Don’t fret about choosing the right gift.

Flowers are still the most desired gift from an admirer and to express love. They’re personal, romantic, and according to researchers at Rutgers University, actually raise peoples spirits. In one study with 147 women of varying ages, those who received flowers smiled significantly more than those who received other gifts. Fresh, colorful flowers evoke happy feelings. Other studies indicate that flowers actually improve emotional health and make people feel more connected. According to professor Jeannette Haviland-Jones, PhD, "The phrase ’stop and smell the roses’ may have a touch of genius in it."

Order early.

Sending Valentines flowers is fast and easy! There are wonderful local florists in virtually every town, as well as dozens of leading online florists that deliver nationwide. And, ordering only takes a few minutes. So, don’t let your busy schedule get in the way. Just pick up the phone or shop online. But, remember, Valentines is the "Superbowl" of flower holidays, with five to ten times the normal volume of deliveries. So, for the best selection, service, and pricing, it’s best to order early. You’ll be glad you did.

Sending flowers to where she works?

That’s a great idea. It can brighten her whole week, she’ll be reminded of you every time she looks at them, and co-workers comments are a big plus, too. But, here’s a helpful tip from Romeos in the know. With million of deliveries on Valentine’s Day, flowers can arrive almost anytime. So, play it safe. Ask for delivery the day before Valentine’s. That way your gift will be even more of a pleasant surprise and is sure to be enjoyed throughout all of Valentine’s Day. In other words, you look like you were planning ahead and avoid any risk of your gift looking like a last-minute afterthought.

There’s more to Valentines than just red roses.

While beautiful long-stem red roses are still the most popular Valentine’s flower gift, there are lots of other options for every taste and budget. Many women prefer pretty pastel roses in pink, peach, yellow, or assorted spring colors. They can make you stand out from the crowd. And, almost half of all Valentine’s bouquets aren’t roses at all; they’re lush mixed bouquets and spring flowers such as tulips. Choosing something unique can show you remember your sweetheart’s favorite color or flower. Your favorite florist will have a great selection and can quickly help you with the best choice.

Remember flowers after Valentine’s too.

What’s the best way for a man to make a lasting impression on a woman? Research shows that the answer to making a memorable impact is right under his nose — with flowers. Ninety-two percent of women can remember the last time they received flowers, and 89% agree that receiving flowers makes them feel special. "If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, then the pathway to a woman’s heart is through her other senses," says Rebecca Cole, of Discovery Channel’s Surprise By Design. "Flowers are a sensual gift that can express any emotion so simply – with just a little knowledge and a phone call to your florist." And, flowers given for no special reason may be the most special of all. So, light a fire with flowers this Valentine’s. And, keep it burning with a surprise gift of flowers anytime throughout the year.

About the Author

By John E. Williams courtesy of 1-800-FLORALS. Award-winning same-day and next-day flowers delivery throughout the USA and Canada plus international flowers by wire. Since 1923.

A lot of guys are confused as to what to get a woman for Valentine’s Day. They may just take the easy way out and just get flowers or a romantic card. Well, you can do better than that. You want to stand out from the rest of the guys. In other words, you want to impress her so much, she will never forget you.

Here’s a list of gift ideas for Valentine’s Day that are guaranteed to win her heart:

• Gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure.
• Find out her favorite color of roses and surprise her with a bouquet of roses.
• All women love chocolate, so a box of Godiva chocolates would be an excellent gift.
• Starbucks gift certificate.
• Most women love to wear lingerie. It makes them feel sexy. Get her a gift certificate for a lingerie store such as Victoria’s Secret.
• Movie theatre tickets or tickets for an upcoming concert would be a good gift.
• Sterling silver anklet or bracelet is sure to impress.
• You can’t go wrong by giving her scented candles. They love them!
• Women love to take bubble baths. Buy her some bubble bath. Hopefully, you can join her in the tub to soak in the bubbles, if you know what I mean.
• Ambercrombie & Fitch T-Shirt or Sweatshirt.

There you have it! Now go out and get her something. These gifts don’t necessarily have to be with your sweetheart. They can be for someone who you wish was your sweetheart.

About the Author

This article written by Don Diebel (Americas #1 Singles Expert). If you would like more free dating tips on how to successfully meet, date, attract, and become intimate with women, please visit his website at: http://www.getgirls.com.

History

The history takes us back to the Roman period when King Claudius ruled. Earlier it is said that Valentines Day was started in Rome. The day was celebrated as a festival to honor the queen of Roman gods. She is recognized as the goddess of the female sex and matrimony. The next day was celebrated as the Lupercalia Feasts. On the eve of this festival only the youth were allowed to be together and rest of the time they were strictly kept separate. This was the theory that gives the origin of Valentines Day.

