
For an even higher level, find a local artisan chocolate shop in your area or buy a unique type of chocolate such as salted caramel or chili. In addition to a nice gift-wrap job, a handwritten note that is attached to the gift box will do much more for the person receiving the gift than just having the best wrapping paper.
Jewellery And Watches
This is a higher risk option if you are rushed, since everyone’s taste varies greatly. If you are uncertain about what to choose, select an item that is classic and will never go out of style – such as a thin chain, small earrings, or a simple, minimalist watch. Most retailers have many different options available, and each option can be packaged as a gift.
Be sure to save your receipt and let your partner know that he/she can return the item if they wish. By letting them know that returning the item is acceptable, it should alleviate some of the pressure that you may feel when making such a purchase.
A Photo Gift That Actually Means Something
Photos are the way to go if you want something other than flowers. There are probably a lot of pictures in your phone, but no one has looked at them. Transforming a few of those pictures into a physical item would be a nice way to show “I haven’t forgotten.”
Here is a version that I think works well: print 6-8 of your favorite photos from the past year. Put those photos on a piece of high-quality paper. Write a brief sentence below each photo. “That time we were completely lost in Hamburg.” “The worst pancake you ever tried to make.” These cost virtually nothing to create, and they’ll likely hang on someone’s refrigerator for several months.
If you’re looking for a way to give someone a present that isn’t just a reminder of the past, but something that will be used to make new memories in the future, then a photo calendar is an excellent choice. You can fill the calendar with all those “together” events you are planning for the next year (e.g., a weekend getaway, a concert, or Sunday brunch), and suddenly your present has become a promise.
Give An Experience Instead Of An Object
We have learned that our memory of evenings lasts significantly longer than the memory of objects. Therefore, if your partner has a preference for exploring different activities, an evening experience may be the most memorable last minute Valentine’s Day gift you can give them.
If you want to avoid the commercial path, create your own itinerary for the day. Below are some ideas that won’t break the bank:
- A scavenger hunt of all of the locations in which you have experienced things such as having your initial cup of coffee, your initial kiss, or your initial disagreement over directions.
- A one-day excursion using a regional train and your Deutschlandticket that concludes with either a local wine tasting or a boat tour.
- A picnic on a cold day, with a thermos of hot chocolate and a thick blanket
I was worried about the scavenger hunt being too silly for my husband and me to enjoy, but it ended up being our favorite Valentine’s Day.
Small practical advice: In Germany, many stores close on Sunday; however, in certain years, Valentine’s Day falls directly onto a Sunday. Therefore, if this occurs, make sure to purchase all necessary items before Sunday (by Saturday), and then either do something at home or outside. Bakers, train station shops, and restaurants will be your allies on Sunday.
Free Gifts That Cost Only A Little Time
Sometimes the most effective idea is the one that doesn’t require a store. Even with a small budget or when all of the stores are closed, they can work.
- Breakfast in bed. Get up early, be quiet, and deliver a cup of coffee and some fresh Brötchen. Leave a small note on your breakfast tray.
- A handwritten letter. List five things that you appreciate about your partner, and provide examples of those things. Instead of saying, “you’re nice,” say “no matter how exhausted you are, you will still text me after you arrive back at your house.”
- I want you to make a playlist of all the songs you’ve listened to together in the past. You can then post that on social media with a quick note.
- A prepared meal. Choose something slightly different than usual, light several candles, and move all of your cell phones into another room.
I realize this may seem like an easy thing to do. However, in today’s society of purchasing products and having those products delivered to your doorstep, receiving someone else’s full attention seems like a luxury.
Final Thoughts
I’ve done it all wrong. I’ve bought the wrong flowers, forgotten my reservations, and even given someone a card that was handwritten on a scrap of paper in the back seat of my car just prior to our date. However, what people recall from their dates is not the perfection of the evening. What they remember is being acknowledged.
Don’t worry about what it costs, or how long you have to find it. Just pick out a gift that seems to reflect who your partner is, say some honest things, and go into your date with all of your focus on them. It’s hard to imagine any other type of gift being more impressive than that.
What’s the most memorable last minute Valentine’s Day gifts that you’ve given or received? I’d like to hear about your experience in the comment section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a good last-minute Valentine’s gift in Germany if the shops are closed?
Go for something that needs no shop at all, like a home-cooked dinner, a handwritten letter, or breakfast in bed. Digital vouchers for experiences or a spa day can also be sent as a PDF within minutes. If you need an object, bakeries and train station shops are often open on Sundays.
- Can I still order flowers online on the day before Valentine’s Day?
Often yes. Services like Blume2000 or Fleurop have same-day/next-day service available in many cities; however, they often close orders early and the week is very busy. Place your order during the morning hours, then look at the delivery options prior to paying.
- Is a gift voucher too impersonal?
No, you don’t. You can give a voucher for their favorite restaurant or store, along with a handwritten note and a picture of you both; this will make the voucher feel personalized. If you include an offer to go with them, then it becomes a joint activity.
- Is naming a star a real thing?
It is a symbolic gift. Companies will provide a certificate and add your name to their database; however, your name will not be officially recognized by astronomers. This type of gift makes for a wonderful romantic gesture, particularly when coupled with an evening of stargazing.
- How much should I spend on a last-minute Valentine’s gift?
There is no right number. A handwritten letter or a photo collage can mean more than an expensive item. Set a budget you are comfortable with and put your effort into one personal detail that shows you know your partner well.