If you are reading this, you are probably among the many men that wait until the last minute to shop for your loved one for Valentine's day. I used to work in a card and gift shop, and I think we saw more men in the store on Valentine's day than collectively the rest of the year. So know, you are not alone!

But now you're probably feeling a little panicked…what do I do? Can I still get a reservation for dinner? Should I go with flowers, or candy, or both? How can I make this look like I didn't wait until today at 2pm??

Here is a big newsflash…not all women want expensive jewelry. Most women just want to know you are thinking about them. A little thought goes a long way. The good news is, it doesn't have to cost you a lot of money. The bad news: you ARE going to actually have to think about it! Here are some ideas to help get you started:

1. What does your gal like to do? What is she interested in? Gift items relating to interest show you care AND you know her well. You can relate it to her job, her hobbies, her interests, her pet. A good example of this is books. You can get a serious book, about cats or gardening or wine, whatever interests her. Funny books are also good, of course still in her area of interest. BE CAREFUL! There are some things that are NOT meant to be joked about, and if you buy a funny book about it, it will be worse than if you got her nothing! Sisters, female friends, and female co-workers are good consultants in this area. (Try to avoid involving Mom in this at any cost. Don't go looking for trouble where there isn't any!)

2. It might be a little late for this, but planning a fun night out is a great idea. Dinner and then ice skating, for instance. Or going to listen to live music. (you can find a lot of fun and interesting things to do on this very website!) Doing something enjoyable, but that you don't normally do, makes it special.

3. It may be too late for a restaurant…but you can score BIG points by bringing her a picnic! Wine, cheese, bread, fruit, and chocolate eaten off a tablecloth in her living room are very romantic. You could even buy a lapthrow for her sofa and use it as the tablecloth…and cuddle under it later!

4. Bring a video over, a movie you know SHE will like, even if it will kill you to watch "Sweet November" or "America's Sweethearts". (there are bonus points to be earned by combining this with the picnic…and you can snuggle under the new lapthrow while watching the movie.)

5. I've yet to meet a woman who wouldn't swoon over a gift certificate to a salon or day spa. You can get them for a particular service, like a pedicure or massage, or packages, or just an amount of money and they can choose a la carte services. It is a wonderfully pampering gift. In this same category are candles, scented essential oil, relaxing CD's, and bath salts and oils. Life is stressful, and having your guy give you a gift that helps you relax shows that he cares.

6.Last, but not necessarily least, flowers and candy are in fact thoughtful gifts to show you care. If you are really in a pinch, or don't care to stand out in the crowd, then go for it! Good luck guys!!!