Choose Gifts Appropriate to Your Relationship

For the New Relationship: You're interested in them, but don't want to be presumptuous. What to do? Consider dropping a hint. Asking what he/she would like for Valentine's Day is a subtle way to let them know that you will be getting something for them. For this relationship, the gifts should be light-hearted – not too sappy as to scare them away. A Cookie Bouquet delivered, a Giant Fortune Cookie with your personalized message inside, dinner & a movie or a DVD are good choices.

For the Long-term Relationship: For this relationship, you have more choices - romantic, sexy and humorous gifts can all be choices. You can afford to have a little fun with this relationship to get your point across. For the more risque gifts, choices include romantic games, chocolate body paint, and lover's coupons. You might even go so far as to learn the art of exotic dancing to please your partner. And for the more traditional, jewelry is always welcomed. If you can't afford rubies, garnets show your love in red splendor and are very affordable.

For the Spouse: Valentine's Day is a real test of how much you want to keep romance alive in your relationship. So be sure to acknowledge one another lest one of you is disappointed. Choose a gift to help rekindle the passion in your relationship such as a trip for the two of you. Can't travel? Then just do something together – an experience gift such as a couples massage, a wine tasting or even sky diving for the more adventurous. And, most important, no kids allowed!

For the Secret Admirer: Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to woo the object of your affections by sending anonymous gifts in hopes of a real relationship. Be careful with your choice of gift as not to create fear – you don't want to end up with a restraining order! Keep the sentiments light. And, if you are sending an anonymous gift to someone's office, make it "super-sized" – a bouquet of balloons, a large teddy bear or long stem roses. Remember, with a gift sent to the office, you're not only making a statement to your recipient, but also potentially impressing her/his colleagues – which can score you some points!

Alternative Greeting Cards

No longer do you have to "say it with a card!" Greeting cards remain popular as a way to express sentiments to loved ones. However, there are gifts that serve as alternatives to greeting cards. Cookies can be personalized or actually used to spell out a message for your loved one. Everyday products like soap can be personalized with a message and photo for your recipient. When a greeting card is not enough, gifts like these will be remembered.

Remember, for Valentine's Day, the best present of all is you! As long as the gift you send has meaning, it will be cherished. Valentine’s Day can be anything you want it to be - from romantic to fun. So show a little creativity in your gift-giving and enjoy your special day!