Every Feb. 14, it is customary for most boyfriends to express their love and appreciation for their girlfriends by surprising them with flowers, chocolates, and other presents.

Most men also take their special someone to dinner dates, museums, cinemas, parks, and other romantic places on this day.

But have you ever wondered, “What can a woman give or do to reciprocate their man’s special gestures this Valentine’s Day?”

In a Manila Bulletin interview, these boyfriends share what gifts they like to receive and how they want to celebrate this day with their significant others.

“The only thing I want to receive from my girlfriend on Valentine’s Day is her attention, as well as for her not to focus on work all the time, to see and feel her effort more, to know her plans for our future, and the last thing is for her to appreciate everything I do for us and my plans for our future together,” said Ronald Sapatan.

Quality time is also one of the best things a woman can give her lover on this day, according to Raymond Renon.

Meanwhile, TJ Gacura said that boyfriends are not expecting anything from their girlfriends on this occasion at all.

But if they ever want to surprise them with a gift, it should be something they could use, something that matches their hobbies, or something they have been eyeing to get for a long time, he said.

“Men do not expect anything because we are more used to giving than receiving. So when it comes to Valentine’s Day, even if you just treat him to his favorite restaurant or cafe, he will appreciate it,” he said.

“But overall, the simplest thing a girlfriend can do is show how much they appreciate their boyfriend. Actions speak louder as they say,” he added.

Christian Alamodin also noted that “love language matters a lot in deciding what works best for a guy on Valentine’s Day.”

“Like in my case, while I appreciate a great pair of shoes, spending time with me means a tiny bit more. I think guys who are genuinely in love will appreciate whatever their partners get or do for them,” he said.

When did the gift-giving tradition of Valentine’s Day start?

Originally a Christian feast that honors a martyr named Saint Valentine in 496 AD, English poets Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare were the first to associate Valentine’s Day with romance using their writings which paved way for the holiday’s extensive popularity in Europe.

In the Middle Ages, homemade paper cards became the tokens du jour every Feb. 14 and by the 18th century, the tradition of exchanging handmade cards, flowers, and chocolates had blossomed.

The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century led to the mass production of these cards, which dramatically changed how this occasion is celebrated all over the world.

Due to commercialization over the past decades, Valentine’s Day celebration has evolved into how people do it today.