For the fashionista:

It’s hard to please a fashion addict whose always on the lookout for the hot new thing, but it is possible. Try picking out something special in this season’s sophisticated neutral, grey, in an always-classic material like leather. If you’re on a budget, you can score this wrap bracelet in gunmetal leather by Gorjana for just $50. The totally on-point studs will sweetly toughen up any outfit.

If you’ve got the Benjamins to splurge on someone special, go for a cropped motorcycle jacket like this one by For Joseph:

For a frequent traveler

We’ve all wished at some point that we’d opted against the standard black suitcase for something a little easier to spot on the baggage claim. The next best thing? A luggage tag in a bright color (even better if it’s personalized:

For something a little more luxe, try a cashmere travel set that will keep your loved one cozy no matter how far from home they wander:

For a gadget geek

I’m married to a gadget geek, so I know how hard it is to buy for someone who always seems to buy the next big thing the day it comes out. Why not get him or her something that will help keep those gadgets charged, even when there’s no outlet in sight? Like this solar gadget charger:

Or a mobile power pack:

For a Creative Type
You know who they are…they’ll be giving you a gorgeous handmade gift, like a necklace they beaded or a sweater knit with their talented hands. Even if you don’t have a crafty bone in your body, you can inspire their creative streak.

How about a shadowbox that they can fill and design themselves? Try throwing in some souvenirs of memories you’ve made together, like tickets to a concert you attended.

Encourage them to keep track of their creative pursuits and jot down those random doodles in a diary…these daily writing journals in bright hues are just $15:

For the host or hostess

Heading to a holiday party? Everyone will be bringing a bottle of wine. Instead, bring your cultured host something they might not have…gorgeous hefeweizen glasses. Don’t forget to bring a couple bottles of German wheat beer so your host can test them out.

Or help out a harried hostess by bringing an gourmet appetizer. If she’s strapped for time, she can pop it in the oven…or save it for later when all the guests are gone.

No matter what you decide, better get going! It’s the last week to order online and ensure that you get your packages in time for Christmas. Good luck!

That’s THF and I. We both look kinda tired…I remember some Ikea trips and errand-running that weekend. In fact, most weekends we are too exhausted to do anything more exotic than sit around and watch movies with a bowl of popcorn. Wild, spontaneous dates and exuberant gift-giving aren’t an option when you have limited time and resources.

But, naturally, Valentine’s Day presents an opportunity to make all the romantic gestures you missed out on the rest of the year become a reality, if only for one day/night. And, although the holiday may be cliched and commercialized, you still can’t help but get caught up in it.

For THF and I, it’s the perfect excuse to relax, do something we don’t usually do and give each other meaningful gifts.

Like these for her (or buy them for yourself!):

Can’t find the right words to write to your sweetheart? Need some inspiration to jump-start your romantic mood? This book is filled with actual love letters, so there’s bound to be something useful. It’s only $22.50.

Wear something for yourself on Valentine’s, whether you have a date or not.

The problem with Valentine’s Day is that it’s usually freezing in DC (last year there was an ice storm), and yet you still have to make it to restaurant reservations, etc. A cute little jacket like this makes all the difference in the cold and doesn’t hide your hot outfit, either.

Elle Macpherson makes gorgeous lingerie. This set is soft, but still sexy. The pieces are also quite affordable.

These earrings are just incredible. The Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection has dozens of pieces that look similar to this on sale 24/7 on the website. Vintage jewelry is a great alternative jewelry gift to the overdone chain store specials that appear near Valentine’s.

For a jewelry gift that’s hand-made, try these pretty red rose earrings. For extra points, attach them creatively to a bouquet of real roses.

Homemade soaps are the ultimate in luxury because–at least for me–I’d never prioritize buying them for myself, but I’d love to receive them as a gift.

Etsy has a fantastic gift-giving guide section, which is where I found this homemade card that’s perfectly suitable for Valentine’s. I don’t have time to make a card myself, so the next best thing is buy one that looks like I created it.

For him:

So creative. Your guy won’t mind doing the dry-cleaning after you slip a couple of these hidden message collar stays in his shirt!

These cufflinks are really tongue-in-cheek and unexpected. Plus, there’s a large percentage of guys out there who are Superman fans, so your odds of the present being well-received are fairly good.

Not all presents must be romantic or expected. A t-shirt featuring the history of rock-and-roll hair would be a great gift for a certain type of guy.

A creative–and not too fluffy–card for the significant other in your life.

The ideal gift—no man can say “no” to Bestbuy. And, so you don’t accidentally get him something he already has…buy him a gift card instead.

Well…boyfriend training cards may not be the most appreciated present, but for a guy with a sense of humor…why not?

A man wouldn’t shy away from this game–it’s couples Truth or Dare. Have fun!

Can’t get your man to take Valentine’s Day seriously? Stop trying and just get him this shirt. And make him wear it. Out to dinner. Take lots of photos, too.

Men always need storage for video games and DVDs. THF has so many, he’s using his chest of drawers for space and stuffing his clothing elsewhere. This media storage unit would solve so many of his problems.

And for that guy,you know, the one that still shops at Spencer’s, I present the SplitShooter.

And a gift everyone can approve of:

If you don’t have an iPhone, you want it. If you don’t want to switch your cell service, get an iPod Touch instead. But, really, the technology is amazing and the features are addictive. Now that I’m the lucky owner of an iPhone, I’m hoping to get THF one as well so we can e-mail photos and snippets at will throughout the day.

This, of course, is not an exhaustive list. There are hundredsof gifts out there that would be perfect for Valentine’s. I suppose I’ve simply gathered things that I know that I or THF would approve of.

So, then, what are you getting yourself or your honey this Valentine’s?

I have a friend who, with the purchase of her new house, has just become interested in interior design. So this Christmas, I have put together a small bag for her. Want to take a peek?

I started with this great reusable bag from Envirosax that I found on Delight.com. All of her gifts will fit perfectly in here. I love the orange and green retro look and seeing as she lives in the city, it is perfect for toting groceries home or carrying magazines for a trip to the coffee shop. Why not wrap with something reusable, such as baskets, kitchen towels and totes?

“Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style” by Kelly Wearstler is an amazing book. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “Inside a room I want to be moved- I want to feel the drama” and literally, this book is all about drama! From the gorgeous white Casper Wingback Chair by Viceroy to the Trina Turk boutique in Palm Springs, the photos and advice will be sure to get the creative juices flowing!

Next, I added this candle from Target. She loves Vanilla and Lavender, a nice way to relax the senses after a long day!

For a personal touch, I ordered a Chocolate Velvet Pillow from Ballard Designs with her newly married initials on it. At just $15.50 for a custom 18” square pillow cover, it is a great deal. I will have to get an insert, but I can easily do that at one of the discount stores locally. The chocolate is a perfect option as it will blend with any room in her house.

Lastly, I added these great label tags from Etsy. The mid-century furniture motif continues the theme and make a nice extra. They also introduce her to the world of indie designers on Etsy!

It does take a bit of time, but with some scouting you don’t have to spend a lot of money to create a thoughtful gift. It doesn’t always have to be big… sometimes the best gift is just a hand written note in the mailbox (and maybe some favorite homemade cookies to go with it!)

I’m always on the look out for creative gift ideas, so please share yours!