Cards and flowers are passé. Here are some ideas to make your partner's Valentine's Day gift feel special.

It is nearing Valentine's Day and you have still not managed to pick up a gift for your partner. Maybe you have been too busy with work and did not have time to think of what to buy. You finally settle on the old standby of flowers and candy. While these gifts are acceptable, would you not want to give your partner something that makes her feel special? A special gift will make you appear thoughtful and demonstrate how much you love your partner.

Custom Jewellery

Diamond pendants and gold rings are expensive gifts. Their emotional value can be further enhanced if you customise them. For example, a locket with a romantic photo of you and your partner would be a better choice than a pendant. When you buy a ring, have the jeweller personalise it by engraving both of your initials on the inside. You could also include a small romantic message or write a line referring to a joke that only both of you know about.

Music

Music is a great way to tell your partner how much she means to you. Purchase a CD or MP3 player. As an added touch, fill it with all those songs you know she loves. In addition, you could make a CD of the songs associated with special times. They need not be only love songs. For example, you could include the song that was playing when you had your first dance together, when you proposed to her, etc. This way she will think of you whenever she listens to these songs.

If you can play a musical instrument, play out the songs and record them. This gives a personalised touch to your CD and will really impress your partner. Don't be disheartened if you are a bad singer, as it is the thought that counts. Alternatively, you could record short messages in between the songs. Note that you may need to record your songs in a small studio so that the result is free from background noises and other interruptions.

Dance Lessons

Your partner loves to dance but you have two left feet. This Valentine's Day, book dance lessons for your partner and you. The lessons will give both of you a chance to spend some quality time with each other and have some fun as well. You can opt for hip-hop or Bollywood style dance lessons but the ideal romantic dream would be to try out ballroom dancing. For a spicy twist, go for lessons in Latin American dances like salsa, rumba, etc.

If you are shy about going alone for the lessons, convince a close friend to bring his partner along as well. This will help you feel more comfortable in an unknown setting. Follow up the lessons with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at the neighbourhood café.

Chocolates

Nothing says 'I love you' better than chocolates. However, do not just pick up a few chocolate bars from the mall and come home thinking your job is done. Try your hand at preparing chocolates yourself. You can stick to tried and tested recipes or experiment with different flavours. Fill the chocolate in heart-shaped moulds and allow it to set. Remove the chocolate from the moulds after it sets and wrap it in fancy red wrapping paper. For added effect, put the chocolates in a box and tie the box with a ribbon.

If chocolate making is not your thing, you can still gift a box of custom-made chocolates to your loved one. There are specially made chocolates for Valentine's Day. They are packed in beautiful boxes and may include cards for you to write a special message for your Valentine.

This Valentine's Day, do not choose the same gifts that everyone else is buying. Go for a unique gift and surprise your partner.

How do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Have you ever received an unexpected Valentine's Day gift? What gift ideas do you know of? To share your tips, views, and experiences, click here.