Simple Keys to Valentine’s Day Success

Valentine's Day ideas - how do you make sure this year is better than all the rest? The most romantic day of the year is approaching and we wanted to help you take the guesswork out of creating a beautiful event for you and that special person in your life. Let's face it: sometimes we get stumped trying to conjure-up the ideal romantic scenario. Some of us are just not the "romantic" types (and maybe our partners aren't either!). Let us do the thinking to help get you on the right path to Valentine's Day success and use the following ideas to get February 14 off to just the right start:

A Wake-Up Surprise
Sneak over to your lover's house the night before and put a greeting card, bouquet of flowers or another something special on their windshield. What a delightful surprise they'll have waiting for them the next morning! Now, don't go breaking into garages to make this happen - a surprise left on their front doorstep can be just as effective (accompanied by a text to check their front door!).

The Office Surprise
Guys and gals alike want to know you're thinking about them on Valentine's Day. Surprise the gal in your life with something like an edible fruit bouquet or floral delivery on Valentine's Day. On a budget and want to save some dough (since florists have no problem charging a Valentine's Day premium)? Head to a florist or the grocery store, select an arrangement yourself and drop it off during lunch. For the guys? Call a local florist or gift basket company and have then create a Man Basket! Beer, sports magazines, snacks for the game - whatever you think your guy will like. And again - to save some delivery dough, build a basket yourself and sneak it by his receptionist at lunchtime! Weekend holiday? No sweat and even better. Entice a friend to make a delivery for you.

Silly e-Cards
Have a quirky sense of humor? Sites like Someecards let you customize your own cards and send them for free! Remember - it's always best to send an e-card to your lover's personal email account instead of their work address. Worried they'll miss it? Drop them an email at their work address to check their personal account. You'll keep yourself and your personal life out of the workplace as well as private giggles private.

Dinner and a Non-Movie
It's easy to find a restaurant in your local area that's having a Valentine's Day special. Once you find one you like, be sure to make reservations as they tend to fill-up fast. An idea - take an earlier dinner reservation (like 6pm) and add a non-movie event after! A stroll in the park, a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, a view from the rooftop of a building, a trip to the museum or even a cup of coffee at the coffee shop where you had your first date. Make a lighthearted evening out of it.

The Scavenger Hunt
If your lover has a thirst for adventure, why not plan a day-long scavenger hunt? Hide little notes and clues around the house, in her purse, sent via text message or email and keep the interest alive all day long! End the day's hunt by having them meet you somewhere special - special to the TWO of you - and celebrate with a bottle of champagne under the stars or a delicious dinner at your favorite restaurant. As an added coup, why not have your waiter bring over the final clue - a gift or special card for your lover.

The Traveler
On the road this Valentine's Day? Don't fret! While there's nothing like snuggling-up with the one you love, you can conjure-up some pretty decent alternatives. Try putting together an online photo album of pictures of the two of you and send them a link. You can even get creative and enlist the help of mutual friends: arrange for various friends to drop by your lover's house throughout the day in your absence, each bearing a different card or little gift.

Remember: not everyone like flowers or elaborate romantic gestures (and some people are quite the opposite!). You know your partner better than anyone - above any material things you could give as a gift, the most important gift you can give is letting them know they hold a special place in your heart and that you value them for who they are.