Shelves are already stocking plush soft toys bearing ‘I love you’ messages, sweet and sugary confectionery and blooms bursting with colour and promise.

Valentine’s Day can sometimes seem corny or commercial but there is an important message behind the date – love.

Valentine’s Day – also called Saint Valentine’s Day – is a day that many Australians celebrate with the one they love.

It is a wonderful opportunity to tell or show that special someone how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them.

It’s the perfect chance to put in a little extra effort with a little more attention to detail.

Organise a picnic in the park complete with your loved one’s favourite food and drink.

Perhaps book a special meal at your favourite restaurant and surprise them with a night away from cooking and washing the dishes.

If you’re an active couple with a love for the outdoors, plan a bike ride, stroll around the lake, do a boat cruise or even a personal training session together.

You will be spoilt for choice of traditional gifts – a bunch of their favourite flowers, a single stemmed red rose, fine jewellery or a box of chocolates or cookies. 

Some people choose Valentine’s Day as the day to propose to their partners, while others set February 14 as their wedding day.

Some charities, non-government organisations or community organisations also hold special events, such as a Valentine’s Day ball, to raise funds for various causes that help others in need.

Don’t despair if you’re single, grab your closest friends and celebrate with a dinner or day of indulgence marking your friendship. Treat yourself to something nice because self-love is important too.

Whatever you have planned, make sure you include something money can’t buy – you.  Quality time together, away from everyday distractions, is often the very best gift of all. 

Make time to spend time with the people you love this Valentine’s Day.