Valentine's Day Gift Guide for New Flings and Longtime Loves

Feb. 11, 2013 — -- intro: It's that time of year again - Valentine's Day. It can be romantic and exciting. Or it can be awkward and confusing. What do you get for a relatively new flame? What do you get for a longtime love you've already been showering with gifts for 10 years? And what do you get for that special someone you may just be admiring from afar? Here's a shopping guide and suggestions from the pros.

quicklist:category: title: 1 Month Togetherurl: text: "A new relationship sort of means that everything feels special," Abby Larson, founder and editor of StyleMePretty.com, told ABCNews.com. "And the 'experience' of being together is often far more meaningful than a tangible gift."

For a splurge, Larson suggested hiring a personal chef to come over and cook a romantic dinner. But if you're on a budget, she said an indoor picnic with comfy pillows, delicious fruit and wine will have the same effect.

Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, New York Times best-selling authors of "The Nanny Diaries," suggested a bottle of local small-batch whiskey or bourbon for a man and fabulous flowers for a woman.

"Get creative," they said. "It doesn't have to be roses. What are the colors in her apartment? Show you're paying attention. But definitely not tulips. Nothing is less sexy than tulips."

media: caption: related:

quicklist:category: title: 1 Year Togetherurl: text: "A year is the best time for celebrating Valentine's Day," Larson said. "Relationships are young enough that they still feel sparkly and new, though you've gotten to really know each other so comfort is also at an all-time high."

A fireside couple's massage followed by a bottle of champagne and some chocolate-dipped fruit is one way to spice up the romance.

Adam Schoenberg and Cory Rosenberg, co-founders of luxury menswear accesories line hook+ALBERT, said a "self-made card is the way to go" and suggested giving him a pair of tickets for a concert or sporting event.

Jewelry is almost always a reliable gift for a lady. Kendra Scott, founder and CEO of Kendra Scott Jewelry, suggested a pair of signature Danielle Earrings that are available in every hue to fit her mood.

media: caption: related:

quicklist:category: title: 5 Years Togetherurl: text: "Five years down the valentine's road means that something really fun and exciting is in order," Larson said. "For a splurge, have a limo or town car come pick you up and take you to the city's most fabulous new restaurant," she suggested. "Cap off the evening at a bubbly bar or dancing the night away at a local jazz club -- somewhere cozy and dark where you can snuggle up in a corner and turn the world off. On a budget? Skip the car, order a heart-shaped pizza in, then head straight to the dance floor, where you can lose yourself in each other's arms."

media: caption: related:

quicklist:category: title: 10 Years Togetherurl: text: "After 10 years, you know each other pretty well and have most likely done the typical Valentine's Day gifts and activities a number of times," Scott said. "This is the time to plan or get them something truly meaningful."

She suggested going somewhere meaningful to the two of you, like the place you first met or had your first Valentine's Day together.

For him, Scott suggested a barbecue-sauce-of-the-month membership or a beer-of-the-month membership.

Scott suggested a piece from her Color Bar, where you can design your own earrings using a color palette. McLaughlin and Kraus suggested a spa treatment somewhere that will give her access for the day.

media: caption: related:

quicklist:category: title: 25 Years Togetherurl: text: "If you're celebrating your 25th Valentine's Day, you likely have a family together, and haven't had as much time to indulge yourself over the years," Scott said. "Surprise them with a weekend getaway where the two of you can relax and truly enjoy each other's company, whether a nearby bed and breakfast or a European vacation."

If you've already traveled the world together, she suggested a personalized map representing all of the places you've been together.

media: caption: related:

quicklist:category: title: 50+ Years Togetherurl: text: "Fifty years of Valentine's is worthy of something special," Larson said. "For a splurge, a perfect single stone emerald necklace -- signifying love -- would fit the bill to perfection. On a budget? Try a beautiful handcrafted jewelry box filled with little notes about your life together."

For this milestone, a walk down memory lane may be the way to go to celebrate your lives together. McLaughlin and Kraus suggested a photo book of your history together, complete with letters and keepsakes. If you're feeling tech savvy, Scott suggested a video slideshow scored to music that's meaningful to both of you.

media: caption: related:

quicklist:category: title: Not Together (Yet!) url: text: What you do for that special someone that you have your eye on, but you haven't made a move? Our experts think sweets are the way to his or her heart.

"You can never go wrong with chocolate," McLaughlin and Kraus said. "it's delicious without making anyone nervous by overspending -- or over-declaring."

Larson agreed, saying, "Few would ever turn down a box of homemade cupcakes or a bottle of bubbly!"

media: caption: related: