I AM divided about Valentine's Day gifts.

It is a nice gesture because, let's be honest, don't you just love getting presents?

But it is contrived and you're under so much pressure to impress.

Take my word for it: After you've been with the same person for over a decade, these presents mean little.

By now, the couple will see through the notion of presents and realise that the best gifts are not material goods.

(Note to the cheapskate: Often I find this to be the best excuse to use.)

That said, if you're young and in love, shop away and boost our economy.

Don't be swayed by the swelling inside your chest to go overboard. An extravagant present may be lovely and gives you bragging rights, but you'll also need to face the reality of today's economic landscape.

There is a new mantra to learn: Cheap is chic.

Cheap is also relative, so I have some stuff here you can find that are about $1,000 and under.

And men shouldn't be the only ones taking the Valentine's Day gifting initiative.

Gift-giving is an equal opportunity activity.

But if money is a problem, there are free things you could do.I asked Miss Violet Lim, the founding director of dating agency Lunch Actually, on some things you can do for free.

She suggested: "You could go to Sentosa to watch the sunset. "Or you could go for a romantic stroll at Botanical Gardens for fresh air."

Miss Lim added: "A successful date need not be one that is held at an expensive restaurant.

"It is one where both parties enjoyed themselves, had sufficient time getting to know each other and there are no awkward moments."

So if you have excess cash, go ahead and spoil your partner. If you'd rather be prudent, be creative.

It sounds really corny but as long as it's from the heart, any gift will do.

Valentine's Day gifts for every budget

1 THE way to a man's (or woman's, I assume) heart is through his stomach. And if he loves sweets, get it from Crystal Jade. The Cutie Cup Cakes and My Heart Cookies ($9.90 each) are nice to give. It's an extra $3 to add a personalised message. If you can keep a straight face, pretend that you made it. Call the Valentine's hotline at 6512-0800.	2 THERE is a reason why the sales of fragrances soar during Valentine's Day, and that's because it makes such a nice gift. The packaging is almost always gorgeous and perfume makes you feel so luxe. Ralph Lauren's Romance Always Yours ($115, 50ml) unites dreamy scents such as sun goddess rose, yellow freesia, ginger, lotus flower, white violet, patchouli and oakmoss. Head to the counter at Raffles City Garden Court Level 1. And when you spend more than $120, you might win hotel stays and Ralph Lauren exclusive giveaways. So while you give something, you may get something in return. Think of that prize as a reward for your selflessness.	3 THIS is one for the women to get for the men. Goldheart has a new range called the Giovanne, with bracelets, rings and pendants. The collection uses different materials, such as rose gold, stainless steel and titanium, and the pieces are embellished with diamonds. Don't worry, it won't cost the earth. This bracelet is $138.
4 DIAMONDS are a girl's best friend, so it doesn't matter if it's natural or simulated. Think of it this way: It's still a diamond but the process was hurried along. And unless you tell, no one else will know! Shock her with a one-carat ring from gordonMax ($359 for the Plamya Round cut). Natural diamonds would cost about 10 times more. Go to the shop (#B1-68, United Square) to find out more. There is also a storewide 20 per cent discount on other items.	5 IF it's the first flush of love you feel and you want to splurge, get this bag. At $1,090, it's from the Loewe St Valentines collection. The bag is the size of an envelope but it won't matter (because you're going to be carrying everything else for her, right?)

This article was first published in The New Paper on Feb 8, 2009.