It’s that time of year again, the time when heart shaped candy, cheap jewelry, and mass-produced professions of love (accompanied by their very own envelopes) are stacked at checkout counters everywhere.  Oh, Valentine’s Day – no holiday produces so much gift-related anxiety. How romantic. In order to cut down on stress while shopping for your Valentine, we’ve devised a handy three-tiered system. As you make your selections, keep in mind whether you have (1) recently met, (2) have been together for a while, or (3) if you’re ready to give it all you’ve got. When buying for the just met category, the gift needs to reflect effort and care, without coming on too strong. After all, you don’t want to seem like a stalker. If you have been together forever (or years, at least), you’ve likely gifted and received countless bottles of perfume, neckties, and pairs of earrings, so we have suggestions to shake things up. And finally, what about the recipient who has it all, or when it’s time for a gift completely over-the-top?  We’ve got you covered there as well. So, let’s ditch the teddy bears and balloons, and get on with some really great gift-giving.    

Gifts For Her

    More Than A Movie Perfect if you’ve just met, show her your sensitive side by purchasing tickets to a romantic flick at Studio Movie Grill. Fill those awkward silences with surround sound, while enjoying the Valentine’s Day Menu for two, priced at $49.95. If you’re Valentine has seen it all, crank it up a notch. Treat her and 15 of her girlfriends to a private screening room at the Highland Park Village Theatre.  Concession packages are also available, and rates start as low as $350 after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays.     Susie Straubmueller Accessories Also ideal for the just met category are tastefully chic coin purses or credit card holders by Dallas designer Susie Straubmueller, starting at $350. For a gift with even bigger impact, splurge on a limited-edition bag from her exquisite collection. And for the grand gesture category, Straubmueller will etch your loving message onto a custom Lucite case.    

Gifts For Him

    Just The Ticket One thing’s for sure, we’re not at a loss for sports entertainment in the Metroplex. What’s more, season tickets can be affordable. So ladies, if your new crush is a soccer lover, then you’re in luck. The FC Dallas season kicks off March 2nd, and season tickets start as low as $236 for 18 home games. And if you’re ready to wow the man who has it all, football season will be here before you know it. Founders All Access Seating at Cowboys Stadium is the crème de la crème of season tickets, but many options are available for Dallas Cowboys fans.     Cook Up Some Romance If you and your man just met, we recommend taking a baby step toward domestic bliss at Sur La Table’s Valentine’s Dinner. This seasonal class is designed to teach the art of preparing a meal together. Classes are $79 per person, available by calling the nearest store. For a more long-term commitment, fan his flames with a new grill. After all, spring is right around the corner, and so is grilling season. At Barbeques Galore, prices range from $299 to $5K.    

Gifts For You Both

    Couples’ Getaway The best of both worlds is only 90 minutes southwest of Dallas.  At Rough Creek Lodge, activities for couples include horseback riding, fishing, hunting, or just relaxing at the spa or by a roaring fire. All-inclusive packages start at $270 per person, or simply rent a room, cabin, or guesthouse, and enjoy all of the amenities the resort has to offer.     Get Cooper-ized Finally, what better way to show each other that you want to spend the rest of your lives together, than to partake in a 2-Day Wellness Weekend? At Dallas’ Cooper Clinic, learn motivation and relaxation techniques, stress management, healthy meal preparation, and more. Cost per couple is $1,095, including accommodations.   (Photo credits, from top: 1. Your-Prince-Charming-At.Blogspot.com, 2. SusieStraubmueller.com, 3. BigDSoccer.com, 4. TheDailyGreen.com, 5. RoughCreek.com, 6. CooperAerobics.com)