Love is in the air...

It seemed like as soon as the Christmas and New Year's Eve decorations came down, most stores had strung out their Valentine's Day decor. I was among the single people rolling my eyes at the tacky cupid signs; announcing the sale of gaudy paper hearts. However, I'm gonna get past my own snobbery to help you lovebugs find the perfect  gift for your boo, and without killing your pockets.

For the Fellas:

• Boxers - men tend to have this ... thing against buying themselves new pairs of underwear in a timely fashion. The most impeccably dressed man may have on the most shredded old pair of drawers on underneath. So, here's your chance to show off your sense of humor and fashion, by buying him some sexy skivvies. If you play it right, he may end up modeling them by the end of the night ;-)  
• Go out to dinner, your treat - We so often leave it up to the guys in our lives to take us on the perfect date. Finding the restaurant, making the reservations and paying the tab. How about on this day, we take full control of the date. OpenTable.com has a list of restaurants in the NYC area with Valentine's Day 2011 deals. Check out what's offered, and tell him you wanna take him for a night on the town... and he doesn't have to reach in his pockets once.
• Concert/Sports tickets - Hear me out. He needs the chance to get out and relax away from home sometimes too. Even if it means spending time with his boys instead of you. You'll score some brownie points as the cool, independent girlfriend. Andddd, he'll want to do something major for you in return. That's a win/win, for both of you

For the ladies:

• Flowers - not just the cliché roses, that’s not thoughtful at all. Instead, choose a flower that has significance in the relationship. For example the orange lily is a sign of passion, and the bird of paradise is happiness and excitement. A heartfelt, meaningful bouquet would be lovely. Trust me, I know
• I read a Tumblr post from a girl who got one of the best gifts. Her boyfriend handed her a wrapped box, and when she ripped off the packing… she was looking at a box of shoes from her closet. Her boyfriend told her to open it up, and inside was a gift card for ANY pair of shoe she wanted. That’s SO sweet. (Personally, I would love that gift). Steve MadSteve Maddenden  has a cute, affordable selection of heels. If you’re not sure which style she’d like most, you can’t go wrong with these ... or maybe just a gift card LOL
• Build-A-Bear – A soft  teddy bear, with your scent on it is a gift she can cuddle at night. A personalized stuffed animal, made by you with love takes that a step further. Check out the Build-A-Bear website for a bear you can afford

There are some ideas that are unisex. One suggestion from my friend Machel: Early on Valentine’s Day morning, send your significant other a good morning text and a clue as to where to find some gifts. Send them on a scavenger hunt, with stops in locations that are significant in your relationship. Notes or gifts in places where you guys met, had your first kiss and even your first argument. At the last location, you can meet them holding a box of chocolates and a card.

Let me know how V-Day turns out for you guys. Leave your stories and even suggestions in the comment box J