Valentine’s Day is here again and with it, cynics and fanatics come out of the woodwork. An interesting breed of characters comes out because the universal call to celebrate love breeds different dispositions to be defended on different intensity levels. Some choose to celebrate Single Awareness Day, or SAD, instead. In response to all those couples canoodling on practically every corner, they choose to lament their singlehood in a world that seems to be reverting to a state similar to Noah’s Ark. Others shake their fists in anger at the commercialization of the holiday. They think it’s just a corporate ploy to get people to spend their cash. Some even contend that it isn’t a holiday at all!

In the midst of all this, you have to find a way to celebrate anyways. Forget the negativity. Ignore the haters. Show your boyfriend you love him and be proud about it. Why wouldn’t you want an excuse to show you love him? If everyday is already Valentine’s Day, then this should be easy for you. Here are some ideas:

10. Breakfast in Bed

It may sound trite, but it’s common for a reason. Who wouldn’t want to be woken up with breakfast served to them in such a pretty arrangement? Most of the time, it’s you girls who want to have breakfast served to you on platter, but how about you change it up? Maybe the guys want to feel that, too. You don’t have to cook up something elaborate to make this gift work. A simple bacon and eggs dish will do, maybe add a side of toast. It all depends on your cooking ability. You don’t need a filet mignon; you just need to be willing to wake up a little earlier than usual, brew a pot of coffee, and cook.

9. Love Notes

You know how you like being told you’re loved and how amazing and wonderful you are? Compliments aren’t supposed to be a one-way street. It’s Valentine’s Day, though, so simply saying things directly may not cut it. How about you write a series of notes of thoughtful sentiments? That’s sure to get your man’s attention; especially if you hide them out in areas he’s sure to see them without expecting them. Put them in his pants’ pocket, on his desk at work; pin them up on the dashboard of his car, or on his shaving cream. Little reminders like these remind him that he is in a loving, committed relationship. Pleasant surprises might just be the ticket to taking romance to another level by being with him in spirit throughout the day.

8. Sensual Massage Package

Here’s the thing. If you want to start off an evening packed with intimacy, with a hint of sensuality, and a touch of relaxation, buy him one of those sensual massage packages. It promises you nights of intimate conversations while you massage the stress out of your man. What other gift tells him that you care about his day and want to erase his troubles? Just like you enjoy being pampered, so does your boyfriend. Hell, he probably wants it more than you do; he’s just not ready to admit it yet. A thoughtful, yet also naughty gift, a sensual massage package may be just the ticket to make him stop shutting you out, and having him lose the case of the grumps he’s been harboring just in time for Valentine’s Day, too.

7. Sports Memorabilia

Most guys love sports. They follow standings, watch games, speculate on trades and are probably religiously devoted to their team. Truly, their game-watching sessions with "the guys" are filled with such intensity that you’re often left to wonder if this is the same guy who can’t even sit through a single commercial break. Pander to this baffling characteristic. Buy him a piece of sports history – preferably one that’s signed by his favorite player. With this kind of gift, you can’t go wrong. It may not be romantic for you, but here’s the thing: it’ll send shivers up and down his spine. He’ll be thankful he has a girlfriend who understands the idiosyncrasies of his fanaticism. To him, this would be the definition of romance.

6. An Erotic Board Game

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be, apart from romantic, fun as well. An erotic board game adds a competitive slant to your Valentine’s Evening festivities that your boyfriend is sure to enjoy. You’ll definitely both have fun while you slyly look across the room and try to beat other in a game you’re both going to end up winning anyway. You’re also probably going to love the anticipation that playing the game builds. Some of these games even have props, not just cards that have instructions on what naughty things you could do to each other. The manufacturers were more than creative in crafting the consequences for losing. You’re sure to find a lot of fun, and your boyfriend is sure to appreciate your effort.

Explore new things in your relationship with the purchase of an erotic board game that aims to help you expand the boundaries of your relationship. Let the games begin.

5. Beer or Wine Basket

Add a little culture to your boyfriend’s drinking habits. A collection of fine wines, or beers from all over the world, may be just the ticket. A selection of beers or wines appeals to guys in general. They get to compare different beers from different areas and pick a favorite. It may not make a whole lot of sense to you right now, but guys in general take their alcohol very seriously. Get them to explore their boundaries and refine their tastes by giving him a selection for Hearts’ Day.

4. Bed and Breakfast Trip

Everybody wants a weekend of relaxation and what better time to go for one than on Valentine’s? Whisk him away for a weekend away from the city. Make the hustle and bustle of city living disappear with a weekend away where you guys can really get to know each other and establish some intimacy. A weekend at a bed and breakfast lets both of you recharge your batteries, and gives you just the right amount of isolation that’ll help you build bridges and tear down walls. Just make sure you’ve consulted with his schedule before you book this trip. He’ll be less appreciative if you’ve booked over something Avoid the argument and cash in on the opportunity.

3. Steamy Coupons

You know how sometimes you get little pieces of paper that say you can collect something for free within a limited time period? You can make those and give them to your boyfriend on Valentine’s Day. On these coupons, you can write little acts of love – a kiss, a hug, a cooked meal, anything – and they shouldn’t expire. This way, your boyfriend can claim them anytime he feels like it. It’s not a gift that pays off right away, but he’ll certainly have fun cashing them in from time to time. This is the gift that keeps on giving.

2. Lingerie

There’s a little known fact that when somebody gives you lingerie, they’re actually giving your significant other a present. This is fact. Try to listen to what colors and fabrics he likes. A slightly flirty, heated conversation often turns up this useful information, and once you have it, go to your nearest shop and get yourself a nice piece that you’ll know he’ll go crazy over. He’ll be puzzled by it at first, but once he’s seen you in it, he’ll begin to see you for the gift-giving visionary that you are.

1. A Handwritten Letter

Now we move on to the cheesy stuff. It’s Valentine’s Day and you could be forgiven your fripperies, after all. There’s a saying that it’s easier to say things in a letter than face-to-face and when it comes to emotions. Write a letter and let your feelings be known. Don’t shy away from the details. Pour out little anecdotes about the things you adore about him; he’ll love that. Valentine’s Day is about letting the special people in your life know that they are appreciated. A romantic love letter would be in the spirit of things, and is actually one of the bravest gifts anyone could ever give.

Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love. Ignore the negativity that is rampant this time of year. Some may mock you for your sentimentality and call you unfashionable. Who cares when you’re just so goshdarned happy? Always remember: there is nothing wrong with sentimentality.