Listen up, fellas. The big V-Day is now less than a week away and if you haven't got her anything, you Better. Start. Panicking.
Speaking from personal experience, a perfume is a much better gift to receive than a bunch of flowers. Firstly, it lasts longer than a few days before tiny flies start circling around it and then refuse to leave your home forever.
Also, it's pretty damn thoughtful, and isn't that what Valentine's Day is really about (not just another example of the endless commercialisation of everything).
If she's asked for a perfume in particular, so help you, please just buy it.
But if she's given you no clue, and the thought of traipsing round endless department store fragrance halls until your nose is numb trying to suss out which one's really her seems a fate worse than death, check out our helpful guide to this season's new smells:
Valentine's Day Perfumes 2016 (list)
If she's all about classic style...(01 of05)
Elie Saab Le Parfum Rose Couture, from £29.99 at FragranceDirect.co.uk
The latest in the fragrance line of designer Elie Saab, Rose Couture is a pretty chypre floral. Notes of orange blossom, jasmine and rose nectar sparkle on top of a sensuous base of sandal and patchouli.
Put simply, it's a failsafe scent. Inoffensive, classic (but not in a smells-like-your-grandma way) and the one to get her if you have absolutely no idea what she likes.
The latest in the fragrance line of designer Elie Saab, Rose Couture is a pretty chypre floral. Notes of orange blossom, jasmine and rose nectar sparkle on top of a sensuous base of sandal and patchouli.
Put simply, it's a failsafe scent. Inoffensive, classic (but not in a smells-like-your-grandma way) and the one to get her if you have absolutely no idea what she likes.
If she has a dark side...(02 of05)
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Nuit Blanche, from £46 at ThePerfumeShop.com
One for the more adventurous lady, the new re-imagining of YSL's self-indulgent Opium is pure rock chick in a bottle.
A burst of white coffee, aphrodisiac white musk and sweet vanilla will have you craving all-night adventures.
One for the more adventurous lady, the new re-imagining of YSL's self-indulgent Opium is pure rock chick in a bottle.
A burst of white coffee, aphrodisiac white musk and sweet vanilla will have you craving all-night adventures.
If she's up-to-date on designers...(03 of05)
Diptyque Eau Rose, £65 for 100ml from DiptiqueParis.co.uk
Not only will you score major brownie points for being remotely aware of Diptyque (the cult French candle brand), their newest line is a collaboration with super-hot fashion designer Olympia Le-Tan. She'll be wildly impressed.
This limited edition Eau Rose perfume comes in the prettiest packaging and features a full-bodied blend of bergamot, lychee, rose and honey.
Not only will you score major brownie points for being remotely aware of Diptyque (the cult French candle brand), their newest line is a collaboration with super-hot fashion designer Olympia Le-Tan. She'll be wildly impressed.
This limited edition Eau Rose perfume comes in the prettiest packaging and features a full-bodied blend of bergamot, lychee, rose and honey.
If she likes things light...(04 of05)
Estée Lauder Modern Muse Eau De Rouge, from £36 at ThePerfumeShop.com
If she's not one for heavy scents, this just may be her bag.
A fresh twist on Estée Lauder's original Modern Muse Le Rogue, this sheer-effect perfume is a flirty contrast of vibrant fruit, dewy rose and dreamy woods.
If she's not one for heavy scents, this just may be her bag.
A fresh twist on Estée Lauder's original Modern Muse Le Rogue, this sheer-effect perfume is a flirty contrast of vibrant fruit, dewy rose and dreamy woods.
If she's young at heart...(05 of05)
Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Rose, from £37 at ThePerfumeShop.com
Pink? Check. Glittery? Check. A sugary sweet campaign fronted by a Victoria's Secret model? Check, check.
Indulge her girly girl fantasies (or inner five-year-old) with this light hearted new release from Juicy Couture featuring fizzy citrus and honey-like floral notes.
Pink? Check. Glittery? Check. A sugary sweet campaign fronted by a Victoria's Secret model? Check, check.
Indulge her girly girl fantasies (or inner five-year-old) with this light hearted new release from Juicy Couture featuring fizzy citrus and honey-like floral notes.
