If you’re married, attached or dating, V-day can either be romantic and memorable, or a potential nightmare. If you’re in charge of planning the occasion, the worst you can do is be boring with the details, and that means mass-produced ideas that will see you both end up eating with everyone else (and their grandmother), and you paying a small fortune for an ordinary bouquet that every or recipient will be flaunting.

This is the one time in the year that you should throw convention to the wind and avoid the same-old. Well lucky you, as you’ve come to the right place. And there’s still time to dive into HSD’s list of not-so-common V-Day ideas to dazzle your beloved.

HIRE A PERSONAL CHEF

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If you both dislike crowds and prefer to dine at home, take that romantic dinner for two to the next level and splash out on a personal chef from www.personalchefsingapore.com  – they offer customized dining experiences just for two, complete with bespoke menu, tableware, floral centerpieces and butler.

BUY A LASTING BOUQUET

While it’s tempting to call your usual florist for an order of roses, don’t. We have a better suggestion: Head to the nurseries and buy your sweetheart a pretty pot of mini roses, which will be symbolic of your relationship taking root and blossoming under both your care. Not like that exorbitant bouquet that will wither in a few days.

GET ROMANTIC WITH THAT GIFT

That always means jewellery. It doesn’t have to be big and status-changing like a bling proposal ring, it just has to be tasteful and meaningful, like pearl earrings, a charm bracelet, a vintage brooch, or a set of stylish stack rings and bangles.

GO FOR THE EXPERIENTIAL EFFECT

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The idea is to create an experience that she or he will be talking about for weeks or months. If your other half loves staying active and being in the great outdoors, a scenic run through Marina Bay Sands or the Botanic Gardens that ends in a wine and cheese picnic can be utterly romantic – try PicNeeds, Hocus Pocus Events, Beauteaq, The Shake Affinity or Plan B, any one of these picnic makers can easily set you up. If the city is where his or her heart beats, rent a convertible – try www.acedrive.sg – and pick a route that includes the magnificent Singapore skyline. Your babe can have champagne while she or he feeds you strawberries.

STIR UP SOME MOVIE MAGIC

Recreate those early movie dates with a mini movie marathon at home made up of her favourite romantic films. Or go whole hog and rent a small cinema hall for just the two of you and ask for a screening of a movie that means something in your relationship. Check out www.theprojector.sg, www.wecinemas.com.sg or www.cathaycineplexes.com.sg

DO GOOD TOGETHER

Bring V-day joy to others, like old folks, marginalized children, the disabled, the mentally challenged or animals. Sparking joy for others can be a fulfilling way to celebrate a day of love.

SPA THE DETAILS

The couple that spas together, stays together. Indulging in a relaxing, luxurious couple spa session has its benefits – it helps you both to relax and recharge, so you can be even better together. Check out Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Singapore, Remede Spa at The St Regis and Auriga Spa at Capella Singapore. In fact, make it a spa-cation just for two.

ENJOY EACH OTHER’S COMPANY

At the end of the day, all the bling, bangs and whistles in the world won’t mean a thing if you’re not all there for your special someone. So stop with the whatsapping and Instagramming. Give each other your full attention and simply enjoy the special company. The rest of the world need not know what you mean to her/him, only you both do.