Stallions, it’s your lucky day. Just don’t give us credit for it or you’ll get smacked.

Courtesy of Chris Craymer

It’s not just about roses and chocolate. Well, actually it is, but it’s the type of roses and the type of chocolate. Don’t think that grabbing a Costco wholesale stash of KitKats will send her over the moon. It won’t. You want her to feel special/sleep with you later, right? Well you gotta think big. Think outside the pants. The following are our top 10 choices for gifts this year:

1. SoMA Chocolates

Courtesy of FoodTV.ca

Expensive, yes. What did you expect? These chocolates kick Godiva’s ass. They’re locally made in the distillery, and you’re sure to get the best quality of chocolate attainable. If you can’t afford a whole box, check out some of their mini bags up on the counter.

2. Tiffany Keys.

Courtesy of Tiffany.com

Truly the best way to avoid blue balls is with a blue box. If you haven’t figured that one out yet, you’re seriously a hopeless man. The cheapest key at Tiffs is around $150 (there’s a diamond in it!) and the others start at around $210. Why the key specifically? Because they’re the hottest selling item right now and every girl wants one.

3. Long Stem Local Roses

Courtesy of Google

Sorry for the lack of link to a particular florist in Toronto, but we did that for good reason. Online rose shopping just isn’t the same. Besides, they never look the way you expected. Be a big boy, go to your local florist and hand pick some gorgeous red or pink long stem roses and sign the card yourself. That’s the difference and trust us, she’ll notice.

4. Learn how to cook her favourite meal.

Courtesy of Tumblr

Restaurants are romantic don’t get us wrong. But they also get booked fast, and often have preset, overly priced menus for the evening. You know her favourite meal, right? Oysters, Cordon Bleu, Tenderloin, whichever it is – browse some recipes and cook her a private, romantic candle-lit dinner. Check out Jamie Oliver or Barefoot Contessa for inspiration. They’re our favs.

5. Moet & Chandon Champagne

Courtesy of Bottled & Boxed.com

If you haven’t figured it out yet, us Cowgirls know our champagne. Veuve is a great alternative, although we found it ever so slightly sweeter than Moet. And Italian Prosecco is a much cheaper go-to; which works perfectly when combined with frozen raspberries or Framboise. Either way, bring on the bubbly!

6. Tickets to the Opera or Ballet.

Courtesy of Ballet.ca

Right now and throughout Valentines, Carmen is playing at the Four Seasons Centre. It’s about jealousy, love, murder – all the things you’d expect in a classical opera set in the 1800s. But the fact that you bought the tickets for her and not yourself (ahem, the Leafs are losing anyway) will prove your utter devotion to her.

7. Cupcakes from Eat My Words.

Courtesy of Eat My Words

Cupcakes for a great cause! As we discussed in our interview a while back, the Stephen Lewis Foundation helps those suffering from AIDS in Africa. Your lovely lady will swoon over the cute cakes you got for her, and she’ll love you for helping support a worthy cause. Win-win.

8. Elle Macpherson Intimates Lingerie

Courtesy of Junebug Weddings

Okay, okay. So maybe this one’s a gift for you too. Macpherson is about as sexy as it gets. The prices are high but fair – roughly around $100 for a decent bra and $50 for panties. If you’d rather keep costs down, head over to the online store at Victoria’s Secret. They deliver to Canada – and fast.

9. Aveda Peppermint Massage Oil:

Courtesy of Aveda.com

This one’s a cheaper gift at only $17, but can lead to one mega happy Valentines Day. Typically, a massage can leave one feeling relaxed and sleepy. Not the desired effect for a night of pure passion. But Aveda’s intoxicating peppermint aromas will keep your senses lively and alert – ideal for post massage fun.

10. Say the magic words:

Courtesy of leloveimage

All the gifts mentioned prior to this one are actually dubbed useless unless you say “I love you”. Acting like you do doesn’t cut it I’m afraid. You may not get around to marrying her, having babies with her, or retiring with her – but if you’re out purchasing a nice gift and reading this article on how to do so, chances are you do love her. So say it like you mean it.

XoXo
– The Cowgirls