SEE ALSO:
The Sexiest Valentine's Day Lingerie Sets Under £50
Romantic Valentine's Day Ideas
Something That Reminds You Of Your First Date(01 of14)
If you’re able to actually visit the place you went for your first date — and wouldn’t find it completely horrifying to spend time in now — that’s a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day together. But even if you can’t, you can still find a way to show her you remember even the earliest times in your relationship. Find a restaurant that serves similar food, for example, or bring her the same flowers you did then. (credit:David Malan via Getty Images)
Something That Reminds You Of Your Song(02 of14)
Do you have a song that’s always meant a lot to you as a couple — maybe one that played the first time you met, or that you danced to at your wedding? Find a special way to commemorate that. If it’s available on vinyl, you may be able to get a special edition record. If it’s an artist you both love, look for a stylish vintage show poster and frame it to hang in your home. (credit:Brand New Images via Getty Images)
Something That Smells Like Her(03 of14)
This is easy if you know your partner has a favourite perfume. Treat her to a portable roll-on so she always has it handy, or the lotion or body wash in the same scent. Other options are a luxurious candle that smells like her favourite flowers, or incense that reminds you of a vacation spot you’ve visited together. (credit:OJO_Images via Getty Images)
Something That Will Make Her Laugh(04 of14)
Every couple has at least one in joke — find a gift that will instantly make her think of yours. (In a nice way!) Or is there a funny sitcom you’ve meant to watch (or re-watch) together? Pick up a box set of the DVDs, along with fancy popcorn and a bottle of wine, and plan an evening to binge watch and indulge. Time spent laughing together can cure a lot of ails. (credit:Michael Rowe via Getty Images)
Something That She Loves To Eat(05 of14)
Chocolate is only cliche if you don’t put any effort into it, or if your partner hates sweets. The holiday is a great excuse to really indulge her with a gift of her favourite edible treat. If it’s chocolates go gourmet — maybe something from Toronto’s world-renowned Soma. If she’s an oenophile, give her a bottle of wine from her favourite vineyard, maybe one you’ve visited together. Just make sure it’s indulgent. (credit:Tetra Images via Getty Images)
Something That Reminds You Of Your Wedding Day(06 of14)
Did you never get around to putting up a wedding portrait? Surprise her by framing the shot that you know is her favourite. If she loved her bouquet, have an arrangement made up with the same flowers. Or get a tiny version of your wedding cake made to share after a romantic dinner. (credit:Kathy Quirk-Syvertsen via Getty Images)
Something That Reminds You Of Your Honeymoon(07 of14)
If you're married, finding a way to evoke your honeymoon is a perfect way to bring back some memories of what was probably a great trip. Have a meal at a restaurant that serves the cuisine of the area you visited. Get the flowers that were growing on your hotel balcony. Or even plan a return visit, if it’s in the budget. (credit:Krysia Campos via Getty Images)
Something That Doesn’t Require Any Work From Her(08 of14)
Is your partner the planner in the relationship? It can be a real treat to give a gift that won’t require any work on her part. Don’t just give her a spa gift certificate: plan for an activity for you and the kids on the same day, so she can go without having to wrangle a sitter. (credit:Fuse via Getty Images)
Something She Wants But Would Never Buy For Herself(09 of14)
Is there a piece of jewelry she’s always eyeing? A dress you know she loves but insists she can’t buy because she has nowhere to wear it? Surprise her with something you know she’d never buy for herself, but would be thrilled to receive. (credit:Letizia Le Fur via Getty Images)
Something That Expresses An Interest You Share(10 of14)
The gift of time spent together is sometimes the best one you can give. If you’ve already got a shared interest, find a way to really celebrate it — for example, a trip to a bucket-list ocean destination if you both love snorkelling, or dinner at a hot new restaurant if you’re both foodies. Or use the holiday to rediscover a shared passion that you’ve put aside because of changing life circumstances. (credit:Toshi Kawano via Getty Images)
Something That’s Just About Her Own Interests(11 of14)
On the other hand, maybe your partner has a passion that you absolutely do not share. That’s great! Show her you support it by giving a gift that ties into it, like tickets to an event you know she’d love to attend with a friend, for example. (credit:Louis Debenham via Getty Images)
Something That Will Make Her Feel Sexy(12 of14)
We’re not talking about cheap lingerie you’d get at the local sex shop. That has its place, but this isn’t it. Hit up an smaller lingerie line like Blush or Agent Provocateur for something that feels as good as she'll look in it. (credit:Darrin Henry via Getty Images)
Something Fun To Do Together(13 of14)
You know what we mean. Head to your local woman-friendly adult store (or visit one like Good For Her or Come As You Are online), ask the staff for some advice (that’s what they’re there for!), and come home with a new toy to try out. (credit:johannes86 via Getty Images)
Something That Celebrates Your Life Right Now(14 of14)
Life isn’t always perfect, even when you’re in a happy relationship. Maybe work keeps you from spending as much time together as you’d like. Maybe the kids make your days so hectic that you forget to take time to connect. Even with this list of all-out ideas before you, maybe what you truly need on February 14 is an evening together to Netflix and chill — and there’s nothing wrong with doing just that. (credit:ranplett via Getty Images)