Top Ten Valentine's Day Gifts for Him and Her

Far too many of us wait until the last minute to go shopping and end up with a fizzle of a night. The truth is Valentine's Day can be fun for everyone considered, and there are many ideas beyond the predictable-and even ways to make the predictable idea special. The trick is to individualize each gift and to be brave enough to ask someone for help. Remember, God is in the details. Think of what he or she loves: the more specific to your love the better. Be creative. It will make this holiday this year be one to remember.

Valentine's Gifts For Him:

1. Lingerie. Surprise him by wearing a new, super sexy piece of lingerie. When he gets home/out of the shower (whenever is best), be waiting for him. You can also wear it beneath one of his shirts or wrap it up for him to open Valentine's Day.

2. Dinner. Check out his favorite restaurant or cook him his favorite meal-if you don't know how, have someone else do it. Make it memorable. Include his favorite wine or drink. This can also be good for a full breakfast menu that he'd enjoy.

3. Pictures. Make a montage of pictures of the two of you together. Write captions for them, if possible, and make a point to reminisce together. A sexy picture (or regular picture) of yourself would also make for a great gift he'll love to look at. Look up local photographers and ask if they do "boudoir" sessions. Some may even offer Valentine's Day specials.

4. Gadgets. Has he been eyeing the Kindle? The new iPod or latest in GPS technology? Many guys love a good electronic gadget to fiddle with. It just may be the perfect gift for your man.

5. Sweets. Bake him his favorite dessert. Most guys are easy, but take this opportunity to attempt to make something you know he likes but you don't make-either because you can't or don't like it. Practice at a friend's house, perhaps a friend who knows how to cook, or at home while he's at work. Don't tell him what you're doing until your celebration, though.

6. Gift Baskets. Think of his favorite hobby or interest and create a gift basket for it. Is he into fishing? Fill a basket with bait, tackle, and other gear. If his car is his other baby, create a basket full of stuff perfect for it. If you're at a loss, ask the store employees for ideas or look them up online. His friends would also be a great source to consult.

7. Video Games. Grab his favorite video game-even better, nose around for his favorite childhood video game and see about purchasing it now. Nintendo Wii has a ton of old school video games you can purchase through their system such as Street Fighter, Punch Out, and several Super Mario Bros games that haven't been retouched. Can't get much better than that. Then again, maybe he's been talking about Guitar Hero for a while now? Whatever you think he'll love will be appreciated.

8. Gift Certificates. Write him an IOU or personalized "gift certificate" showing a willingness to try what he's been begging you both to do for a while-this can relate to sex or something completely different, such as an activity or event.

9. "Of the Month" Clubs. If he's a beer lover, enroll him in a Beer of the Month club such as the one at The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club. If beer isn't his thing, look up other "of the month" ideas such as salsa, chocolate, bread, wine, etc.

10. Sports. Buy him two tickets for you both (or for him and a buddy) to attend a professional sports game. Just don't expect to buy football tickets in February. 'Tis the season for basketball and hockey. Baseball begins in April, however, so perhaps a promise to buy tickets could work. Another tip: try to purchase tickets to a game where he can see a player he admires from another team. For example, if your home team is the Sacramento Kings but you know your guy loves Dirk Nowitzki, purchase tickets for a Kings vs. Dallas Mavericks game-purchase early, though, and consider eBay if you're too late. Many of those games sell out early.

Valentine's Gifts For Her: Again, it's all about the details!

1. Gift Baskets. What is the one thing she wants to do but never has the time or the means to do? Is she a writer, a reader, a gardener, a painter, etc? A specialized gift basket full of things surrounding her interest will not only motivate, but it will show her you've noticed, and that is enough of a gift in itself. If you're at a loss, a gift basket can also contain her favorite movie and snacks for you two to enjoy-don't forget the blanket, and cuddling is a must.

2. Heart Attack. If she likes this sort of thing, "heart attack" the house or her desk at work this Valentine's Day. Fill the chosen area with hearts, balloons, flowers, streamers, candies, etc. Don't hold back, and be sure to make it a surprise.

3. Dinner. Plan a special dinner for her on a boat, train, or restaurant that holds special meaning for you two. This could be the first place you went on a date, the place you two used to "park" (wink), or at home. If you plan a dinner at home, consider cooking it yourself or have a cook do it for you-and make sure to incorporate a few things that she just loves. Pull out the Christmas lights (white or colored) and string them throughout the dining room, bedroom, or house. Candles work, too! Ambiance is everything.

4. Flowers. Be creative with this classic Valentine's Day gift-consider having them delivered all at once or intermittently throughout the day. You could begin with just one flower, then two, then three, up to a dozen or more. Make sure it's her favorite flower (if you don't know, don't ask her. Use your detective skills to figure it out). Earn extra points by looking up or asking the florist for the meaning of each flower and of the color. For example, there are different shades of roses, and each shade says something a little different. With a little thought, flowers could make her Valentine's Day memorable.

5. Chocolates. Favorite chocolates are never a bad idea, but individualize it. Make sure they're all her favorite kind of chocolates even if you have to buy a few boxes to ensure she only gets what she loves. This can either be the traditional box of chocolates or even her favorite candy. If she loves blue and M&Ms, fill a beautiful glass jar or gumball machine with blue M&Ms. This way you're letting her know you've listened and you know her. The more work, time and thought you put in this Valentine's the better. That said, if she's watching her diet, you may want to consider a smaller sample of chocolates or another avenue completely.

6. Lingerie. Lingerie never hurt anyone, but do not ask her for her size. Be a sleuth. Make her think you already knew. While you're buying the lingerie, check out some of the other items the store sells. Massage oil? Body paint? Be brave and ask the store associates. You may also want to consider purchasing a book of Sexy Coupons for Her. Put her in the driver's seat and leave it up to her to cash in a coupon with you when she's in the mood for something a little different.

Be careful, though: if she's shy or otherwise not into these sorts of things, gifts of this caliber could backfire, making your Valentine's Day less than what it should be.

7. Clean. Take the day off. If you must, request it now. While she's off at work, clean the house. Make it immaculate. Think of the things she is often very concerned with and pay special attention to those things. Details, details, details! If she doesn't work, arrange with her best friend, sister, mother, whoever to take her out while you clean.

8. Offer a massage. The best method is to give her one for a specified amount of time (five minutes doesn't really do it, guys) or present her with a gift certificate for one. It can be a simple back massage, foot massage, or full body massage. If you do it yourself, make the environment relaxing with little light, essential oils, and music. Lay a plush blanket for her to lie on as you take care of her.

9. A day off. This can come in the form of a gift certificate to a local day spa (make sure it's a good one, ask around, look it up) for her and a good friend. If this isn't her thing, necessarily, cater to her interests. Would she prefer a movie? Is she into professional sports games? A day trip to a nearby city (such as Chicago, San Francisco, etc.)? Make it happen, and take the initiative to get the kids situated elsewhere if they're a concern.

10. Jewelry. If you are thinking jewelry, make it special. Does she prefer white gold over yellow? Has she expressed interest in a necklace, ring, earring or bracelet? Does she wear bracelets? Consider her personality, and don't be afraid to consult with the jeweler who can steer you in a better direction. Engraving the piece of jewelry with your love can also make this gift even more intimate. A tip: ensure you can afford the jewelry. Unnecessary debt is never a good Valentine's Day gift.

With these tips and a little planning, Valentine's Day will surely be a success. Good luck!