Old: Dinner at a fancy restaurant
New: Take a cooking class together -- an interactive approach that will fill you up without the stuffy ambiance.
The plan: Check local colleges and adult education centers for classes, and try to find a class that teaches one of your mate's fave meals. Hey, if you can learn to cook this again, this is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Heads up: To get a Valentine's reservation, book this ASAP.
Old: Red roses
New: A chic orchid -- give her a flower that's as stylish and sophisticated as she is, you'll spend as much as roses, but it will look like some major thought went into the idea.
The plan: Yes, you still have to send the arrangement to work -- the whole idea is for your wife to get oohs and aahs from her co-workers. Ask your local florist or an online retailer. You can even get an orchid in red or pink!
Bonus: These won't die quickly like roses, but they still need some TLC.
Old: Chocolates
New: Homemade Sweets -- They don't have to be from your home, but they need to be delivered to the office to get the most appreciation.
The plan: Call your local bakery and order a batch of that indulgence your mate craves. More a DIY baker? Whip up a batch of these chocolate peanut butter crisps and sneak them into your mate's bag.
Old: Lingerie
New: Red string bikini -- best paired with two tickets to someplace warm, this sexy number will be worn more than once.
The plan: Shop a department store or an online retailer (like J. Crew) for red bathing suits.
Heads up: If your girl doesn't bare her tummy since she gained a little honeymoon weight, get something with a little more coverage.
Old: Perfume
New: Photo Book -- Get more personal and chronicle the last year of your relationship with your pictures. Your mate will know it's not the same gift you gave your mother.
The plan: Check a site like Shutterfly.com or Snapfish.com where you can drag and drop your fave photos into a virtual book. Personalize with captions or a title that shows your soft and sensitive side.
Heads up: This can often take a few weeks to process, so plan ahead.
-- Judy Koutsky