Romance is a wonderful thing that should grow and thrive the longer you spend time together. But sometimes we get stuck in a routine and coming up with fresh new romantic gift ideas can be a little difficult. When this happens, all you need to do is take a few minutes and think about what makes your partner happy.

Flowers and candy are always a nice gesture but not for every occasion. Here are nine romantic birthday gift ideas that will keep your romance alive and flourishing for a long time to come:

1. Plan a romantic weekend getaway just for the two of you. Make it somewhere your partner has always wanted to go. Book a massage or other special spa treatment for the both of you, as well.

2. Prepare a romantic candlelit dinner just for two. Prepare your partner's favorite meal and have a bottle of wine set aside.

3. Plan for a night on the town doing something they enjoy doing. For example, you could go to the theater, see a play or go to a concert.

4. Have a portrait made of the two of you together. You can pose for a portrait together or hire an artist to create a drawing or painting based on a favorite photo. A simple Google search will give you the names of a number of artists who can do this for you, from a photograph that you mail to them. An even simpler - and cheaper - option: frame an enlargement of a favorite photo. Online photo sites make it easy to create these enlargements (or a variety of other unique photo gifts) with the click of your mouse.

5. Fine jewelry is always a big hit when it comes to a romantic gift whether it's a tennis bracelet, earrings, necklace, ring or watch.

6. Plan a picnic in the park. Bring a blanket to sit on and a basket of food to share.

7. Do something unique and fun together that you have never tried before. This could be hiking, skiing, boating and so forth.

8. Browse online jewelry stores and gift boutiques for a sentimental jewelry purchase, commemorating the event.

9. Plan a vacation on a cruise ship to an exotic island where your partner will be pampered and all her needs will be taken care of.

The one thing that classifies a gift as being romantic is when you give something that is thoughtful and personal. You want to give a gift that is just for them to show how much they really mean to you.

All relationships need romance to grow and flourish. Little things like watching a romantic movie together or sitting outside looking at the stars can bring two people closer together.