Another theory that gives the history of Valentines Day is the sacrifices that a Christian martyr named Valentine made for love. There was a requirement of a huge army, which the emperor of Rome was unable to make. It was only because there were many people who didn’t want to involve themselves in wars and go away from their families. So there was a great problem that Claudius the cruel was facing. So he came up with a very nice idea that sufficed his needs. He stopped people from entering into marriages. For this he passed a law also. But there were people who were against this law and also didn’t want to follow. So a priest named Valentine conducted marriages secretly. This laid down the foundation of Saint Valentine’s day which is now celebrated worldwide. This day is celebrated as this brave martyr died on this day.

Valentines gifts

Earlier Valentines Day was celebrated by exchanging love notes and expressions. People used to send anonymous letters and cards to their loved ones. But nowadays gifts have dominated the scene. However, giving gifts doesn’t mean that love has turned materialistic. But it in fact expresses your love and your emotions.

Your love is always true but is a waste if it is not expressed. And there are many gifts that are available in the stores that are specially designed for this occasion only. Valentine’s Day not only expresses your love and your emotions but will also win the heart of your sweetheart.

About the Author

Natalie Aranda is a freelance writer. Earlier Valentines Day was celebrated by exchanging love notes and expressions. People used to send anonymous letters and cards to their loved ones. But nowadays Valentine’s gifts have dominated the scene. However, giving gifts doesn’t mean that love has turned materialistic. But it in fact expresses your love and your emotions. You can find Valentine’s gifts for girlfriend, for boyfriend, or for wife on many online gift stores.

Some of you just hate Valentine’s Day as a commercialized artificial demand to demonstrate your affection by shopping… get over it. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or observe the floral ritual, but can you really afford give the impression that you are the Curmudgeon of Romance? I think not. This is not the time to be an activist. If you must, do something special on February 13th to register your disgust with the system. But do something.

This requires you to spend some time thinking about the object of your affection. What do they like to do? Do they collect something? Is there something they keep meaning to do for themselves that you can do for them? An indulgence or small luxury you can treat them to?

Before you rush off to eBay to find a gift… there is a No-No List. For a woman, no matter how much she needs one, do NOT buy her a vacuum cleaner or a handy car emergency kit. "I just want to make your life easier, honey!" Time and place, dude… make her life easier with a new mulch shovel on Arbor Day, not The Big Romance Day. Same goes for men’s gifts; even if they really want a riding mower, save it for a birthday. Certainly don’t buy them the tools they need to fix YOUR car. Or a gift that reflects the job you want them to get, the clothes you think they should start wearing, or the healthy habit you think they should have.

Gifts should show that you spent time, and thought, not money. Sure, some people love expensive gifts, but more likely, it will look like you spent money to hide the fact that you couldn’t think of something good. If you spend a bundle, do it because you tracked down something rare and wonderful. Never spend big money if money is a big issue in your relationship. Spend time, not cash.

So, what is on the Yes-Yes List?

GIFTS OF SERVICE. Give a weekend of your time fixing or cleaning everything that needs it, without making the person feel be-holdin’ for it. Give a gift certificate for a meal you cook and clean-up after, especially if you never do that. Even if you can’t cook, the effort will be both amusing and thoughtful. Do dishes for the first time in your life… find someone who knows how and ask them. The fact that you did that will be impressive. Give a weekend of your time waiting on her (or him) hand and foot. Fetch her purse, open every door, call her m’lady and focus on what she wants next. Ever painted someone’s toenails? Be her loyal servant for a day or two (and see what you learn about her.)

GIFTS OF ORIGINALITY. Did you know that you can hire an artist for a reasonable sum and get custom art or illustration. Have a favorite poem illuminated by a calligrapher. Make something with your own hands… jewelry, art, pottery, carving, or his portrait in tile mosaic… walk around an art store for ideas. Or have something with personal importance framed elaborately… a cocktail napkin you saved from your first date… the ticket stubs from the movie where you first whispered, "I love you."

GIFTS OF COLLECTABILITY. Do they love a particular author, actor, or movie? Track down a first edition book, a movie theater lobby poster, or an autographed item. Buy a sheet of uncut collector cards for sports teams, comic book heros, or fantasy games. Movie animation cells, rare recordings, and hard-to-get editions from other countries… all of these show you did some work to get them something they will love.

GIFTS OF ROMANCE. These are particularly special if you are normally not a sappy, gushing, romantic fool. Have trouble expressing your feeling in words? Spend time writing her a poem or an essay about what she means to you. Give the gift of attention… remove all the things that normally keep you from relaxing together. That can be tough for working families. Farm out the kids, put away the work, ignore the undone housework, and spent time reminiscing about why you love about each other. Make a lot of all the things you like about the other person and read it out loud. Make the list loooong and feed him/her a candy heart or peeled grape with each item. "Over the top" is the key. Be a fool for her/him.

GIFTS OF RELAXATION. Get a fancy hotel room in your own city, order in room service, and watch movies for a whole weekend. If your partner has kids, YOU arrange the babysitter (enlist a relative). Give her a certificate for a spa weekend or a women’s retreat. Give him a afternoon at a men’s spa for his first facial and massage. Get lightly-scented massage oil and set up a "spa" at home.. perhaps hire a professional massage therapist to give you his-n-hers massage or foot reflexology.

