Valentine’s Day is just about upon us. For many, this is the most romantic day of the year. What to do, what to do? Do we do the usual for our loved one(s), or do we try something exotic? Here are some ideas to ponder:

Flowers and candy are the traditional thing to give and then a dinner out accompanies them. But there are ways to jazz up the day that really do not take much more effort but will mean so much more to your significant other for having put in the extra thought.

Many put a twist on the traditional-give potted roses or orchids, with the intention that the symbol will live on and grow, as does the love of the person who gave it. Instead of a box of chocolates, many now go “uptown” and buy less than the “pound”, but go gourmet with truffles made with lavender, chipotle peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.

Some, with strict budgets to adhere too, give personal coupon books (I’m going this route this year!). The themes are only as limited as your time and imagination! Most have ten to a dozen pages. They may have massages (to be given by the gifter), aromatherapy hot baths drawn for them (complete with warm fluffy towels and candles) and/or special favorites of food made for the giftee. I know my husband loves my kahlua brownies, so I’ll have one in there stating he gets a batch all his own to enjoy.

Some may decide, if it’s not their usual task, to have the little treasures be to let the recipient off the hook and do certain chores for them, ranging from laundry and dishes to grocery shopping and other errands. (Honey, if you read this-think having a coupon in my book that says you will make dinner and have it ready for me and that you will also clean it up)

For those with bigger budgets-maybe the coupons will still be good for personal favors but will have gift certificates for professional massages, manicures, pedicures, eyebrow waxing or private personal training sessions or even a professional housecleaning!

Does the one you love one have an interest you do not? Musical theatre, ballroom dancing, tickets to a basketball (or other sporting event), perhaps they love Las Vegas (or some other city) and you hate it? Setting up a special night for the two of you that means a great deal to the other person is a sure bet to heating up the romantic angle later on in the evening.

When going out for that romantic dinner-think ahead, way ahead. Last year, my husband and I had a gift certificate for a new fondue restaurant in town. We received the windfall the week before Valentine’s and wound up going on the 15th. But this was a very romantic evening and the restaurant had been booked solid for a month. So, call up the special haunt in your relationship and make plans early!

Try a new cuisine-If you’ve never had Persian or Lebanese food, try it out. Love Chinese and Japanese but have never tried Korean Barbecue or maybe Teppan? Go for it! Have you heard about a new vegan/vegetarian place but have never had the nerve to give it a try-this Valentine’s Day might just be the perfect time.

When it comes to romance, trying something different together is usually all it takes to heat up a hot evening.

Carine Nadel is a contributing writer for Fabulously40.com