But the first time I truly understood the meaning of valentine was after my engagement to my boyfriend.  This was going to be my first true valentine where I could express my inmost feelings and share my thoughts with someone.

I’d heard Martina Mcbride sing ‘My Valentine’ a million times but did not understand its true essence till now.

This time I wanted my valentine gift to be unique and very personalized.

I searched through the web for fresh gift ideas but every site landed me on flowers, sweets, balloons, chocolate, perfumes, toiletries e-cards etc…. I wanted something very personal which I would not locate even after hours of net surfing.

I finally gave up and went to make myself a mug of hot chocolate.  The kitchen was quite cold as I’d left the window open to vent the fumes from the cooking.  Brushing my face, the icy breeze blew away my hair and sent a chill wave down my spine.  I felt like a frozen snowman with only a scarf wrapped around its neck to keep it warm.  Yes, only a ‘scarf’!

Wow, I know what my valentine gift is going to be.  Its gonna be a scarf.  A hand painted red silk scarf.

Some might think of it as a silly idea but I believe this is the most romantic valentine gift as it would be hand crafted by me for my love.   I’ll paint a cupid and hearts on my scarf and make it my personal valentine’s gift.   I’ll add a white chocolate bar and wrap both the chocolate and scarf in a plain white wrapping paper with a red ribbon on it.

Yes, this would be the best valentine gift ever!

Millions around the world celebrate Feb 14 through exchanging personalized gifts.

Some chose traditional presents such as fresh flowers, chocolate, cakes,candy and balloons.  Others go for unusual presents such as personalized gift baskets which may include anything ranging from  a simple silk scarf to roses or laptops and mobiles.

There are no hard and fast rules of what a valentine’s gift should be.  It is your own special way of expression your own feelings and no one dictates your heart.

A variety of gift ideas are available around the web and many of the mentioned items are even available online.  They can be delivered to your sweetheart in cheesy wrapping paper with personalized ‘I love you’ notes.

Many e-cards sites give you the option of sending free messages and love poems.

So imagination is the key and the expression is yours!