If you want to impress your loved one this Valentine's Day, stay away from the high street and go for something more original: unusual jewellery, a limited edition print or some delicious sweets to eat while you sit on the sofa, pointedly ignoring the rampant commercialism going on outside your door. Partner not required
Weigh it up
Jewellery can be a bit of a Valentine's Day minefield. Hearts are too twee, and when they come in two parts, for "His and Her" wearing, we lose the will to live. So opt for something which could be a statement (you anchor my life!) or could just be an insult (you weigh me down ...) Ambiguity is good. All the pieces on boticca.com are limited edition, so if this runs out, then do browse the rest of the site for quirky, unusual ideas. Limited edition anchor necklace, £103
By Circe
Oh you are a card
Even if the biggest effort you make on Valentine's Day is to put a card in an envelope, you could at least make it a really special card - a small piece of art to be framed and kept long beyond the 14 February. These delightful prints from Ashley Alexander can be found at the Shop Floor Project website - which is also a treasure trove of arty, unusual gifts.
Handmade cards, £2.95 each
By Ashley Alexander
Thank you tweetie pie
This love birds print, a detail from a 17th century Gujarati wall hanging, is very sweet. But if your tastes run to the less romantic - though still, of course - terribly artistic, it's well worth browsing the huge library of prints at the V&A's online shop. You can order any in a variety of formats, from unframed print to framed canvas.
Stretched canvas print, £75
Oh sweetie!
If you must buy chocolates (it's not that we object to them, we just think they are for the other 364 days of the year too) then at least make them limited edition, Michelin-starred-chef chocolates. These are created by Jason Atherton for Harvey Nichols - and three of the boxes even contain a "golden ticket" to win a meal at his new restaurant (opening late March).
Limited edition praline box, £39.95
By Jason Atherton
L.O.V.E.
A heart pendant engraved with "Lima Oscar Victor Echo" - a gorgeous gift that does romance without stooping to hearts-and-flowers levels of twee.
Heart pendant, £99
By Comfort Station
Toujour yours
Want to make a more-than-a-card gesture but still fit it in an envelope - albeit a rather large envelope? How about this romantically themed screenprint for Anja Jane, who also designs lovely limited edition cards.
Unframed screenprint, £35
By Anja Jane
Love the lingerie
Top tip for those traditionalists who think Valentines Day must equate to lingerie (more in hope than expectation?) - Mimi Holliday. You will not find any red satin, but lots of lovely, feminine styles bound to please your recipient far more than a naughty nurse outfit.
Left: Bra £54, and French knickers, £45
Right: Bra £47 and boyshorts, £39
By Mimi Holliday
Lovers leap
Made from ethically-mined silver (no damaging chemicals or child labour here) these leaping hare earrings have a touch of spring about them.
Earrings, £159
By Oria
Cut it out!
Rob Ryan's charming paper cut designs have become ubiqituous of late, but they are still a lovely way to say "let's share a cup of tea together". Nothing could be more romantic than a strong brew, surely - so we'll even let the "his and her" idea pass, just this once.
His and her mugs, £16.95
By Rob Ryan
