Choosing a good gift for Valentine’s Day doesn't need to be difficult. If you’re not the creative type, don’t worry. The purpose of this article is to help you turn something possibly agonizing into something fun and inventive. Because men are women are so different, there are distinctly different Valentine’s Day gift ideas for each gender.

Many men wait until the last minute to get their Valentine’s Day gift and as a result end up with the cheap leftovers that are still available. Women pay attention to the smallest of details and will not be impressed with a man who has not put any thought or preparation into their “gift of love.” You should be very familiar with her likes and dislikes. Know her favorite flower, color, music, and food. If her favorite flower is the tulip, then perhaps a bouquet of them (instead of the ever-rational roses) would be more meaningful. A CD of her favorite music or an outfit in her favorite color (Avoid a treacherous landmine and make sure you know her EXACT size!) will let her know that you do care about what she likes and that you have been paying attention. Nothing is quite as sexy as a man who cooks, so you could save some money on an expensive (probably over-booked) restaurant and instead make her favorite dish at home. Even if it doesn’t turn out perfect, she will appreciate the thought and effort you made.

Chocolate doesn’t have to be an overused cliché if done right. Cheap gas station chocolates are not going to make a great impression. However, something as simple as M&Ms could be romantic if you ordered them with a cute message on them. Of course, men know that jewelry is always a winner too. If you want to be really ambitious (and win TONS of brownie points), try putting together a gift basket of a bunch of her favorite things. Most of the things listed above could be included. You could also add a favorite fragrance, lotion, magazine, champagne, bubble bath, candle, candy, snack—the possibilities are endless!

Women have a tendency to give their man Valentine’s Day gifts that they themselves would appreciate. Unfortunately, ladies, that book of poetry is probably going to sit on a shelf collecting dust. The same principle applies to you as did the men—know your audience. Know what he likes to eat, listen to, and do in his spare time. A membership at a gym or golf course might be a winner for the right guy. Concert tickets to see his favorite band or tickets to a game of his favorite sport will make you the coolest wife/girlfriend ever.

Valentine’s Day is the holiday for lovers. Nothing says, “I love you” quite like the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. The actual choosing of the gift does not have to be difficult if you truly know the one you love. At least one or more of these gift ideas is bound to be a hit if given your own personal touch.