Technology definitely has a role to play in modern romance, from a quick text message to say ‘I love you’ to online dating and everything in between. However, when it comes to celebrating Valentine’s Day, tradition still trumps tech.

After all, a real hug will always be better than a little animated teddy bear, which explains why traditional gifts like flowers and chocolates remain firm favourites.

However, it’s important to remember that you should buy carefully. Pay attention to the quality of the items you give, make a connection with your loved one’s favourite things, and your gifts will be as unique and special as the person who is receiving them.

Keep these ideas in mind as you shop for your loved ones on Valentine’s Day:

• Handwritten cards. What could be more meaningful than a heartfelt expression of love? Whether you’re telling a family member you’re thankful for his or her love over the years, or detailing all the ways you love your significant other, taking the time to carefully craft a note just for that person is a great idea. You can be sure they’ll treasure it. If you need some inspiration, consider choosing a photo of you with the person you’re writing to and telling them about your good memories of when the picture was taken.
• Chocolates. Make your gift stand apart by putting a little added thought into it. Think carefully about the preferences of the person you’re giving the gift to – giving chocolates containing almonds to someone who suffers from nut allergies will not win you any points in the romance department. With ample special collections and shapes available there is also no need to stick to old favourites on the special day.
• Jewellery. The idea of giving jewellery might seem confined to a man giving a gift to a woman. But actually, anyone can give and receive jewellery - you might just need to adjust your thoughts on what falls into that category. For example, a handsome watch or playful cufflinks that perfectly match your man’s style can be a great gift. Husbands shopping for their wives can often feel overwhelmed by the amount of style options available, but taking a creative approach to shopping can make it easier to find just the right thing. Take some snapshots of her favourite pieces on your phone and bring them along to the jewellery store. Together with a sales assistant, use the photos to pick out something that will suit her perfectly.
• Flowers. Skip the basic blooms and put a bit more thought into any bouquet you give. Think about the recipient’s favourite colours - you don’t necessarily have to go with pink and red just because those are emblematic of the holiday. If you’re stumped for which flowers to buy for your mother, ask your dad whether he knows her favourite blooms, or ask a florist to help you choose flowers with special meanings.

Of course, you can feel free to say ‘Happy Valentine’s Day!’ on your sweetheart’s wall, but giving a heartfelt, timeless gift will make the holiday one to remember.