Valentine's Day Gift Ideas For Those Who Care

Fed up of teddy bears and chocolates? Well this year take the opportunity to think outside the box. In fact, you don't even have to go outside the box, just make the box a bit bigger.

Valentine's Day can be overlooked so easily these days, and if it isn't ignored completely, it is given a paltry amount of attention. Gifts are given and cards are exchanged with a half-heartednesses reminiscent of a distant cousin's birthday.

It is observed with a non-committal sense of guilt which, if one does not adhere to the Valentine mission, threatens to land you in a whole world of pain. Valentine's Day has lost its touch amongst vast swathes of the population, and it must reclaim the hearts of couples teetering on the edge of love fuelled nonchalance.

If you're going to do it, do it right. This should be the Valentine's Day motto, and in fact I think this was the battle cry of the saint himself. Never feel obliged to offer some vague romantic gestures; the 14th February is not for everyone, and if it isn't for you then don't let it worry you. However, if you're going to get involved, take the bull by the horns and make it a night to remember.

Even something as simple as dinner in town can be a welcome treat for both people involved. A romantic setting, good food, and plenty of wine. Spot on. Perhaps this could be complemented by a trip to the cinema or theatre, before or after. It's going well.

However, if you really want to push the boat out, get extravagant and go for a luxury valentine's break at a classy hotel somewhere in the rustic romance of the countryside. Escape it all for a couple of days, including the crass commercialism of much of the Valentine endeavour, and enjoy the love that has perhaps been sidelined by work, children or Saturday night television.

It doesn't have to be a lame excuse for another lame greetings card you know. With just a little thought and a bit of the picturesque, this could be a lovely Valentine's Day.