Not everyone is bananas about the idea of receiving a basket of fruit, carved to resemble a flower bouquet for Valentine’s Day. And floral arrangements are not the end all be all for every gal. So how’s a guy supposed to please the gal with an assortment of rules and maintenance requirements?

For those in a new relationship, set the bar low. Don’t go over board on Valentine’s Day as she will have high expectations for the rest of relationship.

>> Perhaps, the situation begins with a plant and dinner. The plant symbolizes your love. Hopefully, it’s a rapid growing plant, such as the Purple Queen. Then, in the Valentine’s Day card, you can write a note comparing your love to the growing plant.

For Valentine’s Day, take the gift idea a basket of fruit and flowers to new heights.

>> Opt for a full octane Valentine’s Day. Create an audio file with her favorite music. Then toss in a box of chocolates, a single rose and other sweet nothings (such as love letters, lingerie, a photo montage of your relationship timeline etc.)

>> While the necklace with a heart is cliche, this is a Valentine’s Day staple for the relationship that’s over two years old. But, unlike a basket of fruit, which can be given year after year, the heart shaped necklace is generally a non-repetitive gift idea.

>> Lately, you’ve fallen down on your role in the partnership. Even though an edible fruit basket would put a bandage on Valentine’s Day, it does not compare to how a Hermes bag and weekend getaway to the Fiji Island nation would absolve all prior infractions.

But, for the chap without the means to buy a Hermes bag, opt for a Nine West bag and a weekend vacation to St. Louis.

>> Like the idea of giving fruit, then use a container that she can fill with an ornament, candle, or other home decorating accessory later. Using the photo as an example, fill a vase, hurricane glass container or other large
translucent container, with apples, oranges and her other favorite treats. Add a few chocolates for some variety.

Whether your Valentine’s Day gift includes a basket of fruit or not, be sure to employ a little imagination and love behind the present.