What kind of gifts should be given on Valentine’s Day, and is it even necessary to give anything at all? Is it worth following marketing specialists and brands? How expensive should a gift for a beloved woman be, and what psychological meaning might it hold? Why do many people fear choosing, giving, and even receiving gifts? And most importantly – what kind of gift will suit different personality types? Clinical psychologist Jevgēņija Jansone provides answers.
When choosing a gift, it’s important to remember a few key principles. The first is a personal approach, which fosters closeness and demonstrates that you have invested time and thought to make the recipient happy. Practical and long-lasting gifts, as well as exciting experiences, are excellent choices. For example, a coffee lover will appreciate a high-quality coffee selection for several months. If the recipient craves new experiences, a culinary masterclass or a hot air balloon ride will create unforgettable emotions. Avoid “problematic gifts” – if someone dislikes taking care of plants, a potted flower might not be the best choice.
The amount spent is also significant – a gift that has been thoughtfully prepared and evokes positive emotions will always be more valuable than a randomly chosen, last-minute purchase.
“Giving gifts is not just a marketing-driven tradition – it is an important aspect of relationship-building. Even animals give gifts! For example, male penguins present the most beautiful stone they can find to their chosen mate,” explains the psychologist. “Following social rituals plays a crucial role in mutual well-being and successful interactions.”
Jansone emphasizes: “A gift is a way to express love and highlight another person’s importance – it is not just a popular, widely accepted, and beautiful gesture; it carries a deeper significance. Gift-giving has always been, is, and will remain an essential part of human social life. And today, in our material world, it may be even more important than before.”
The price of a gift matters, even if we might not like the idea. Research shows that men more often give gifts to women with tactical intentions than vice versa, and both parties understand and accept this. Therefore, if a man openly saves money on this symbolic gesture, his partner may take offense and perceive it as a sign of disrespect.
The importance of giving gifts is also evidenced by the fact that many people experience a fear of gift-giving – the fear of choosing, giving, and/or receiving gifts. “Fears do not arise without reason. The fact that such a fear exists only confirms that it is an important social construct. The fear of giving gifts is mainly fueled by uncertainty about what to give and how to give it, so we postpone the decision until the last moment, make a rushed purchase, find the experience stressful, and then repeat the cycle next time,” explains the psychologist. “To break this cycle, now is the perfect time to choose a gift for your partner, do so consciously, and ensure it arrives on time.”
To help overcome these fears, we have collaborated with the international logistics company Venipak Latvia to compile tips for choosing gifts for different psychological types:
- For a creative personality, someone with a sensitive soul, new experiences – preferably creative ones – will be appreciated. Consider an art workshop, a DIY kit, a cooking class, or an excursion to an unusual place.
- For a practical person, a practical gift is key. Pay attention to what this person currently NEEDS – they may have mentioned something in passing. These could be educational courses, a swimming pool membership, or an item that improves daily life, like a robotic vacuum cleaner.
- For an introverted thinker, flashy surprises may not be suitable. They would appreciate personalized gifts such as custom-printed T-shirts, books on topics they are interested in, or materials for their hobbies.
- For someone who is always taking care of others, a stress-relieving gift is ideal. A yoga mat, a massage roller, a spa voucher, or a puzzle could help them unwind.
- For a hands-on hobbyist, consider a gift that supports their skills and passions, such as an embroidery kit, a high-quality kitchen gadget, or a cookbook by a renowned chef.
- For a philosopher or deep thinker, an intellectual book, a subscription to Harvard Business Review, meditation tools, or a tea ceremony set could be perfect.
- For a leader, the quality and prestige of the gift matter. Think luxury – gourmet chocolates, fine coffee or tea, jewelry, or sophisticated scented candles.
Once a gift has been chosen, receiving it on time is just as important. When ordering from an online store, Venipak Latvia’s Country Manager advises taking into account several essential factors to avoid delivery issues.
Carefully read the seller’s shipping policies, paying close attention to how long it takes for the order to be processed and shipped from the warehouse. “Customers often forget about this processing time and assume their order immediately goes to the courier service,” explains Sanita Bērziņa. “However, in many cases, order processing can take several days, especially during peak holiday seasons when online sales volumes increase. It is important to remember that courier services, including Venipak, deliver packages within 24 hours of receiving them in our warehouse.”
Whether choosing home delivery or a parcel locker, double-check the contact information. Ensure that all details – phone number, email, and, if applicable, a precise home address and postal code – are correctly entered. “We have observed a significant increase in the number of people using parcel lockers at least once a month. In 2023, 45% of Latvian respondents stated that they use parcel lockers monthly, whereas in 2024, this figure has risen to 56%,” comments Sanita Bērziņa.
If you are sending a package via courier and it is not meant to be a surprise, inform the recipient that they will be contacted for delivery. Many people do not answer calls from unfamiliar numbers or read messages carefully, making deliveries more challenging.
S. Bērziņa also adds that now is the right time to choose a gift for your partner if you haven’t done so already: “In most cases, we deliver packages within 24 hours, and our data shows that most parcels (66%) are picked up from parcel lockers within just 17 hours. However, keep in mind that before celebration days, parcel lockers may be busier than usual, so we recommend planning orders in advance.”