Valentine's Day is a time used to celebrate the special people in our lives and the love we share between us. The entire month of February is decorated with red and pink hearts and the stores are filled with the usual boxes of candy and bouquets of flowers. However, after conducting an informal survey with a group of women, it has become obvious to me that the heart-shaped boxes and roses are not what ladies are wanting this February fourteenth.

When asked what their dream Valentine's day gift would be, almost every woman responded with the same idea.

"My perfect gift would be for my husband (or boyfriend or significant other) to plan the whole thing. Tell me to get dressed and surprise me, even if it was a picnic in the park or cooking something at home. It's the effort he puts into it."

If you're having trouble thinking of plans, here are five ideas for a special Valentine's day.

A picnic in the park

How could a meal at a crowded restaurant ever compare to a handmade lunch in a beautiful park? Grab a blanket and a basket of her favorite foods, and head to the nearest spot of nature. While it may sound incredibly simple, a picnic lunch is often considered one of the most romantic dates. Your girl is sure to love it!

Take her to that movie she's been wanting to see

Many couples take turns deciding what movie to see at the cinemas. If your love has been showing interest in a new film coming out, surprise her by taking her. She'll find it sweet that you remembered her talking about it and she'll love sharing snacks and laughs with you. A surprise movie date is a must for any couple.

Stay at home date

While getting dressed up is nice, sometimes staying in is even nicer. Swing by the grocery store to pick up ingredients for one of her favorite meals and rent a movie. Cooking as a couple can be fun! Just don't laugh so hard you don't hear the timer go off.

Take her on your first date again

Taking her on your first date again is a sentimental way to remind her how you two came to be together. It also shows that you care enough to remember. For this idea, the longer you have been together, the better!

Take her to the beach

While beaches are crowded in the summer, they tend to be less busy during the first months of the year. However, visiting in February can still be an exciting trip. Walks on the beach, eating at new restaurants, window shopping at stores you usually wouldn't see----all of these things makes for a great and relaxing Valentine's day date.

Overall, all of the women I talked to had requests that boiled down to one thing: time. In today's world, it is so easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle and forget about one another. What women really want for Valentine's day is to spend time with you, share experiences with you, and make memories with you.

This February fourteenth, don't be the man holding the same box of chocolates and red roses as every other guy. Women want to know that you care and planning a special date for the two of you is a great way to show it.

I wish you all lots of love this Valentine's day!