.

Gift Ideas for Lovers

Valentine's Day is a day for lovers, and gifts of romance and passion are the gifts of choice for most people (especially women). Traditionally, it is the man who 'woos' the woman on Valentine's Day. It need not be that way. Valentine's Day gives both men and women alike the opportunity to show the passion and love that they feel for one another. The most common way to show that love, is by presenting your lover with a special gift from the heart. Here are some Valentine's Day gift ideas. If you have any other gifts that cry out 'I love you!' please e-mail me below.

Gifts for Men

1. Men, too, love to be pampered. During times of love and romance, men thrive on physical touch and imagination. Why not take a crash course in 'Massage for Beginners' and treat your lover to a night beyond his wildest dreams? The gift? Make your own gift basket of passion. Be sure to add scented and flavoured massage oils, a wrap around towel, and scented candles. A bottle of his favourite wine or champagne with two champagne flutes would make a nice addition; and, whether married or not, throw in some coloured condoms...red of course! You may want to add your massage class diploma or certificate to let him know what a tender treat he is in for.

2. As I stated above, most men rely on their imaginations when it comes to feelings of love, passion and romance. So, what triggers the imagination better than the five senses? This is what I call 'My Five Sense Worth Gift'. You can include gifts from each group of senses, or any other combination of them.

First, hearing: what about giving your lover one of his favourite CD's with sensual music or what my husband likes to call 'Cuddle Tunes'? You can actually make this yourself for added effect. Don't forget the old cuddle tunes like "When a Man Loves a Woman' by Percy Sledge, 'Everything I Do (I Do it For You)' by Bryan Adams, 'Fever' by the McCoys, 'Love Me Tender' by Elvis Presley, 'Unchained Melody' by the Righteous Brothers, 'Put Your Head on my Shoulder' by Paul Anka, 'Every Breath You Take' by Police, 'Have I Told You Lately That I Love You' by Rod Stewart, 'In the Still of the Night' by the Five Satins, and other romantic songs.

Second, taste: Make your man his favourite meal...not too much though, you don't want him to fall asleep! If he likes a spicy meal, this can increase his heart rate and cause sweating - hence it is called an aphrodisiac because these reactions mimic the physical reactions during making love. Ginseng can have a mild stimulant reaction as well. Of course, seafoods , especially lobster, have a reputation as aphrodisiacs, and the plate can be garnished with red peppers, cut into the shape of hearts. Love dessert??? Why, strawberries with chocolate of course! Or better yet - the main gift: red, silk boxers and a chocolate paint kit. You can softly brush the 'paint' on his body, and then lick it off.

Third, smell: This can be in many forms - scented pot pourri, massage oils, scented candles, bubble baths, bath salts, oils, and lubricants. Make sure the towels and bed linens are clean, and that they smell good.

Fourth, sight: The eyes can give your lover a view into your innermost being. It starts with the home, and the impression your man gets from it. Make sure your home oozes an air of romance and sensuality. Soft, low lights and candles, loose flowing materials, flowers and deep rich contrasting colours. If you aren't sure how, look for ideas in magazines or on the web. A good place to look for ideas are travel magazines, especially those that offer romantic getaway packages. Use some of their decorating tips. Shut the telephone ringer off and turn the answering machine down. Fluff the pillows on your bed, turn the sheets down in an inviting manner. Of course, your appearance also plays a major role. The gift? Lingerie...his and her if you like. Wrap it with a romantic card, and love poem or letter that you have written yourself.

Last, but not least, touch: If you have given your lover bath supplies and toys, or massage oils, of course the sense of touch will come into play with them. However, touch begins long before that kind of physical contact...and this is where the imagination comes into play. When you greet him at the door, make your kiss light and teasing. During dinner, brush fingers lightly with him. Tease with feathers. Touch him by looking deep into his eyes. Use soft loving, sensual caresses and give him a sensual, yet passionate, massage. Make sure you hold each other: never underestimate the power of a hug, a gentle caress, or a sweet kiss. If you combine the secrets of all of the senses, your Valentine's Day is bound to be a romantic and passionate one.

Gifts for Women

Remember, the gifts you choose will show your lover both affection and your level of committment. So, make sure you keep this in mind when choosing a gift, and let your gift say what you mean. For instance, if you are involved with a woman, but mainly just as a companion to share fun things with you would not give her jewelry. If you do, it might indicate a deeper committment. Choose your gifts wisely. Women are a little more complicated than men. What pleases one, will not please another. They do like their gifts to be well thought out gestures of love and romance. If you are committed to a loving, serious relationship make sure your gift(s) show that passion. Here I will list a number of gift ideas. You will have to chose the ones that speak your feelings.

Romantic weekend getaway (make sure to arrange a babysitter well in advance!)

Balloon bouquet (red, white, pink) This is also an excellent way to ask that special someone to marry you. Attach the gift box to the ribbons of a helium filled love bouquet of balloons. You can also attach a small basket with several small gifts...a book of romantic poetry, a special stuffed animal, a bottle of wine or champagne, truffles, and, if you are popping the question, the ring at the bottom.

Flowers - from a single red rose, to 3 dozen delivered at different times throughout the day. For an added touch, include a poem or love note with each delivery. Remember that the colour of the flowers is significant.

Red - symbolizes eternal romantic love and respect, courage, passion and beauty...one dozen red roses is the ultimate symbol of love

White - for truth, innocence, or to let someone know that you miss them

Yellow - true friendship...a way to say welcome back, I care

Pink - for fun...carries the message of happiness, admiration, gentleness...says 'You are beautiful' and 'Please believe me'

Orange - for fascination, enthusiasm, desire and enchantment...also expresses 'Good luck' and positive emotions

Peach - appreciation...the perfect rose to show gratitude, admiration and appreciation. Also used to express sympathy

Picnic basket complete with blanket, wine, wine glasses, cheese, crackers, grapes, chocolate truffles and strawberries. Include a romantic CD or two to set the mood, and even some candles. If you have a fireplace, spend a romantic evening of love in front of it. If not, hold your picnic on the livingroom floor....or better yet, the bed

Silk sheets...it is easy to figure out what this gift means

Lingerie/undergarments...another dead giveaway as to what your thoughts are

Romantic dinner in a cozy, intimate restaurant...or better yet, make it yourself

Naughty weekend kit...be sure to include pot pourri, lots of scented candles, scented bath bubbles, perhaps a loofa or cleansing mitt, massage oils and body lotions. The more adventurous lovers, might want to include some 'toys'

Favourite or treasured book of romantic stories or poetry...Emily Dickinson, Elizabeth Barrett-Browning, Terry Rowe to name a few that come to my mind

Sensual painting or piece of art

Write your own romantic poem of love

Gift certificate for a spa weekend

Well, that should give you a place to start. Once you get the imagination going, the possibilities are endless! Just make sure your gift says what you mean, and you should have a sensual, romantic Valentine's Day with the love of your life.

Please visit:

Thank you for sharing these wonderful graphics.