Are girls supposed to get their boyfriend anything for Valentine's Day?

[Luvbug78]

I was gonna get my boyfriend something for Valentine's Day but one of my friends said that'd be weird since only the guy is supposed to get the girl something. Is this true?

Updates

+1 y

Any ideas on what I could get him if I did choose to get him something?

[blunty]

First off, "Happy Valentine's Day" can mean a lot of different things depending on the context and the relationship you have with this guy. It's like trying to read tea leaves without the actual leaves sometimes.

If he's the kind of guy who's all about celebrating every holiday (even National Pancake Day) with everyone he knows, then him saying "Happy Valentine's Day" might just be his way of being friendly and spreading some love and positivity around. Some people are just big on making sure everyone feels a bit of the holiday cheer, you know?

Now, if this greeting comes out of nowhere or if there have been some lingering glances and playful banter leading up to this, it could be his subtle way of dipping his toe in the romance pool to see how you react. It's like he's lobbing a casual "thinking of you" your way without putting all his cards on the table.

But honestly, trying to figure out what someone means with a holiday wish is like trying to read tea leaves without the tea. If you're kinda hoping there's more to this and you're up for a bit of detective work, why not use this as an excuse to chat him up? Wish him a "Happy Valentine's Day" back and see how the convo flows. Maybe even drop a hint about how you're spending the day to gauge his reaction.

In the grand scheme of things, though, sometimes the best approach is the direct one. If you're itching to know what's up and you're feeling bold, why not just ask him in a chill, friendly way?

But hey, no matter what, don't let this puzzle steal your Valentine's Day thunder. Whether you're an item, just friends, or something in between, today's all about love in all its forms...

[Gems692]

You should definitely get him something for Valentines day. In fact, he may even feel embarrassed or confused as to why he got you something but you didn't think you had to.
Valentines day isn't a birthday, or a mothers day etc. It's not focused on one particular person. It's a day where people show their love to each other, buy him a gift little or small but show your love for him in other ways. Take him out somewhere, spend time with him, express your emotions to him. Just show you care about him the same way he cares about you.

[kaylaS91]

Whether the guy is 'supposed to' get his girlfriend anything on Valentine's day is not universally practiced. Likewise on whether or not the girl should get her boyfriend something, though I honestly don't see why not.

If girls will expect a Valentine's day gift as well as demand gender equality, it's only fair that the gift-giving goes both ways.

[sjoes006]

Yeah exactly. I mean I already have my birthday, Christmas and what not for presents so on Valentine's Day a romantic evening should be enough. But if I know he is getting me something I get him something too.

It is already a somewhat expensive night without gifts and right after Christmas. And Valentine's Day isn't just some lame excuse for women to demand to be treated special. Sometimes I cook a really nice expensive meal, we use nice dishes and candles. I go with meals that don't take long to cook but are a splurge like seared fish, scallops or steak, two grilled and stir fried veggies and baked mac with four artisan cheeses. Then we take a bubble bath in the jacuzzi tub with champagne, candles and strawberries.

Sometimes fancy dinner, with a driver, and expensive lingerie. Either way it is a night about us that we both equally enjoy giving to each other.

[kaylaS91]

@sjoes006 agreed. I'm honestly not a fan of him having to blow so much money while taking me to a fancy restaurant just to 'prove' to me how much he cares. Out of the two Valentine's days we've spent together so far, last year's couldn't have been any better. He dropped by my place with some Timmy's coffee exactly the way I like it, took me to his place where we chatted while he cooked us some dinner, then spent the rest of the evening cuddling and having some wine.

Which, in my opinion, by far beats any sort of high-end meal and/or bouquet of roses. :P

[sjoes006]

Yeah I agree it is more romantic to go out to a nice dinner just because or on my birthday. On V Day there are so many people out in downtown the streets get clogged with Ubers and even the nice restaurants are kind of loud. Plus it's on a week night a lot of times so going out for a two hour dinner then getting home in time for romance after traffic is exhausting.

