Valentine’s Day card

Sure, V-Day has gotten a bad reputation for being too commercial but the truth is that we all like to be thought of, especially on 14 February. If you’re buying a card from a store rather opt for a nice design and write your own message inside. Adding a few ‘xoxos’ wouldn’t hurt. You could also make your own card. Keep it simple and try to avoid using any cheesy word art fonts but instead purchase letters or stencil them yourself. 

Try employing interesting techniques and methods, like folding them into origami shapes. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to fold an origami heart. The trick is to make it personal and show you put some thought into the card. He’ll pick up on it right away, though you could increase your chances by putting a small present inside

A mix tape

The cassette tape may be long forgotten, but the concept of creating a playlist for the one you love is still one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. Thankfully, it is now much easier to do as well.  The trick to a mix tape is that it should be one part a great music mix and the other part a reminder of how you feel about him. It’s useless making a CD with only smaltzy love songs on it that he will only listen to once. It should be something he’ll pop in the DVD player or listen to while driving and immediately remind him of you. It doesn’t even have to be love songs, it could be something racy or funny that reminds him of a moment you shared together. (Want us to be your Valentine? Create us a virtual mix tape and you could win Warner Music to the value of 5000.00!) 

Cupcakes

Trust in the old adage that states: The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.  Besides, I challenge anyone not to smile when they’re given an adorable cupcake like this one. Make your Valentine’s Day truly special by baking your other half a batch of cupcakes. It’s easy to make and won’t hurt your budget. Remember though, a cupcake is all in the presentation. Try to find funky cups and decorations for your treats and watch as his jaw drops when you present him with goodies baked with love.

Here's a simple recipe for easy and delicious vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting. You can purchase the heart-shaped sprinkles at your nearest grocery store or make your own marzipan decorations. 

Sweet treats

Opt for something simple, such as a decorated box of sweets. What is it about tiny little treats that makes them so hard to resist? You can go the easy route and simply gift wrap your box (leave the edges off so it can open) or paint/draw a personal message for your loved one. As soon as he realises what it is, it’ll bring a smile to his face… and of course, it’s filled with delightful candy-coated choccies that will bring out your guy’s inner child.