When you start planning your Valentines, it's normal to struggle figuring out the best Valentine's gifts to really express how you feel.

The most important thing to remember is that there is no hard-and-fast rule about what makes the ideal gift. What's right for Dad, Mom, the kids, a partner, a wife, or a husband are all going to be dramatically different. While children are going to be ecstatic about, say, a bag for of candy (nice how you don't have to overthink it, isn't it?), your wife is probably going to expect more than a bag of Peanut M&M's. (Or not... that sounds nice to me right about now!)

Don't have a lot of time to shop for the best Valentine's gift? Check out Last Minute Valentines Gifts for some ideas. Or Valentines Day Gifts for Guys for some ideas for that hard-to-shop for guy in your life.

Best Valentines Gifts for Parents

Dad and Mom aren't going to want romantic cards from you, of course. The truth is, shopping for them should be easy-- for them, this day is about showing you care, not about making a dramatic gesture. If you have an easygoing family, a simple card that reflects your appreciation for their love and support is more than enough. Or you can place a nice gift certificate inside for a little something extra. Some parents just appreciate a call or a short visit on days like this. Know your folks and choose accordingly.

Trying to help your child pick out something for Mom or Dad? Younger children can make chore or hug coupons to be used any time Mom or Dad chooses. Photos are also wonderful gifts for children to give.

Valentine's Gifts for Friends

The best Valentine's gifts for friends are ones that:

• Celebrate an "inside joke,"
• Reflect an interesting moment in your friendship, or
• Target one of your friend's interests.

I personally prefer playful gifts and cards for friends... keep it light, thoughtful, and not overly expensive. Flashy gifts can make friends feel awkward. Or make an agreement to forego Valentines gifts for each other so you can focus on your partners' gifts. Hey, anything that makes your lives easier is a pretty nice gift in and of itself!

For those friends that aren't too into the whole idea of Valentine's Day (after all, Valentine's has never been a favorite holiday for someone recently divorced or broken up), consider a trip to a comedy club or some funny DVDs to lighten the sad of heart. St. Valentine would appreciate that gesture!

My favorite option? Forego gifts altogether and spend the money on a nice dinner out as a group. You can moan and groan about Valentine's together, or enjoy going out as a group of couples... whatever fits your friends and your situation.

Valentines Gifts for Lovers and Partners

The truth is, finding the best Valentines gifts for your parents, your kids, or your friends is easy. What's really hard is shopping for that one person this day is all about: your partner or spouse. This is where things get a lot more complex.

This page has a few more fun ideas for romantic gifts for men-- and each one has a handy "intimacy level" you can match up with your relationship.

When shopping for the best Valentines gift, you have to gage the level of your relationship carefully-- or you may end up hurting your partner's feelings or giving him or her a false impression. For example, a tasteful piece of jewelry can be either intimate (think: expensive) or semi-casual (think: simple and inexpensive). It all depends on the overall visual impact and how much you spend.

New Relationships

The hardest people to find the best Valentines gifts for are lovers or partners with whom you haven't had a relationship for very long. Sound like you? A good midline gift when shopping for a woman is something like a scarf. You can find the perfect color and pattern for her personality. You can buy her something pretty. But in the end, it's not overly expensive or overly intimate.

When shopping for men, getting your partner playful pieces of clothing that say something about his personality can be a lot of fun-- and are probably one of the best Valentines gifts I can think of. You can visit a site like CafePress.com and buy a t-shirt, cap, bag, mouse pad, etc., that's perfectly sum up him and his personality. This kind of item is the perfect mix between casual and personal-- after all, a funny item is always lighthearted.

Long-Term Relationships

If you've been with your partner for a while and want a more romantic touch, I love the idea of getting His and Her gifts (or "his and his" or "hers and hers," for that matter). There's no lack of variety with this sort of gift. You can get a couple's massage, matching key rings (with keys if you're about to move in together), matching wine glasses or coffee mugs, and even pillow shams! I think this is one of the best Valentines gifts if you're going for a combo of romance and fun.

Another alternative for a creative romantic gift idea would be creating a memory collection. You could piece together videos, put together a scrapbook, or get a computerized frame and upload pictures of the two of you doing your favorite things. This is probably the best Valentines gift for a hallmark year, such as your 5th Valentine's together or the year of the birth of your first child.

Choosing the Right Valentines Gifts

The best Valentines gifts are those that truly reflect the recipient-- their hobbies, their tastes, their preference for (or against) romance and gooiness. One of the biggest lessons of Valentine's gift giving is that not everyone is a hearts-n-flowers kind of person. Just because Valentine's celebrates love and romance doesn't mean you have to lose your sense of humor or fun-- or, worse, your common sense!