Valentine’s day is rapidly approaching, so it’s not too early to plan something special this year. Read on for some unique gift ideas and some modern twists on the traditional for your sweetie this year.

Everything old is new again, even in 2012, so why not send that special someone a vintage valentine? There are actually two routes to take with this idea. If you aren’t the artsy creative type, a quick search of the internet reveals plenty of beautiful and interesting old-fashioned valentines. Another option sure to tell your love how you feel is to spend the time making them a handmade card, complete with lace hearts and ribbons – a little glitter never hurts, either! The recipient will love that you spent your time and energy making them something special.

Anyone can get a dozen roses, which these days can last up to two weeks - but what if your love feels a little more permanent than that? Most florists not only sell flowers of the long-stemmed variety but also potted flowers and plants. Try finding a beautiful potted calla lily or kalanchoe in red in a Valentine’s Day themed pot. Another modern offering is a plantable, or seeded card. Seeded Valentine’s Day cards are an ecofriendly gift that keeps on giving – instead of eventually throwing away or storing the paper card, a seeded card is made with seeds in the paper so the recipient can plant it and watch it grow and flourish, just like your love.

Whether your love is right next to you or long distance, you really can’t go wrong with a gift basket – it’s like a bunch of gifts in one! Gift baskets offer a big bang for your buck and the recipient is sure to find something they’ll love inside. You can order a premade gift basket online or create your own, which helps to personalize it and the gift giving experience. For instance, fill the gift basket with some champagne, glasses, chocolate covered strawberries, and a blanket and you’ve got a romantic Valentine’s date ready to go!

Giving your Valentine something personalized is also a sweet way to give a gift. Speaking of sweet, M&M’s offers personalized bags of their candies. You can add a message and a picture, and even choose whatever colors you’d like. These make a great gift alone or as an addition to a gift basket. If you’d like to personalize something that’s more of a keepsake, there are businesses online offering messages in a bottle. You don’t even have to throw them in the sea and hope your true love finds them – they’ll ship them to you to give or send them directly to your Valentine for you.

When it comes right down to it, you can never go wrong when your gift comes from the heart! So, whatever you choose to do for your Valentine this year, remember to keep your sweetheart in mind and choose something that speaks to your feelings about them. They will love you for it!