Hearing me out? Read on.

- If you want to go traditional, mix up the monotony. Candy and flowers are nice and don’t break the bank, but apparently they are not great for the planet, so why not choose something a bit different this year? A box of fair-trade, organic chocolates won’t run you more than 20 bucks, and they’re made with more care and better-quality ingredients than that Russell Stover collection.

- Does your boo like to spin the tunes? Make him a mix CD. I know, I know—that’s so sixth grade—but really, it’s a very thoughtful gift that can’t come from anyone except you. Go through your playlist and mountains of CDs to pick out songs that remind you of that special someone, burn ‘em off, and make a pretty liner and cover for the CD. Done!

- Are you the anti-Martha Stewart? That’s all the more reason for you to get down in the kitchen and cook up a meal and dessert that will have your lover falling at your feet (out of devotion rather than food poisoning, we hope). Dust off that cookbook, because you know he’ll appreciate your effort of putting together something special just for him (and staying home is way more romantic than attempting to snuggle in an overcrowded restaurant). Buy top-quality ingredients, and leave yourself plenty of time to prepare. And hey, if all goes south, take-out Chinese is way under $30.

- You crafters out there might enjoy making a scrapbook for the one you love. There are a few costs up front—the actual book and the craft materials—but the rewards are great if you happen to be dating someone who is a hopeless romantic at heart and will flip through the book over and over again. Toss in pictures, movie-ticket stubs, e-mails the two of you have sent each other… Whatever reminds you of your relationship in a happy way is a go.

- Finally, try giving the gift of yourself, since there’s clearly nothing hotter (or cheaper…not in that way!) out there. Grab a sexy lingerie set (there are tons of hot, cheap options out there), scatter some rose petals from your sweetie’s door all the way to his bed, light a few candles for ambiance, then give him something he’ll never forget. Could there be a better gift? We think not.

Today is National Chocolate Day.

Yes, there is actually a day dedicated to chocolate and all it’s creamy, heavenly glory. And that is about as exciting as waking up on Christmas morning (yes, my parents still sign the gifts “Love, Santa.” Don’t judge).

It’s universally known that diamonds are a girls’ best friend, but truthfully speaking, I’d rather have a heart to heart with a chocolate bar any day. (Come on – diamonds can’t possibly taste as good as these.) And I will be taking full advantage of the fact that I have another reason, besides my mood-swing-menstruation-induced-coma, to justify stuffing my face with it this month.

Take 5 bars, here I come!

But why stop at stuffing our faces? Chocolate Day only comes once a year (and for an undisclosed amount time every month, but we’ll leave out that minor detail), so we better indulge while we can, in every possible way. And, honey, there are plenty more ways to enjoy a little cocoa than in Hershey’s form.

Philosophy 3 in 1 Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath

Not only is the thought of bathing in hot chocolate more than appealing, but it’s also extremely convenient that you can indulge three (delicious) birds with one (chocolatey) stone. Less work = more time to indulge in that milk chocolate bath.

Tigi BedHead Lip Gloss

Yes, please! This is like the Lip Smackers for grownups! If you used to have a chapstick key chain when you were younger (Dr. Pepper, anyone?), this will excite you. There is a choice of Chocolate Raspberry, Chocolate Mint and Chocolate Cappuccino….or all three. Either way.

Melt Chocolate Body Fondue by Booty Parlor

Hey we never said this was a loner holiday. Celebrations are always more fun with two (wink wink).

Chox Away Soap by Lush

Trust me: it tastes...er...smells better than it looks!

This bar of soap is actually made out of white and dark chocolate. Wash yourself with a bar of chocolate (or have a nice, tasty snack in the shower)? Enough said.

Speechless Asymmetrical Dress

I take up any and every opportunity to purchase a new addition to my wardrobe. And the fact that this dress looks like someone poured melted chocolate over your body makes it totally justifiable for this holiday.

Chocolate Kiss Martini

I also take up any and every opportunity to drink, and now we all have a reason to be doing it on a Wednesday night. Plus, how many times have we stood drooling outside the liquor store as we guilt trip ourselves out of buying that Godiva liquor? Well girls, here’s our chance. It’s only once a year, right?

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