We started off by talking about how to get ready for celebrating Valentine's Day. We came up with the idea that rather than doing the same old things you might actually want to do something different, well, how about a fondue party for two? So the questions started to pour in about gifts for Valentine's Day that were different. Not just the ones that we recommended in our gift ideas for spouses, but something even more different. So here at LuvCube, we put our heads together and here is what we came up with.

Music

But, of course, not any music. Buy your own blank CD, then buy songs online from a website like iTunes or Yahoo Music or Rhapsody, put your own compilation of favorite songs, and finally make a very special CD cover with pictures of both of you. To make the cover, you can use a photo editing software that typically should be already installed on most new computers, is also a part of digital camera software, or you can simply download it online for a very small charge.

Make your own gift basket

It is funny to see how men shop for Valentine’s Day. They just buy something that looks pretty. If it is a toiletries basket, they do not even smell it. Do not do this, ever. You can do better: Buy a gift certificate to a spa and add some special items such as body lotion, natural soaps, bath salts, or massage oil.

Romantic massage

Make your own gift certificate. Since you will do the massage, get a card or a piece of attractive paper, and write it as it is from a spa, (you can even come up with a unique name for your spa) and put the name of the massage therapist as your name. Get some edible massage oil, such as Jessica Simpson’s Dessert, and give both (oil and gift card) of them along with chocolates and champagne. If you want to splurge, you may add some jewelry.

Flower power

There is nothing more romantic than flowers as far as women are concerned, but when you buy them on Valentine’s Day, their prices are prohibitive. So give flowers ahead of time with a card inviting for dinner. On Valentine’s Day itself, just bring chocolates or high-quality cookies or a small, but special, gift.

Candy flowers and chocolate

Instead of the traditional flower arrangement, you can a get a candy bouquet arrangement, that you can order online. You can also print your favorite photo on chocolate and give that as a gift.

A word of advice: Plan ahead. Avoid the mall on Valentine’s Day. Not only it is a hassle to shop in the mall; you don’t always get the best selection and prices. Dozens of excellent online gift stores now have many choices for gifts and they can mail the gift directly to you or the recipient.

The best gifts are not the most expensive but the ones that show that you thought about it and put time into it.

Recommended article: Fun activities for couples

Get ready for Valentine's Day

We suggest that whether you are single or attached, you need to plan at least 4-6 weeks ahead to have a memorable Valentine's Day. Why? It is the only day in the year when you can openly say how you feel about a person without feeling any guilt at all. So take the liberty and enjoy yourself.

How to get ready for Valentine's Day if you are single?

1. Use whatever means at your disposal to get a date for Valentine's Day. Use Lingerie, candles, bedroom decoration, etc.
2. After the date, do not forget to send a thank-you note/gift. Who knows it might be the start of another beautiful relationship.

How to prepare for Valentine's Day if you are in a committed relationship?

1. Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to reinforce your bond by telling the other person how much you care. So a little care in planning the day is helpful.
2. Since it is not going to be a "date" in the conventional sense for you, why not be a bit creative. It is wrong to think that the only way to celebrate Valentine's Day is to dress up, eat out, and then make love. You don't even have to go for a weekend anywhere, though there is nothing wrong with any of this. However, what about a day of spa treatments, spoiling your partner for one day, or grant a long-hidden wish of your partner (which if you do not already know, you might either ask your partner or a close friend).
3. Once you know what you are going to do, then prepare well. List everything that needs to be done and go about doing it little by little. Particularly, when you are going to shop online for some gifts - they can take a few days to arrive.
4. If your partner asks what the plans for the Valentine's Day are, then just tell him/her that it is a surprise and you are taking care of it.

Recommended articles: Gift ideas for your spouse

Not so common Valentines Day gifts

Gift ideas when you don't know what to give

Chocolography