Just when you thought it was safe to go shopping…

Did you know that after Christmas, Valentine's Day is the next biggest retail holiday? That can mean a variety of things for you, the consumer, but mostly it means the market is saturated with a plethora of heart-shaped, clichéd and tacky, made for Valentines products.

The key to success is knowing your partners tastes and not stepping on a land mine in the process of telling them how much you care.

1.Ask yourself "Do I know their tastes well enough to buy a personalized gift

2.What is your budget? Financial troubles as a result of overspending on Valentine's Day are not going to help your romantic life.

3.Always aim for sophistication. You don't have to spend a fortune to achieve style

Here are some ideas to get you started and include the perennial favorites.

Chocolate:

Does she like it? If not, then obviously skip this traditional gift. Does she have a favorite brand? Or favorite ingredient? Most women are not big fans of the heart shaped box with face lace and cheap chocolates inside. Next, as tempting as it may be, please stay away from the Cadburys “Roses" or anything similar. Spend the same money on a few handmade truffles from your local ‘Chocolate Box’. These are much better quality and will be appreciated far more!

Flowers:

Does she like flowers? (Remember some people are allergic to certain flowers)

Does she have a favorite? There is not a rule that says you must be red roses. I happen to love Pink Gerberas and it would be a sign to me that my partner understood me if he bought me Pink Gerberas instead of traditional red roses.

Avoid last minute flower purchases from the service station on the way home. These flowers shriek of cheapness, and are quite often half dead, the cellophane grotty from all the passing cars. You are better to buy a tub of decadent ice cream, bottle of wine, an give her a foot massage, than to buy these.

If your partner is working on Valentines day –send them to work, most women (whilst some will not admit to it).love to be this type of attention that flowers delivered to work bring. The thrill of getting the call that there is flowers for you from reception, is one that most females in a work environment secretly covets.

Jewellery:

A gift that makes the heart sing. If you are looking to buy jewellery, consult her friends and family to find out what she likes and wants if you are not absolutely positive. Avoid heart shaped anything. The act of giving her the jewelry is saying "I love you," there is no need to tattoo it on her forehead so to speak by giving her a heart shaped necklace she feels obliged to wear all of the time.

Shopping for jewellery or gifts needed take a huge amount of time, try jumping on the internet – you can shop from the comfort of your own home or even work. Most online stores offer free gift-wrapping and cards. No need to fumble with wrapping paper and sticky tape! Make sure you allow yourself at least a week to ensure delivery of your item.

Breakfast or Dinner?

Consider making breakfast in bed, head down to your closest bakery, purchase some croissants, fresh juice, tea, or coffee. What could be simpler?

Dinner reservations- make them early, many restraints will book out early. (Make your reservation ideally on the 1st February). Some restaurants will have two seating to maximize their trade, so be prepared!

When choosing your restaurant, consider the location, go where you will both be comfortable. (but not too comfortable - Mc Donald’s can be left for another day.)

Be yourself. For example, if you are not a wine expert then ask for help from the staff. We women like a guy who will ask.

Or be daring…don't go out to eat. If you are not a very good cook, order take away from a local establishment (not fast food or pizza) or hire a personal chef or beg a friend who can cook to help you out, and put your time into setting a beautiful table. She will be very impressed that you made the effort.

Lingerie:

Be careful here, it can be a potential landmine. Even the most beautiful, confident women can feel insecure about their bodies. Your surprise gift can be ruined if you choose the wrong size…Your fantasies may not be her desires. Cheap lingerie does not say "I love you." It says "I'm cheap or you are a tramp." If you aren't sure about this one at all, then ask her best friend to go shopping with you, this way you can be assured that the lingerie that you purchase is not going to offend.

Gifts from the heart that wont break the wallet.

Leading up to Valentines day place little unexpected ‘I love you’ notes where your loved one will least expect to find them. Tiny Post it notesÔ are perfect for this.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

©Wallet

©Underwear drawer

©In her shoes

©In the fridge

©Glove box

©Under the sun visor in the car

©In her Lunch box

©In the her make up bag

©In her handbag

©Under the pillow

©In their favorite coffee cup

©In their pockets of clothing

©Sports bag

©In the current book they are reading

Other Gifts:

There is no rule that your Valentine's Day gift has to be heart shaped, red/pink or traditional. Steer clear of household appliances – even if they are really needed. Blender and romance are not normally seen together in the one sentence. A picture your have drawn, a CD that you have made with her favorite songs, a picture of the two of you in a photo frame are all much better options than a household appliance.

Can’t cook? Don’t panic!

Dim the lights, light some candles, play some soft music in the background buy some strawberries and chocolate dipping sauce, a bottle of chilled wine or champagne, and you have a romantic setting. One of the best gifts is that of listening and being there in the moment. Plan your future or your next holiday. This is a great opportunity to learn more about what they like about romance.

Surprise her with Poetry

There are many websites on the internet that are dedicated to poetry and romance. Pick out a few and print them off. Why not read them aloud to her whilst she is relaxing in the bath, with scented oils and a glass of wine. If you are too self conscious to read aloud, them copy them out in your own hand writing and place in the card. This will be treasured for a lifetime.

Here are two websites to get you started.

http://www.lovepoemsandquotes.com/

http://www.netpoets.com/poems/love/

Valentines Day needn’t be expensive, it is only limited to your imagination. Remember whilst Valentines happens just once a year, the romance in your relationship should happen every day.