Here’s how to think romantic in the 21st century:

1. Romance is indulgence: it’s not part of the daily grind. So a romantic gift or gesture should lift the recipient out of the everyday and make them feel special. Not practical or sensible – think icing not cake!

2. Romance is personal. It’s all about the individual – your paramour. So put in some time and thought to pick out the item or activity perfectly in tune with their desires. Nothing is sexier than knowing that making them happy has been the sole goal in the choice of a gift. Be creative! Be visionary! (And check with her Bestie first?)

3. Romance is a fairy tale! Don’t worry, we’re not talking about dressing up as Little Red Riding Hood. But everyone loves stories. So find a present with provenance and depth; some form of tale attached that grabs the interest of your loved one. Remember you’re also creating your own personal fairy story together.

Weave these three principles together when you are looking to surprise your love, and you won’t go far wrong.

Ubiquitous... but nothing says ‘I love you’ more simply than I♥U. The heart with its perfect symmetrical shape and sensuous curves has become synonymous with love. 

In Ancient Greece, the blood-pumping organ was merely dissected and studied, the shape only vaguely resembling the emoji outline we know today. 

But over time the idea that passion was linked with the physical heart grew.

Hearts don’t have to be the usual, um, heart shape either. Lily Gardner’s Wild Heart collection features longer, sharper shapes that resemble not only a heart but also the point of Cupid’s arrow.

It's more minimal, contemporary but still feminine. (How could it not be when it includes lace?) If you prefer traditional heart shapes, we have those too.

Surely lace is the material most redolent of romance?

Intricate patterns and extreme craftsmanship combine with sensual glimpses of bare flesh and, of course, its use in the most intimate apparel!

Lace is sexy – fact. Just be a little careful when buying it as a gift for the woman in your life: what you like in lingerie may not always be what she finds most sensual.

Lace is associated with glamour, celebrity, luxury, and femininity so it delivers a lot of bonuses as a romantic gift.

View all Lily Gardner's Lace Jewellery and Gift Collection here. 

It’s easy to come up with ‘straight’ lace gift ideas for women (lingerie, elaborate evening wear, bedding); less easy for men. But why be straitlaced about it?!

Lily Gardner offers a totally unique and lovely range of lace jewellery – that’s black lace made on 19th century looms in Northern France, set in perfectly clear Perspex.

Hard to make – unique in the world. And, for a totally luxurious item, many of these lace pieces come encased in hallmarked silver.

View our lace jewellery and cufflinks here.

OK, we said these could be a bit obvious. But freshly cut flowers are always a lovely gift - albeit temporary as they will perish. So best not delay your courting too much if you want a long-term relationship!

But take care over the colour: red denotes passion; a white rose indicates divine love; a pink one shows romantic feelings; however a yellow rose is only for friendship.

Remember Botticelli’s Venus, born of sea foam and floating into shore on a giant scallop shell? Shells were early symbols of love. They also signified rejuvenation in ancient Roman culture, while the Hindus are said to have used the conch shell to call out for love. And, of course, oysters are renowned for their aphrodisiac qualities.  Learn more about one of the art world's most famous shell scenes. We love this! 

Maybe you don’t think of a Granny Smith as being particularly romantic? Well, the humble apple appears as an ancient symbol of love in numerous legends and stories. 

Adam and Eve ate the forbidden apple and found it to be the fruit of knowledge (and much more!). Venus, the Roman goddess of love and desire, is often shown holding an apple. And Chinese culture reveres apple blossom as a portent of love. 

Less a symbol of sentimental situations, and more the instigator of the whole shebang! Cupid (or Eros for the Greeks) is the little boy with wings and a bow who shoots a golden arrow through an individual’s heart, so they fall in love with the first person they set eyes on. And to turn the process into a kind of romantic Russian roulette, Cupid is often depicted wearing a blindfold! Who knows where those arrows will land?

Add to your special gift with something you can do together that you know she will enjoy. What does she love?  Think courses, exhibitions, locations, demonstrations, masterclass', short breaks  or experience that really show you ‘get’ her.  Even if you can't get out and do them now, a card and promise of it will do for now.  

The best part is that these activities can and should be done together, making it your own story.