While it鈥檚 great to try and think outside of the heart-shaped box for Valentine鈥檚 Day, you don鈥檛 want to overdo it. They say it鈥檚 the thought that counts, but some gifts will have your loved one asking, 鈥淲hat were you thinking?鈥�
We鈥檝e told you what kinds of Valentine鈥檚 Day gifts we think your car lover will enjoy. Now here are a few ideas to steer clear of, brought to you by arguably the most impressive car aficionados in the business. You guessed it, my coworkers. Alright, we did consult ConsumerReports.org, but we did most of the work.
Survey says 鈥�
- Anything fuzzy 鈥� Call it what you want, vintage, traditional, old school, they all stand for old. Whether it鈥檚 a pair of dice to hang from the rear-view mirror or a rabbit鈥檚 foot on a key chain, just say no.
- Anything beaded 鈥� If your love has expressed the desire to give his or her car a retro look, go for vintage steering wheel or radio. Lay low on the beaded seat covers.
- Car magazine subscription 鈥� Rule of thumb. Don鈥檛 get your sweetie anything you can pick up for free at the doctor鈥檚 office.
- Spinning hubcaps 鈥� 鈥淪pinnaz鈥� had their day in the sun, but those days are long gone. They represent a forgotten time when 鈥渂lingin鈥� in excess equaled success. Spinning hubcaps still will turn a few heads but, more likely, will turn your Valentine鈥檚 stomach.
- Car eyelashes 鈥� This is perfect if the love of your life is 16. Save this gift for your daughter and not for your significant other.
- Portable vacuum cleaner 鈥� This is equivalent to buying a scale or broom as a Valentine鈥檚 Day present. Save yourself the side-glances and agony. Just get the car detailed.
- Personal breathalyzer 鈥� No one knows your sweetheart better than you. But if he or she needs this, it may be better to purchase a year鈥檚 worth of free rides with your local car service or taxi company instead.
- Car-customized wine bottles 鈥� Yes, there is a company in Sonoma Valley called Classic Car Wines that will put an image of your love鈥檚 favorite car on his or her favorite wine. If this is on the list, please see item 6.
It鈥檚 hard to go wrong with a gift on Valentine鈥檚 Day, but not impossible. A bad gift can quickly turn the most romantic day of the year into a nightmare. Valentine鈥檚 Day is more about the meaning behind the gift that you give. So if you鈥檙e stumped as to what your car enthusiast might like, simpler may be better. Flowers and an expensive dinner may not win you any brownie points, but it won鈥檛 land you on the couch either.