I'm certainly no professional but I am a gourmet cook. I've replicated several dishes from high end restaurants so for me that is the perfect
excuse to spend almost as much as we would in a restaurant to enjoy it at home. I enjoy watching him eat my food and for him I honestly know it tastes better because I made it just for him and he likes watching me do it. Takes less than 30 minutes but high heat with a lot of moving components.

[OlderAndWiser]

Your friend is wrong. It is a day for everyone to express their feelings to their sweetie.

Stay away from the teddy bears and kids' stuff. A nice gift is a sweet card with a personalized message and a bottle of aftershave or men's cologne (personal, but not too personal to raise eyebrows from any parents.)

[serious]

Well logically speaking they don't "have to" get anything for their boyfriend, but if they believe that it's good to get them something and it's a good way to show their love towards them then they can go ahead and get something for their boyfriend.

[serious]

Thanks for the MHO

[BeeNee]

It depends on your boyfriend. If he has told you that he hates Valentines, thinks its corny, stupid, cheesy, etc., getting him a "V-day" gift might be the absolute last thing he wants to get from you. However, a nice gesture or gift from the heart is always to be appreciated especially because of the expectations that only girls should receive gifts. Get him something that he would appreciate like maybe his favorite food snacks or a hat or something he's into. Considering your age, don't spend too much, just a nice gesture gift.

[Daisy99]

I always see gifts as give and take, my boyfriend is getting me something and I'm getting him something. It's a personal opinion obviously, but I feel that doing it that way is fair. I don't think it's weird at all, do what would make you and him happy don't worry about your friends opinions on it

[snowangle]

I believe the gift giving us mutual (or should be) but I have no clue what to buy for them! Haha boys are hard to shop for. Shoot, last year I gave my boyfriend my virginity for Valentines Day, so that's gonna be hard to top. :P

And what's worse- this year Valentines Day is also the premiere of The Walking Dead! Guess he'll just have to watch it with me haha.

[Aizou]

Neither of you are "supposed" to give the other one anything, actually getting something should be a nice/cute gesture, not a necessity.

Of course it's going to be different depending on where you're from, but here it's very common for girls to make homemade chocolate for the guys they like. ^.^

[NotTheFBI]

Yeah... Sex...
Ok, Ok I know there's gonna be a lot of hate on this one so how about a nice watch then sex?
Or... or... maybe just say I love you and Sex?

lol Ok seriously just tell the guy you love him, maybe a nice watch and just enjoy the day... then sex :v

[tremendousfern]

Your friend sounds like a weirdo. Get your boyfriend something and make sure you put some thought into it. Men like to feel appreciated just as much as you do.

[Androktasia]

I'm honestly sick of this mindset. Why is only the guy suppose to give something to the girl? Valentine's day is celebration of love and they deserve to be treated too.

[LittleSally]

Yes... o. O

Both parties should get each other a present. Or decide not to do that on both ends...

[fauchelevent]

Valentine's day is usually mutual. My partner never buys me anything for Valentine's, though I do get things for him.

[DBAOracle]

I would say that you're supposed to get your boyfriend something if you're expecting him to bring you something. Exchanging gifts can make Valentine special, just taking and not giving anything is kinda crappy.

[KDA20]

I would have thought there was mutual gift giving on Valetine's day

[laly520]

oh yes since its a commercial day
both need to spend money n buy lot of things for the sake of factories n multibillionaire companies n economy

[DarkHumorRUs]

♫All I need from you is all your love,
All you got to give to me is all your love♫

[Eric644]

no it isn't weird both the girl and boy are suppose to give each other something

[steveguitar]

50/50, guys want to be half of the relationship, not 75-95% of it

[LennyR1]

Seems a bit unfair if he buys you something and you dont do the same

[apple24]

Since I have no boyfriend... I am going to workout that day haha! Just make him run for his money!

[KrakenAttackin]

Good grief... no, why should you ever do anything at all for your man, after all, you are the table 😏

[Anonymous]

Let's say it's v day and I have a girlfriend I'll get her candy and jewelry or a nice dinner but all I want for a gift is sex and a steak.

[Hakans]

I think I will buy a car, but I need to find a boyfriend before me for it :D