If you have a look around the shopping malls you will see that there are lots of advertisements for gifts for your Valentine.  The question is which one do you buy?

How well do you know your Valentine?  Have you been together days, weeks, months or years?  What you spend your money on may be dependent on the length of your relationship.

I admit that I am a bit of a romantic.  I like to spoil my husband at opportune moments.  I have cooked him 3 course gourmet meals, massaged him after a weary day at work and we have been known to share a bubble bath complete with a nice cold glass of white wine.  I have put together my list of romantic gift ideas for you and your loved one to make Valentines Day a special occasion for you both.

Flowers always get received well.  But, you do not have to spend a small fortune on a dozen red roses:-

*A single red rose is just as welcome and some women feel that it is also very
romantic.  If you feel like spending a little bit more why not team it with a
cute teddy bear, box of chocolates or even her favorite perfume.

*As an alternative to the red rose why not buy a potted plant;

*Seeds or bulbs.  You can plant these in the garden together and enjoy the color when they flower

*Artificial Flowers are a good alternative, particularly if your Valentine has an
allergic reaction to pollen!

*Make up a gardening hamper with a book on gardening, some seeds and bulbs,
a pair of gloves and maybe a voucher offering your services

A vacation or a weekend away is an excellent idea.  But, you may need to discuss it with your partner first as they may have work or family commitments that cannot be rearranged.  You also need to check that they are fine with the sleeping arrangements, particularly if you have not been together long.  They may not wish to share a room with you so early on in the relationship.

Can you afford the trip?  If you invite your valentine away then he/she may assume that you are paying.  Make sure that you make it clear to them what you are expecting them to pay towards, if anything.  I am sure that they would not be happy if you took them away to a secluded island which cost a lot of money and you expected them to pay half!
 

Let Food Be The Language of Love.

*Book a table at your favorite restaurant but be aware that you may have to book several weeks in advance for popular restaurants and that your date will like the food.

*Cook a meal at home.  It does not have to be something extravagant, just something that you will both enjoy. Perhaps you could cook it together.  A few candles and some soft music will make your evening even more romantic.

*Have food delivered to your door and watch a movie.  No cooking or tidying away dirty plates after wards; more time to spend with each other.  Fill a basket with a DVD of their favorite movie, popcorn and a bottle of wine, dim the lights and settle down for a cozy night in together.

*Picnic down by the river.  If the weather turns cold or it starts to rain gather up your hamper and go back to your place to eat.  Tip: make sure that you have tidied up before you go out!