Getting the idea? Put away your credit card and start brainstorming… Valentine’s Day is just round the corner.

© Dateable.com LLC 2002

About the Author

Tracy Brant is a freelance writer and an editor at Dateable.com. She can be contacted at tracy@dateable.com. Dateable.com is an exciting online community for singles, couples and romance lovers. Dateable.com has romantic resources, advice, poetry, greeting cards, and more. Dateable.com also features specialty matchmaking services. Whether you are looking for a soulmate or a playmate, visit http://dateable.com

Pay attention. Take a good look at the home decor of the woman who will receive your gift. Does she decorate with angels, candles, family pictures, posters or art. The items a woman chooses for her home will give many clues as to what she would enjoy receiving.

Ask questions. It never hurts to ask a woman what she enjoys receiving as a gift. Ask her to describe her most favorite gift. Ask her to tell you what she enjoys giving as a gift. This often will be the thing that she enjoys receiving as well. Encourage an open dialogue about gift giving and listen to the clues she is giving you.

Don’t take the easy way out. Don’t just send a dozen flowers or a box of chocolates and expect an overwhelming response. Women love to receive gifts that are meaningful and matched to their interest. If you do send flowers (and sometimes you should) add on a special teddy bear, picture frame or balloons to make the gift more personal.

Avoid candy or fitness related items. Don’t give candy unless it comes with another gift such as flowers or as part of a gift basket. That way the woman can give away the candy and still enjoy the gifts that came with it. Too many of us are watching our weight and avoiding fatty and sugary foods. Fitness equipment gifts may be considered an insult as though you are criticizing the woman’s weight. Don’t think you’re being helpful by giving such a gift — it will backfire on you!

Don’t buy a gift that you like or want and give it to someone else. This trick will not work on any woman with half a brain! Many years ago I had a committed relationship with a boyfriend that never, and I mean never, bought me a gift. One year he excitedly told me he had bought tickets to a concert for my birthday! I was surprised and pleased until he announced that he bought tickets to a Pink Floyd concert. I listened to Madonna and Michael Jackson at the time not classic rock. Needless to say, out of politeness I pretended to be happy and excited and went to the concert and had a good time. Giving a gift to someone that is something you like or want is selfish and sure to cause serious repercussions in your relationship. Don’t do it.

If in doubt give a gift certificate. Many on-line stores offer gift certificates that are convenient and easy to redeem. It may seem like a gift certificate is the easy way out but it isn’t. If you purchase a gift certificate from a store that offers gifts interesting to the woman in your life then you are doing her a huge favor. Not only will she get a great gift that interests her but she can choose something that she will actually use and enjoy!

Make your gift giving successful by taking the time to learn about the women in your life and to appreciate them for their unique gifts. Women love to receive gifts and will reciprocate in kind. Don’t wait for a birthday or other special occasion. Give gifts frequently and unexpectedly and you will be surprised by the response you receive!

About the Author

Bonnie Jo Davis is also known as "The Gift Guru" by her friends and family. She has many years of experience shopping and preparing gifts for giving which has led her to create the new web site Gift Ideas For Women. Visit http://www.Gift-Ideas-For-Women.com today for free articles and gift selection and wrapping guides.

If you are running out of cash and yet your heart is full of love for your other half, you don’t have to sigh in despair. There are some free gifts which you can give to your lover without spending a dime. Unrealistic? Read on…

1. A Poem

Writing a poem is one of the best ways to touch the other person’s heart. After all, the words are straight from your heart and like they say ‘nothing moves a lover more than true words spoken from the soul!’

2. A Love Letter

Yes, writing a love letter doesn’t cost a cent and yet it’s simple and so sweet..

3. e-Card

A e-card is another free gift to lavish your other half. Across miles this gift delivers your message fast and easily with no fuss!

4. Hug

Touch is the most intimate gesture for all humans. A hug a day brings us all closer to feeling loved and cherished!

5. A Song

Write a song for your special one and sing it.

6. Make a Card

Making a paper card is easy and so much fun. Once again it is so cost-free.

7. Dance

When was the last time that both of you danced together? Dance is an interesting activity which does not need a dime and yet it creates so much fun!

8. Romantic Walk

Walking under the stars is romantic and it creates a good opportunity for both of you to spend quality time together alone.

9. Dedication

Dedicating a song to your lover on the radio is another thing to consider.

10. I Love You

How many of us do actually say the words? Some couples take love for granted and think that the 3 words are not that necessary. On the other hand saying the words doesn’t cost you anything and yet it brings you closer to the one you love.

About the Author

Anusuya Veth, a romantic at heart is the author of ‘Cupid Traps’. Besides penning poems & stories when the mood strikes she also runs her own content portals ‘Wow Mag’, ‘Celebrity Jam’ and her accessories store ‘Anya’. You can download her e-book ‘Cupid Traps’ at http://www.geocities.com/cupidtraps
cupidtraps@yahoo.com