One of the most important holidays on any woman`s calendar is Valentine`s Day, the ubiquitous love-demonstrating event that dominates the month of February.  The celebration falls exactly where it should be – in the dead of winter when cold weather dominates, giving guys the perfect opportunity to warm her heart. Although some people eschew the traditional gifts of the season, many women prefer time-honored tokens of love including chocolates, flowers, diamond jewelry and dinner out. If she is that type of a woman, then half of the battle has already been won. If not, then I`ll have to write a separate article of gift-giving advice just for you!

Instead of giving her what she expects from you, why not consider surprising her with some important twists on the traditional gift giving theme? FTD flowers and Whitman chocolates are thoughtful gifts, but certainly they are not unique. You can make this Valentine`s Day one she won`t soon forget by selecting those gifts which prove that you put a lot of effort into planning out the day.

Chocolates – Lots of men will be heading out to the mall just before February 14th and snagging a scarlet heart-shaped box of Russell Stover chocolates or, perhaps, choosing a 36-piece Valentine Ballotin by Godiva. Lovely gifts, but by no means unique. Instead, why not give to her Shari`s Berries Velvet Jewelry Box with Hand-Dipped Cookies? She`ll get four chocolate truffle cookies, just enough to satiate her desire without adding unwanted pounds to her waistline. The jewelry box will come in handy for a special gift I will mention later on.

Flowers – Long stemmed roses are a favorite for many women, but they usually are dead and discarded within a week. Why not consider buying a small, potted rose plant that can grow indoors? As long as her home has several hours of direct sunlight streaming in, a rose plant will be a lasting and beautiful reminder to her of your love.

Dinner – You`ll need to plan this evening well in advance, as Valentine`s Day dinners are often fully booked by early February at popular, fashionable restaurants. Contact the maitre d` ahead of time and request special seating especially if you require a location that is private and where you know you won`t be rushed through your meal. After all, love cannot be hurried!

Jewelry – Along with Christmas Day and New Year`s Eve, Valentine`s Day is a popular time for men to propose marriage. Just before the dinner ends can be your best opportunity to express your love for her, which you can make evident with the giving of a diamond engagement ring. If your relationship hasn`t progressed to the point of a permanent commitment, then a gift of diamond studs, pearl bracelet, heart pendant or a butterfly pin is certainly appropriate. She already has the velvet jewelry box you gave her earlier in the day, now she has the first of what will certainly be many jewelry gifts you will give to her over a lifetime.

Of course, you could settle for the predictable, but what sort of message do you believe that will send to her? If you are seeking to win her heart, the personalized effort gets noticed. Create a memorable evening, one that you and your sweetheart will cherish for a lifetime!