You don’t have to buy the most expensive Valentines Day gift to show you care, you simply have to make a lasting impression. Often it is not the gift alone that makes the day, it is the combination of the gift and how it is given. Here are a few ways to make your Valentines Day memorable.

1. Get a Good Start. Are you taking your Valentine out? Staying in? It doesn’t matter… bring a bouquet. This doesn’t have to be flowers either (thought ladies love them). They have beautiful cookie bouquets, chocolate bouquets, and just about anything else you want to put together. Surprise her with something she hasn’t received before (even if it’s just the way the flowers are arranged)

2. Be creative. Check out stores that sell personalized gifts for an extra special touch. You even buy something like the “secret book box” to hide the special gift in. ( The secret book box is a secret storage box that looks like a regular book and is made from a book… very cool) Something like the secret stash box is awesome because it can be used afterwords on a coffee table, on a bookshelf, or in an office too — and it can be purchased in all kinds of different titles and subjects. If you are not into that kind of mystery for hiding a gift, find any other personalized gift to accent your relationship.

3. Plan In Advance! Make reservations or order your gift early. There is nothing like waiting until the last minute, and then finding out that your fabulous idea is impossible to pull off. Reservations at nice restaurants fill up fast, and sometimes they have a special menu just for the evening. Make sure their Valentines special is something your Valentine will actually want to eat. You can also cut back on your budget by planning out a special meal at home. Even if you can’t cook, did you know you can sometimes order really awesome dinner packages from the deli section of your local grocery store (Heat and serve!)

If all else fails, just remember the one most important thing…if you really want to show your Valentine you care, remember that the date is on February 14th.