When you're stumped for Valentine Day gift ideas, looking at the top ten Valentine's Day gifts can be a great way to spark a little creativity-- or steal an idea or two.

Shopping for a guy? Check here for my top ten Valentine's gifts for men. Shopping for ladies? Read on!

After all, they wouldn't make the top ten list if people didn't love to receive them! In fact, you'll probably notice that items appear on these lists year after year. Some gift ideas for Valentine's day are just classic.

And remember... any time of year is a good time for a romantic gift. These ideas are wonderful for birthdays, anniversaries, and whenever you've screwed up and need to apologize.

Top Ten Valentines Gifts for Women

1. Roses

Of course! Whether accompanied by another gift or presented on their own, giving roses on Valentine's Day is by far the most traditional token. Here's a little proof for you: around 190 million roses are sold on this day alone in the United States.

Tips for Buying Roses: If you're on a tight budget, don't get long stemmed roses-- they always cost more, and it's not really the stems that count. The longer the stem, the more the flower will cost. You should also trim the ends of any kind of roses before putting them in water to help 'em last a little longer. And if your lady has allergies, go with chocolate roses instead!

2. Diamonds

The second of my top ten Valentines gifts is any type of diamond jewelry (or other precious stone). Hey, diamonds are a girls best friend... they really are! And they'd be number one on this list if they were a bit, well, easier to buy.

Why are diamonds so traditional? For starters, of course, they're gorgeous. They also represent longevity. In Roman legends, diamonds were stars that fell to earth. In Greece they believed them to be tears from the Gods.

Tips on for Buying Diamonds and Other Jewelry: If a diamond is out of your price range, consider heart shaped earrings or a necklace instead. Can't afford precious metals or precious stones? Shop on eBay (or elsewhere) for vintage costume jewelry. It may not be expensive, but being vintage makes it different, special, and one of a kind. Just like your girl.

3. Clothes

Another great option for a romantic gift for her is buying a new outfit-- something fabulous to wear for a Valentine's dinner or party (or for an anniversary or other special celebration). But this one can be tricky. You have to know your partner's sizes and tastes, and buy carefully-- you want it to fit her! If you can get it right, though (especially if you buy her something gorgeous to wear to a wonderful dinner), it makes a great way to start a romantic evening. Play dress up!

Tips for Buying Women's Clothes: Different things fit people differently. So even if you know her size, there's no guarantee it'll fit her. Belted styles like shift dresses are a good choice, as they can be made to fit anybody. Or go shopping with her a few weeks ahead of time and watch what she likes. Watch her try on something she thinks she can't afford ("just for fun"), and sneak back and buy it on the sly. Then you can be sure of fit and style.

4. The Gift of Comfort (or Sex Appeal!)

Most women simply don't spoil themselves often enough-- so do it for her! Find some warm fuzzy boots or slippers or a big fluffy robe. Have her slip into them while you make (spiked) hot cocoa to drink in front of a fire with some yummy finger foods.

Check here for some great ideas on what to make her.

A very popular variation on this theme? Lingerie. Get her something sexy that will make her feel like a million bucks. Or, if you want her to feel comfy and sexy at the same time, get her both. She gets to feel cozy and be eye candy... what could be better?

5. Pampering

Of these top ten Valentines gifts, this is the one that will never go wrong... Because every woman loves to take care of herself and get pampered! And, unfortunately, most don't get to do it as often as they'd like! Get a certificate for a massage or a trip to the spa (or get a "couples" treatment together for a little extra romance). For folks on a tight budget, just buy some scented massage oil, prepare a hot bath with flower petals and candles, then follow it up with a great full body massage.

Have a bit extra to spend and want to make it extra special? Get a hotel room and have your wife go downstairs to the spa for her treatment. When she comes back, dress up and have a sumptuous room service meal or go down to the dining room for a fancy dinner. Talk about a heavenly evening...

Tips for Buying Spa Treatments: Chances are, your local spa might have 100 treatments that would interest her. Instead of choosing one for her, buy a gift certificate for a monetary amount rather than a specific treatment, so she can choose.

6. The Food of Love

This entry in my top ten Valentines gifts can either be outrageous or inexpensive-- whatever matches your lady and your budget. You can either prepare a gourmet treat for your partner filled with aphrodisiacs, or take her out for an incredible meal somewhere special. Or (on a smaller scale) you could surprise your partner with a box of her favorite chocolates instead.

Here's an idea: One year, my husband bought me a gift basket of gourmet treats: fancy olive oil, caviar, truffle butter, etc. It was one of the best gifts I've ever gotten and it was wonderful enjoying it together.

Hints for the Perfect Dinner: Whether going out someplace special for Valentine's or cooking at home (either one merits a top ten Valentines gift rating!), specify that she should dress up. Most women love to get dressed up, but too few of us get a chance to do it!

For a list of sex-ifying aphrodisiac ingredients, check here. Or find some great recipes for what to make her for Valentine's right here!

7. Sweet Scents

Perfume is one of those classic gifts that will always show up on top ten Valentines gift idea lists everywhere. Why? Because perfume is exclusive, classic, expensive, sensual, and very personal. It's an intimate thing to buy for somebody, and is something that only she and somebody who is very physically close to her can enjoy. This is what makes wearing perfume so very sexy.

Tips for Buying Perfume: Perfume is very personal so choose carefully. If she already has some perfumes, give them a smell to see what she likes. Are most of them flowery, fruity, or spicy? And if you can, it's always worth it to spend a little more on perfume than you might think it's worth. Expensive perfumes really melt into the skin, creating a unique scent on each person. Very sensual!

8. An Activity or Event

My Valentine's gift from my husband last year? Tickets to Cirque de Soleil and a wonderful dinner out. It was so special! If you can surprise her with the event on Valentine's day itself, great. But if not, just pick up tickets (though you need to remember to get two tickets so you can come along). Whatever you end up doing, promise her a nice dinner to go along with it. That night out was definitely one of my top ten Valentines gifts ever.

Tips for Buying Event Tickets: This is your chance to melt her heart by making a sacrifice. Going to a show or event with her isn't a top ten Valentines gift just because she'll enjoy it. It's also special because, by taking her to something that doesn't interest you --maybe a ballet or a musical-- you're making a sacrifice. And by making a sacrifice you're showing her how much you care about her. Believe me, the gesture won't go overlooked.

9. Gadgets and Stuff

Think gadgets only belong on a top ten Valentines gift list for the guys? Think again. PDAs, iPhones, etc. with prepaid plans are not only fun, they're also useful. You can even make sure all your contact numbers are in it when she opens the package. Don't forget to get one in her favorite color!

10. Gift Certificates

When all else fails, go for a gift certificate. And, no, gift certificates aren't always a cop-out! For women who love to shop, a gift certificate to her favorite place can be a ton of fun. Guilt-free shopping... what a treat! Just make sure to read the fine print regarding expiration and any "rules" that apply to the certificate's use.

If your partner is one of those women who is hard to please (and tends to return your gifts to the store), this is by far the best of my top ten Valentines gifts to buy.