Valentine's Day Gift Ideas, Usual and Unique

Two years ago, a dear friend sought my advice on what to get his girlfriend for Valentine's Day. His idea? A lamp. Because nothing says I love you quite like a lamp....

Don't get me wrong — I'm all about practical gifts. But when it comes to Valentine's Day, I believe sentiments or surprises should come from the heart, and be about the person you love, not about fulfuling their lighting needs.

After a little bit of coaching, my friend settled on a necklace from a local artist. His girlfriend loved the gift, not only because it was pretty, but because it would remind her of him throughout the day, even when they were apart.

Remember too, Valentine's Day doesn't have to be about spending a lot of (or any) money. The way to a loved one's heart can be found through something simple, like a heartfelt handwritten Valentine or a homemade dinner.

Here are a few Valentine's Day ideas, spanning the realm of sentimental to materialistic. The list certainly could be longer, so please help add to it by leaving your thoughts in the comments section below.

• A handwritten (or drawn) note or card— on Elm Street might help you here!
• A mix CD
• Dinner, out or at home—
• Flowers (roses, or not)—our Directory has a large list of local florists!
• Chocolate, mmm, chocolate
• Breakfast, possibly in bed
• Take a cooking class together
• A stuffed animal, book or game—hit for this one!
• A Betta fish (nothing says love like a solitary fish that fights to the death)—and and can help you here!
• Manicure and/or pedicure, massage gift certificates
• iPod gift card
• Sporting event tickets
• Jewelry—lots of choices here!
• A coffee mug from a local potter, plus a pound of joe!
• Boxers with hearts on them
• A lamp (I kid... see above)