Momma Told Me: Give a gift that keeps on giving.
Valentine's Day is almost upon us. I don't intend to solicit chaos and discount store riots, but the big day is less than a week off, and it's the women who have it hard on this one. Sure, men are easy enough to please, but when you've been with someone more than a few holidays you either ignore the date altogether or intend on making the occasion something extra special. And, while I could give you a dozen romantic ideas, one featuring a singing penguin telegram, the simple truth is, most of the people I care about can benefit from a good tech upgrade. Whether it's my father, boldly leaving behind his land-line for a much more affordable, and mobile,
unlimited talk, text, and data plan- or Jay and his year-long campaign for a new smartphone with reliable service. This year, when the calendar hit February, I immediately knew I wanted to give a Valentine's gift that would have a positive impact all year round.
In our household, with Christmas in December, Valentine's in February, and Jay's birthday in April, it seems like there are several months spent campaigning for gifts. Men can be fickle creatures to shop for; they always seem intent on brushing off holidays as if they could go with or without. But it's hard to deny the, sometimes less than subtle, messages they casually drop between cuddles and in front of mutual friends. Do you have a Valentine that's interested in tech and trying to save a few pennies? If so, then Jay just might be onto something big with his demand for a new contract free cell phone. When it comes to couples, especially those that live together, it can be a big step to combine cellular service, as well as a practical one.
As Jay's excessive loving notes have indicated over the past few months, adding him onto my Walmart #FamilyMobile plan as an additional line could not only be more affordable for us both, but might allow us to connect more through a shared service. As a general rule I feel buying electronics for loved ones can be dubious. Who wants to invest in that Man Cave TV and take away quality relationship time throughout the year? But Jay made several good arguments towards upgrading his old phone and combining our service. More often than not lately I've awoken to hand drawn re-imaginings of the sunrise attached to a sentiment about poor network service. His cell phone provider has even been notorious for not processing auto-payments and shutting down his phone all-together. If you've ever stood in front of the discount theater in a dress and heels waiting for your sweetie to show up a half an hour late- you know the damage a poor data connection can have on a relationship!
So, this year I broke my 'no technology' gift rule, and headed into my local Walmart to look into the potential of upgrading Jay's cell service and phone for a Valentine's gift. I didn't receive a large tax refund this year but I knew one could easily #MaxYourTax with the wide variety of smartphones under $100 on the Walmart #FamilyMobile plan. There were several great models to shop, and even explore, before buying at the wireless center. It didn't take long for the recently price-dropped one-touch Evolve smartphone to catch my eye at just $79. With the $25 Activation Kit I was also not only gifting a new smartphone, but providing a $25 credit towards the first month of service, all for just over $100 out the door. And, by activating Jay's new line on my existing account, he'd be paying just $35 for one of the lowest priced unlimited plans around.
Normally I'd worry about the cheapest wireless plans having the potential for service and speed issues, but I know from experience I can count on the coverage in our areas. Not only is there an easy to search coverage map customers can fit their service with online, but I can instantly manage all of my
Family Mobile accounts online, or directly through our smartphone devices. No more billing errors, and missed calls on the old network! And, because our home and surrounding work area are in the 'Excellent' coverage zone for service, I can rest assured I won't be getting any more hand drawn photo texts.
Because Jay will be working for Valentine's Day this year, we decided to celebrate the holiday a little early over a nice dinner in. And, because I'd also grown tired of the campaign for a new smartphone, I happily presented him with his gift then, too. Not only was he immediately excited to learn we'd soon be sharing the same wireless plan, but he quickly picked up on the savings he'd be enjoying over his previous plan. And I, like a good girlfriend, was quick to remind him that I'd be expecting to see those savings go towards honorable investments, like our 'B' Movie Date Nights and a AAA Membership for roadside assistance. Most years I struggle with Valentine's Day and what to do with my tax return, this year it was a no-brainer. I helped my sweetie save on great wireless service, year-round, and presented him with a brand new smart-phone all for just over $100. Now, if you excuse me, I think I deserve a chocolate or two! #CollectiveBias
What Daughter Says: Why not spoil your sweetie with a gift that will save and help you connect all year round?
