Dannii's Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Not long until Valentine's Day now ladies and, if your partner's idea of romantic indulgence (or yours) is to stop off at the local petrol station for a bunch of wilted gerberas on the way back from the pub, you might want to leave this page open on your browser!

Whether you're Romeo or Juliet, there's really no mystery to good gift giving. Here are some of the dos and don'ts I live by...

Do keep your ears open and take note if the one you love says they like something they see in a magazine or on a shopping trip. You're not expected to memorise your lover's every whim – keep a list if you have to.

You might think Valentine's Day is a commercialised cheese-fest but, if hearts, flowers and chubby cupids ring your paramour's bell, do go along with it – just for one day.

Don't be afraid to ask – it might not make for a romantic surprise but it's better than spending the night banished to the couch.

Don't buy for yourself. I know friends of friends who received variously a ship jigsaw, an epilator and a tea strainer on the big day. Trust me, their hapless partners weren't so much on the receiving end of sweet nothings that night, as plain nothing!

And speaking of nothing, love doesn't have to cost you your life savings. You might not be able to afford a diamond but that doesn't mean you should ignore the occasion. A heartfelt gesture – a love note or home cooked meal – can be equally priceless.

Finally, and probably most importantly, don't leave it 'til the last minute. Never has the cliché 'it's the thought that counts' been truer than on Valentine's Day.

Here are a few things I wouldn't mind finding in my hold-up stocking this V-Day (I hope you're reading this Kris?)