Valentine's Day can be a time to recapture the romance of a relationship ' finding the right gift can be stressful, though, especially if you are short of time or money. The following guidelines may help you find the perfect valentine for the one you love.

Instructions:

STEP 1: Think romance! This usually means avoiding the practical, and selecting something frivolous, romantic, and lots of fun ' unless, of course, you absolutely know that a new blender or table saw is your spouse's heart's desire.

STEP 2: Keep it personal. Instead of just buying a generic Valentine's Day gift, think about what your spouse really enjoys, and shop accordingly.

STEP 3: Be creative, especially if you are trying to stay within a budget. The most interesting and romantic gifts are often the ones that involve the most thought and planning!

STEP 4: Remember that gifts don't have to be huge or expensive to be romantic. Sometimes one tiny, perfect bunch of someone's favorite freesias or tulips can be more romantic than two dozen red roses.

STEP 5: Include a small surprise if you can manage it. This doesn't have to be anything huge ' it could be as simple as leaving a rose on the table for your spouse to find first thing in the morning, or serving breakfast in bed!

STEP 6: Give the best present of all ' your time and attention, as well as a gift. Try to spend a few hours just being together, relaxing, and revisiting the romance of your relationship.

Tips & Warnings

• For the spouse who has everything, consider a gift certificate for a future treat ' an hour of professional massage, a night at a country inn, or a weekend at the beach.

• Tuck a couple of homemade "Love Coupons" into a Valentine card ' "good for spending one Saturday in bed all day," or "can be redeemed for one full body massage," or whatever else strikes your fancy!

• If you run out of original ideas, or if you run out of time, a gift of candles and scented bubble bath can hold the promise of a romantic interlude!

• If you want a special evening, but don't want to spend lots of money, buy your spouse a copy of his or her favorite romantic movie. Package it up with some gourmet popcorn, add a bottle of wine if you like, and have a "movie date" at home.

• Don't try to buy flowers at the last minute ' florists usually take orders well in advance for Valentine's Day, and you may find that all the flowers have sold out by the time you stop by on your way home from work.

• Chocolates and candy make a great gift, unless your spouse is trying to lose weight! Rather than sabotaging the diet, consider providing a nonedible treat instead.

• If you plan to buy lingerie for your spouse, be sure that you know the right size and the right style before you shop.