For men and women alike February 14 is a date of dread. Either you have no date and the prospect of an empty post box looms, or there’s the agony of choosing the right love token.

You want something that says "I really like you, but I don’t want to tell you, but I would quite like it if you had some idea, but not enough to scare you off." Or you want to proffer a non-cheesy gift that whispers, "You still got, baby" without putting the mortgage in jeopardy. So what would say those best, the man-sized teddy bear or the anatomically correct sex toy?

The classics: lingerie, chocolate and diamonds

Lingerie

Valentine's Day gifts for men

Short of ideas for Valentine's day? Try our gift guide for a collection of products and experiences to make him happy, amused or bemused come February the 14th

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• Pictures: Valentine's Day gifts

She likes red roses. She loves chick flicks. So she'll enjoy receiving a Valentine's Day standard: nothing too cheap, too slaggy or definitely too small. So rifle through her knickers drawer before reaching for your credit card.

You like her: Pussy Glamore – For those in the know, this is the underwear brand of choice. Not too racy, not too safe. Try pale green and pink Dragonfly style for a not-too-obvious look. Bra, £60, briefs, £99, www.figleaves.com

Gossard – This underwear company have come up with some designs that are less full-on than ‘Hello Boys’ but more than just ‘Hello’. Try the Adore cream bra with lace and red ribbon. Bra, £29, short knickers £15, www.gossard.co.uk

You love her: Myla – For a real treat, splash out on Myla’s Valentine’s box. Included is a Lily underwear set, a Mr and Mrs Smith hotel guide and an, ahem, blindfold. Small Valentine's gift box, £60, www.myla.com

Stella McCartney Lingerie - show that not only are you a great lover, but you're also on trend. Designer Stella McCartney has brought out her own underwear range, launched just in time for this Valentine's Day. The designs are pretty and feminine and available from Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Liberty, and net-a-porter.com .

You're father to her children: Bravissimo - specialises in lingerie for big-breasted women, going up to size 38J. We liked the Arabella range. Bra, £29, brief, £14

Agent Provocateur – This brand manages to combine saucy and luxury in equal measures. Choose between hot red matching sets or classic silk. We liked the Rouge range and the kinky heart cuff to go with it. Rouge bra £80, Rouge suspender brief £75, Heart cuff £125, 020 72431292 or www.agentprovocateur.com

You’ve been together forever: Rigby and Peller – Don't just treat her like a queen on February 14; treat her like the Queen, by giving vouchers from Rigby & Peller, the bra-maker to the crown. The company specialises in fittings and has shops in London, Bluewater and Brent Cross. www.rigbyandpeller.com, 0845 076 5545

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