By Marc Alexander

What is a better way to say you love someone on Valentine’s Day than presenting them with a special gift? Aside from Christmas, Valentine’s Day is no doubt a yearly occasion when people are in gift-giving mode, causing sales in gift and flower shops to plummet.

But alas, the girlfriend has had so much of those flowers delivered to her door. And they don’t last anyway, so they land in the trashcan after a few days or so. On the other hand the husband has amassed a closet full of necktie collections from the yearly gifts he gets from the wife on Hearts Day. Ah, this is getting boring, so sit on your thinking chair and plan for a more creative and original Valentine’s Day gift for your beloved.

Say, why don’t you present him with a self-video tape? If you and your partner have children, you may include them in the video. You may wear funny costumes to entertain your partner more. You can do magic tricks, do a choreographed dance or whatever antics that will amuse him.

You can also scan some childhood photos and make a collage out of these for your special someone. This is a very poignant gift because it indicates your desire to share with your love a major part of your life – your childhood.

You can make a scrap book of your photos together and the little gifts you have given each other over the years such as cards, notes or anything that will remind you of special dates and events in your life.

Or, why not give your special someone something from your collection of precious mementos? Your football, your baseball bat from high school, your favorite cap or your college ring are definitely winners.

Women can make their men feel they are loved and thought of by crafting for them small but useful items. One item he can absolutely use is a holder for his water bottle. Why not crochet or knit one? You can create a crocheted or knitted bottle holder with some masculine touch by using dark colors and doing away with girly frills and tassels.

Maybe you have a knack for the arts. Bring out that artist in you by sketching your partner. You can perhaps pattern your sketch from his or her favorite photo. When the sketch is done, place a special wrap over it or simply tie a ribbon around and voila, you have a unique gift!

Ideas for creative and original Valentine’s Day gifts are boundless. It all depends on how far you can stretch your imagination and creativity. Remember, gifts don’t always come in the form of material things. The best presents you can give your loved one are usually not sold in stores. A candlelit dinner you painstakingly arrange in your own home or breakfast you serve in bed to your husband on Valentine’s Day are undeniably more precious and unforgettable presents.