10 last-minute Valentine’s Day gift ideas

Life is good—and then suddenly you remember that tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. But now it must be too late to find an appropriate gift or arrange a romantic celebration. Au contraire. With a little imagination, you can still have a Valentine’s Day to remember. Here are 10 last-minute gift ideas to help make your holiday special.

Hearts and flowers

Flowers are a perfect last-minute gift for Valentine's Day. They're not only traditional, they're also widely available. Even grocery stores carry beautiful bouquets and arrangements for Valentine's Day. Make your gift of flowers a little extra special this year by slipping a love note or some handcrafted chocolates in among the blossoms. 

Let me count the ways

Buy your beloved a book of love poems at the nearest bookstore. It doesn't really matter whether you choose Shakespearean sonnets, love poems by Rumi, the 13th century Persian poet, or a volume of modern verse. A book of love poems can transform your last-minute purchase into a gift of timeless beauty.

No reservations? No problem

What could be better than a romantic dinner on Valentine's Day? But getting last-minute reservations may be nearly impossible. Rather than settle for something less than perfect, make your own romance with a picnic featuring food from your favorite deli or gourmet shop. If the February weather is too wet or cold where you live, find an indoor alternative: a car parked at a favorite overlook; your high-rise office with a glittering view of the city lights; the cabin of a borrowed boat or RV; or a blanket at home in front of the fire. 

Try a little bling

As a Valentine's Day gift, jewelry is a time-tested classic, and you can often find last-minute deals on a wide range of great pieces. A beautiful pendant or earrings for her; a handsome bracelet or watch for him. Whatever you choose, jewelry is a Valentine's Day gift that is sure to please.

Smile for the camera

Use your video camera to record an intimate message that will leave no doubt about the depth and intensity of your love. It's a last-minute gift that your beloved can keep and treasure -- and replay again and again. 

Frame it

If a picture is worth a thousand words, why not send your beloved an eloquent Valentine's Day message with a framed photo that declares your love? Whether you choose an image of the two of you or one that evokes a memory you share, the right photo will make your Valentine's Day picture perfect.

Start a love journal

Buy a nicely bound journal and write on the first page, sharing just one of the many things you appreciate about the man or woman of your dreams. Make this year's Valentine's Day gift the journal and that first romantic page. Then pledge to write a new entry each day of the coming year, and give your beloved the 

completed journal on Valentine's Day next year. 

Get a room

You don't have to fly to Paris to have a romantic evening. Call around to local hotels and book a last-minute room for two. February is the off-season for travel in most places, so you should have no problem finding a boudoir for the night that will fit both your budget and your mood.

Say it with ink

Be spontaneous! Make a permanent declaration of love with matching tattoos. Actually, they don't have to match. You can each get a tattoo that has meaning not only for you but also for the person you love, and together make a statement that time can't erase.