Valentine’s Day is upon us once again, and the idea of getting a girl a Valentine’s day gift is more than enough to send most men running for cover. Have no fear guys, because you have found your salvation in this article. Valentine’s Day has this romantic stigma surrounding it that involves the idea of a stereotypical, fancy and expensive dinner, cascaded by candlelight and surrounded by roses. In reality, most girls are not interested in how much money you spend on Valentine’s Day, but rather the amount of thought that you put behind it. Though it is nice to get dressed up and have a cheesy night filled with sappy cliches, this is not always realistic and, honestly, has very little meaning in retrospect. There are better ways to show your girl that you care so, without further ado, here is what your girl really wants for Valentine’s Day.

1. Know her favorite flowers (or if she even likes flowers)

Giving her favorite flowers on Valentine’s Day is special because that means at some point in time she mentioned her love of Gerber daisies and you heard her. You listened to that and stored it in your boyfriend memory because you knew it would come in handy. Then you managed to dig it out and remember. With that being said, it is important to know whether a girl even likes flowers because some girls are allergic or just think they’re too cheesy. If your girl isn't into flowers then, naturally, it’s probably a good idea not to get her flowers.

2. Know if she likes chocolate

I know, it’s hard to imagine a girl that doesn’t like chocolate but, believe it or not, we exist. I’m not a huge chocolate person, in general, and I especially dislike the assorted heart box chocolates. Don’t ask me why; they just do not tickle my fancy, as I’m sure is the case for many girls. It pains me that someone would waste the money, and the chocolate, on me when I would much prefer a pack of Sour Patch Kids Watermelon. Leave the chocolate on the shelf for the chocolate fanatics out there, and make sure you know whether to chocolate or not to chocolate with your girl.

3. Get her a dollar store teddy bear

This is a great gift for girls who aren’t into flowers or candy because who doesn’t love a cute stuffed animal? Plus, you can find them for a bargain if you know where to look (I.e., the dollar store). I am not talking one of those $50.00, six-foot tall teddy bears that you see all over Instagram because 1) Who has room for that? And 2) All I can think about is how much dust that thing would collect which would irritate my allergies. No, thank you. I would much rather have a cute little teddy bear that will remind me of you every time I look at it. Extra points if you can find my favorite animal in stuffed form rather than a general teddy bear.

4. Spend quality time with her

As someone who greatly values spending time with the people I care about, this interests me much more than some fancy dinner. It wouldn’t matter to me if we just took a walk and chatted about life. Just being with the person you care about means so, so much. It may even be nice to chat with her about the things you know she likes, her hobbies, her cat, her family, etc. The fact that you are taking the time to get to know her further will sweep her off her feet, especially if you two have been together for a long time.

5. Write her a note or card

Seems cheesy, yes, but I’m not talking a five-page long love poem. I’m mean more along the lines of letting her know how you feel about her in a few sentences. Jot it down on a piece of cute stationery (if you know what that is), or go get her a cute $0.99 card from CVS. Throw in a favorite memory you have with her or an inside joke and she is sure to melt after reading it.

6. Watch her favorite movie

If you took the time to set up her favorite movie, a bowl of popcorn and comfy blankets for a movie night date, I bet she would be putty in your hands. Even if you hate the movie she loves, it will mean even more to her that you’re willing to grin and bear it to make her happy. Plus, snuggles during a movie are a sure way to romance.

7. Order her favorite take-out

Instead of spending a ridiculous amount of money on a five star, steak dinner, try ordering her favorite pizza or Chinese food and set up your own romantic dinner at home. A few candles on the table, maybe her favorite flowers, plus her favorite food and you can’t lose with this one.

8. Give her a massage

It is no secret that most girls carry a lot of stress. The daily worries in a girl’s life greatly differ from those in a boy’s, and this results in significant amounts of muscle tension. I know I carry all that tension in my shoulders and anytime someone offers to rub my shoulders l never turn it down. Now, I’m not talking a sexy massage, I just mean you taking time to make her feel better. Help her relieve some tension and pain, and she will be so grateful, promise.

9. Tell her how you feel

Verbalizing your feelings for your girl to her face is by far the most heartwarming thing in the world. For whatever reason, in our millennial society, boys aren’t supposed to be mushy and express their feelings toward the girls they care about. The term “whipped” comes to mind, something many guys are scared to be teased about by their bros. Though you should tell your girl everyday how much she means to you, if you can bear to be the “whipped” boyfriend for just one day, she will surely appreciate it.

10. Make her feel special

Every girl is different and every girl wants to feel special. Get to know your girl and make her feel like she is the only one in the world for you. Let her know the things about her that keep you coming back, the things that made you fall for her in the first place. Make this Valentine’s Day unique to her likes and dislikes, and there is no way you can go wrong.

Whether your girl loves flowers and hates chocolate or desires quality conversation over a movie date, it is not hard to give her a fantastic Valentine’s Day so long as you take the time to listen. Odds are she will be dropping hints left and right about what she wants. She may even come right out and tell you what her favorite topping on pizza is or how she wants to have a lazy night soon. It’s not rocket science boys, just a matter of opening your ears. Be brave, be thoughtful and you will not lose this Valentine’s Day.