Love it or hate it, 21st Century romance and all its technological finery is here to stay, and no area has seen a bigger kick in the pants than the gifts market. From extravagant day experiences to the latest hi-tech gadgets, the gifts market is souped up, and it’s never looked more enticing. Just look at Valentine’s Day!

The Valentine’s Day sentiment is stronger than ever; in the 21st Century it’s just packaged differently. In place of traditional Valentine’s Day gifts comes a new breed of gifts for him and gifts for her, with more scope for originality than we’ve ever seen. Forget flowers and chocolates, if you love the sentiment of Valentine’s Day presents but have become bored with the same old gestures, now is the perfect time to inject a little creativity into your love life.

Technologically advanced robo pets, digital photo frames and the latest music players all feature heavily on "want lists", so why hold back at flowers? The latest gadgetry, sexy iPod accessories or a wild gift experience day is a great approach to 21st Century romance. You might even score points for "really knowing your partner", which we all know from Cosmo is crucial to making it to next year’s round of Valentine’s Day gift giving. If you want to, that is.

Gifts for Valentine’s Day in the 21st Century also have plus points that lie outside of just being plain cool. For one, it’s a lot easier to hide your level of commitment. In the past, when Valentine’s Day gifts were limited to handwritten love notes, flowers and chocolates, your half-dead dozen roses bought last minute at the local petrol station lit up your lukewarm feelings like a beacon. Today there is a relative smorgasbord of Valentine’s Day gift options that keep your romance cards close to your chest.

A Retro iPod Alarm Clock with built-in docking station and omni rotational speakers is not only hi-tech, stylish and fabulous; it’s completely ambiguous. Did you buy a thoughtful Valentine’s Day present, because afterall, you do love your hi-tech gadgets? Or is it a non-committal show of affection? Your other half will never know, and if the gift is particularly shiny and hi-tech, they’ll forget to ask.

Lavishing your dear Valentine with a gift for Valentine’s Day that looks gorgeously hi-tech and expensive also means you can go for the big gesture without breaking the bank. Going all out guns blazing in the Valentine’s Day gift department used to involve the largest, most expensive bouquet you can lay your hands on, chocolates and maybe even a romantic break away. These days an iPod will do the trick. And if you want to go the extra mile, throw in a docking station. Job done.

Today, Valentine’s Day can be anything you want it to be. There is a kaleidoscope of Valentine’s Day gift options and shiny new gadgets that can demonstrate your love and affection or throw your partner off the scent entirely. And the scope for originality is bigger and better than ever! Be creative, the gadget world is your oyster. Just remember one golden rule - if your partner says they don’t want anything, be smart.