Are you thinking about how you will celebrate the one you love?

This time of year brings anxiety to lovebirds everywhere. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Valentine’s Day is about love, remember? That should be a positive thing. Not something that brings a lot of pressure and fear.

But there are a few no-nos that we all might want to heed if we want a successful Valentine’s Day. Like…

Don’t give them candy. Don’t make them a papier-mâché pig with wings and little hearts on it (unless you’re five years old). DON’T DVR their favorite show and say, “Here you go.”

Okay, that last one might have hit a little too close to home. It’s too painful. I don’t want to talk about it.

No, I’ve got a list of FIVE GIFTS BETTER THAN CANDY for you this Valentine’s Day. Sugary sweets are nice, but this holiday requires a little more thought. Are you ready?

1. Filet mignon. It’s tender – like your love. Cook it up for your sweetie and you’ll be number one in his/her heart.

2. Need something a little more “meaty?” A T-bone steak or Porterhouse steak should do the trick. Your love will be impressed with your thoughtfulness.

3. A new car. Hey, I didn’t say this list was practical. Just better than candy.

4. Good, old-fashioned flowers. I LOVE flowers so this one’s personal. They brighten my day and show me that my hubby is listening to me when I say, “I like flowers.”

5. Your time. Really pay attention to your sweetie, give a back rub, reconnect. That’s better than candy any day.

Still stumped? Just make it personalized to your special someone. Any gift that shows you KNOW them and you care enough to dig deep will be a winner.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

So we’ve tackled the five gifts the men in your life might love. Now how about the women? I’ve saved the best for last.

What is the best cut of steak for the ladies on your list? Well, the best steak cuts are the ones SHE likes best!

Seems simple. But sometimes it’s not.

Some gift ideas I put out there for the guys in your life might be equally as intriguing to the ladies on your list. I’d suggest the USDA Prime combo as gift idea number one. Lots of steaks in a variety of cuts. You cover a lot of bases with this one.

Or maybe for idea number two go with a box of gift-boxed Prime steaks, but stick with one cut – like the ever-popular filet mignon. It’s fork tender and many ladies love it because it’s just the right size. And, oh, the flavor! To die for.

And let’s not forget the wine, shall we? Yes, the wine! Ladies will enjoy a beautiful gift of wine as a complement to those incredible steaks just as much as the gentlemen. That’s gift idea number three.

Gift idea number four is a delicious dessert to end that perfect meal. Red Velvet Cake, Cheesecake Bites (a little bit goes a long way!) or a holiday Buche de Noel (yes! chocolate!) is absolutely delightful.

And what a thoughtful gift giver you are! I mean, you’ve thought of everything!

Still not sure? Maybe you’re in the can’t decide what to choose camp. Or maybe you don’t even know where to begin. A gift card as idea number five will do very nicely. That way, SHE can choose which steak or wine or dessert SHE likes best. And YOU get all the glory.

See how that works? It’s a happy holiday for all!

Is it tough to come up with dynamic gifts for the ones you love?

Trying to figure out what to get that special lady this year?

As a female myself I KNOW I would love these gifts for her:

1. Filet Mignon (with bacon, please)

2. Beef Wellington (I’m in charge of cooking for my family and I can just pop these in the oven and they’re done!)

3. Anything that’s Heat & Serve (ham? yes! sides like twice-baked potatoes? double yes!)

The way to a woman’s heart is definitely through her stomach. And in my case, steaks are a direct route.

Surprise her with something that says “I know you!” this year and she’ll always be grateful.