Ah, February 14, Valentine’s Day.

It’s a day when couples express their affection for one another.

It’s a day when you can send your special someone a little something special.

AP

But did you know that Valentine’s Day is a Western European Christian holiday.

Originally the Roman feast of Lupercalia.

It was Christianized in memory of the martyrdom of St. Valentine in A.D. 270, who, in medieval times, became associated with the union of lovers under conditions of duress.

The first commercial valentine greeting cards produced in the United States were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland.

Today millions of cards and hundreds of pounds of candy are sold annually.

The best gift you could have given yourself and your special someone is "research".

“Valentine’s Day is a day that you want to plan ahead. That includes planning for just flowers or dinner, or something as big as an engagement,” said Deana Turner with the Better Business Bureau.

It’s that extra legwork; Turner says that will bring a smile to you and your valentine. “Planning ahead will give you the opportunity to shop around for the best deal and company, get reservations at the restaurant of your choice (they fill up fast!). It’s also an opportunity to shop and compare engagement rings or a special piece of jewelry."

Turner says procrastinators may make the wrong choice for the wrong reasons. "If you wait until the last minute, you might not make the best decision because you are making an emotional decision rather than a well thought out and researched decision.”

So, what if you didn’t plan ahead?

There's still time to get that great gift, but time is ticking.

Here are some suggestions:

•Flowers or living plants like African Violets

•Candy, especially chocolate

•Candles

•Gift certificates (could be from a health spa or a sport event or a massage or to do an unpleasant chore around the house)

•Lingerie for her or sexy underwear for him

•Jewelry

•A romantic drive

•A weekend away for just the two of you even if it’s at the motel across town

•A romantic dinner or picnic

•Perfume or cologne

•An evening at a local theatre production or watching a romantic movie