Let’s face it, getting a gift for your loved one always has at least a little bit of pressure to it, but getting a Valentine’s day for that someone special doesn’t have to be stressful. Lavish gifts are nice but not always genuinely appreciated.  However, you are going to hit a home run 100% of the time with gifts that come from the heart, peppered with thought, imagination, and a little personalization sprinkled on top.

Here’s 5 ideas for either a man or a woman that you can use to create the perfect Valentine’s day gift for your loved one this season. You are sure to hit the mark with or without purchased items in this list:

1. Kill procrastination. No, I’m not talking about running out and getting a card from Hallmark a week early this year. What I mean is get something done that your loved one has been nagging you to do for-ev-er! Trust me, everyone has an unresolved task that their loved one would LOVE them to finish or get started on.

Make that happen, and then declare it in a note inside your Valentine’s Day card. Your time, but most importantly, your acknowledgment of something that’s important to them, is your gift and that will be greatly appreciated!

2. Reunite. Spread the love beyond yourselves as a couple. Why not contact an old friend or family member that has been out of touch for a while. You would not believe the emotional charge one can get from a reunion with someone who meant a lot on the past.  Even if it is impossible to have them meet in person, a phone call or a Skype video session would still be spectacular!

3. Chef Valentine. Think cooking a meal for your loved one as a valentine’s day gift is kinda boring? It doesn’t have to be.  What about whipping up the exact meal that you had on your first dinner together. The taste and smells of past memories are extremely powerful, even if that special memory is tequila and chicken wings. It’s not about the stereotypical dinner for two, it’s about reconnecting by reliving a fond memory. If you also went to a movie on that special night, rent it. What music was playing? play it. You get the idea.

4. Archive Memories. This one works well for those couples who have already been together for a while. Photos and video often end up in albums and on film backups that never actually get pulled out again. Why not pic a special memory and display them in a special way like a calendar, or even something you you make yourself. If it’s video, maybe have a DVD made with a special Valentine’s day cover. This one works really well in combination with number 3.

5. The Write Gift! If you’re looking for a gift that costs you absolutely nothing, then writing a love letter or poem to express your love and affection is one of the best gifts you can give. If you have writing skills, it’s a no-brainer, but if you don’t that’s ok! You could simply research some poetry ideas online (or at the library) or an even better idea would be to not worry about prose and just speak from the heart. That’s often the best way to your loved one’s heart!