“Oh, Valentine’s Day? Don’t bother, it’s all so commercialised.” The famous line uttered by many a girlfriend when her man brings up the subject of 14th Feb, which actually means: “Buy me something pretty or I’ll cry.”

So what do you buy? Flowers? Heart-shaped chocolates? Dare I say it - a ring? Well, if the answer to any of the above is ‘Yes’ then 10/10 for cliche but 0/10 for effort. The truth is: Valentine’s Day isn’t about price or conformity - it’s about reminding someone why you love them. Here are some more original ideas…

1. Get Personal

A personal touch can mean the difference between a ‘meh’ gift and one that they’ll remember forever. Immortalise your loved one in a personalised novel or express your love for them on Thornton’s Alphabet Truffles. W H Smith also do a marvellous range of personalised gifts.

2. Take them out

The key to Valentine’s Day is in the memories. Create some of your own with a gift ‘experience’ day to suit your other half. For romance, try this cupcake making tutorial or chocolate workshop together. The more expressive might enjoy this couple’s portrait experience, while the downright mental will love this circus and cowboy skills lesson.

3. Talk the Talk

There’s something irresistably sexy about your partner learning a new skill just to impress you. For a flirty (and free!) treat, why not learn a few choice romantic phrases in Italian, French or Spanish? Ooh la la.

4. Make your own luck

If you’re single, Valentine’s Day can feel somewhat harsh, as all the happy couples rub your nose in your meal-for-one. Why not take fate into your own hands with a Valentine’s Day party? Invite all single people, try some romantic cocktails, and wait for the magic to happen.

5. Relax!

A final note - Valentine’s Day is a nice excuse to be soppy, but it really isn’t a total disaster if your gift isn’t what you’d hoped or you don’t get a love poem written about you. Whether you’re trying to find someone or trying to keep someone, stressing out about every little detail will make no one happy. Just enjoy your day, no matter what happens.

Image taken from Sister72’s photostream.