Some may think that Valentine’s day is commercialized and cliche, while others pretend that it doesn’t even exist, but this doesn’t make it any easier on those of us looking to find the perfect gift for that special someone.

Below, you’ll find some of this season’s hottest picks, for you girlfriend, boyfriend, mom, kids or whomever you may like. These are original ideas, that won’t hurt your bank account.

Her.

Looking to buy some intimate apparel that you and your girl can appreciate together, but not into Victoria’s Secret and high prices? Affinitas Intimates could be the solution for you. Sweet or sexy, Affinitas sells lingerie from 16 different collections from $8-45 . Headquartered in Los Angeles, the company’s French-design team creates all the pieces that are sold at select on-line stores nationwide.

Belli Skincare, specifically designed for pregnant women, new moms and babies, is the only skin care product in the world that is teratology screened, making it one of the safest products for prenatal care. The skin care line has products to treat stretchmarks, diaper rash, and dark under-eye circles from all of those sleepless nights rocking the baby to sleep. Visit the line’s website for more info, product listings, and to shop their different lines; belli pregnancy, belli baby and belli motherhood.

Whether you’re trying to swaddle a finicky baby and prevent it from crying or you’re hoping to keep your baby comfortable and warm for naptime, SwaddleDesigns has created special Valentine’s day-inspired blankets. SwaddleDesigns are stylish baby blankets, putting a fashionable spin on baby essentials, which make a perfect gift for new parents. Loved by celebrities, like Tori Spelling and the Jolie-Pitts, they also have everything from zzZip Me Sacks, stroller blankets, and bibs to organic cotton or cashmere blankets and gift sets.

If you’re looking to buy something outside of the realm of the bedroom for your lady, Yahoo has compiled a list of wallet-friendly traditional gifts too. Everything from earrings to perfume and flowers (even suggested bouquets) are listed.

Him.

For the special man in your life cologne and watches are always a nice gift, but trying something new is always more exciting. If your guy is a sports fan but tickets are expensive and hard to come by, try some television packages. Comcast offers an NFL Network, college sports packages, and just about every other sport you can think of -so your better half will never miss a game and be able to watch from the comfort of his own couch. Check your local listings for prices online, (packages cost about $100).

If your guy isn’t into sports, electronics have been on sale since the economy took a turn for the worst. Online and branch stores are offering great deals on DVDs, blu-ray disk players, digital cameras and more. If he is somewhat of a male fashionista, Karmaloop, the trendy clothing, sneaker and accessory line, is also having a 30 percent off sale. Their items are good enough for Kanye West so they will be good for your man too.

Looking for a couples gift or want to share something together? Call up your local hotel and ask about overnight or weekend couples packages. It’s the off-season for hotels, and with the economy still at a low-point, hotels are doing everything they can to attract business. Couples packages often include couples massages, restaurant deals and of course, champagne.

Finally, for the couple who might not want to work things out, a new voicemail service, slydial, will be ideal. Slydial allows you to connect directly to someone’s voicemail, skipping the waiting, the ringing and the risk of your ex answering. The creator of the product, MobileSphere, has applications for iPhones, Blackberrys, and Windows Mobile. Since it’s launch just 3 months ago, slydial has had more than one million calls placed through the service. Just dial 267-SLYDIAL and follow the prompts.

Valentine’s Day is an age-old tradition; a day set aside for exchanging love with your partner via gifts or cards. ‚ Some may argue it’s another heterosexual “Hallmark” invention but according to a current poll on lesbian dating and community site PinkSofa.com, 93 percent of lesbians embrace it.

So how do most lesbians like to celebrate Valentine’s Day and what should you bestow upon your sweetheart to keep those flames burning? According to a third of the 1,700 lesbian respondents, the number one most wanted gift was a romantic weekend getaway.

If that’s out of the budget you could always consider the next two most popular wishes. Simply some loving kisses or, for something more rigorous, a full body massage with essential oils. ‚ For those more inclined in the kitchen she’d probably be content with a home-cooked candlelight dinner, an option more favored than taking her out for a meal.

If none of the above appeal your lover, you are starting to get into dangerous waters.‚  The rest of the preferences were chosen by 5 percent or less, although it seems hard to argue with their choice, ‚ who said they would love to receive a poem written just for them.

Surprisingly a dozen red roses, a champagne bubble bath or a box of chocolates are just not going to cut it. Forget the practical approach such as a hardware store gift certificate too, that will get you nowhere. And‚ don’t even surprise her with a ring, only 2 percent of women chose that option.

So, all things considered, it seems you need to save your pennies, pack the lip balm and candles, and get your maps out to start planning that weekend trip. If you combine the top four most popular Valentine desires you will be golden.

Looking more like eHarmony than a modern racing game, Electronic Arts is using Burnout: Paradise in a new marketing campaign targeting couples — very appropriate for Valentine’s Day.

With a series of YouTube videos, EA is driving home the point that couples who play together stay together.

“Today, EA has released nine viral videos on YouTube that are a spoof of the online dating commercials we all know and love,” said EA’s Mariam Sughayer. “These ESRB-approved ads are designed to create buzz around the game’s online social gameplay, its unique “mugshot” feature and the open world racing of Paradise City. It is also a great example of new and innovative ways companies are reaching consumers in the web 2.0 world.”

One of EA’s marketing minds, Lincoln Hershberger created the ads, so be sure to send him a Valentine!

Historically, February has been a time of declaration for many people around the world.

For example, in the US on February 2, Groundhog Day declares that winter’s end is or isn’t less then six weeks away. And in Brazil from February 2 through 5, Carnival declares a commitment of self-denial and commitment to God for the next 40 days. In the US on February 3, the Super Bowl declares the best team in football for the season. Mardi Gras is celebrated in the several countries to mark the end of the Christmas fortnight and the preparation of the Easter season. February 7 declares the Chinese New Year, and February is Black History Month.

Despite all that is declared during these 28 days, or 29 with the declaration of the leap year, they all pale to the declaration of love on February 14.

No matter who you are or if you believe that Valentine’s Day is a holiday made up to sell candy (cynic) or a true holiday of lovers (romantic) you can not deny the seduction and lure of a red heart filled with sweet treats.

This time is a really big time in relationships and how it is handled is (yes to my feminists I apologize but it is true) determined by the male partner. Please afford me a little stereotypical-ness, because I am speaking of traditions and historical behaviors. So if you see that you could be on of these types of guy or you are a woman with this type of man, and you want to make this year different and surprise her, I will include a few tips.

Let me ease the tension and say that you do not have to do this every year. Just like a woman will remember the bad things that you did for a long time, she will remember the good things even longer. So every few years do something great, but each year create a very sweet and romantic declaration that is all yours.

The Romantic Guy: you have a foothold on the sentimental and sensuous. The rose petals and candlelit dinners are all great and wonderful. To add to the phenomena try to find out things about her (by asking her not her friends or family) that you may have overlooked in the past. For example, when she is alone, what does she do? Does she like to read or knit…? Or is there some hobby that she used to have or would like to take up?

Make her a coupon book for twelve 1 hour intervals that she can spend uninterrupted by, kids or you to enjoy her interest or get her a subscription to a magazine that covers her topic. (This has an added bonus of a year long romantic notion that will do well for you in many positions, I mean ways!) If she likes the diamonds and all don’t skip it, just add a little something. It will be worth the effort.

The attire for this couple is all about the deep reds and pink, from lingerie to a formal dress. Dinner should be a slinky dress that emphasizes all of her assets. For him it should be a fitted dress tee and sport coat with slacks that emphasizes the gluts just a bit. (yes guys we are looking at your tushie too.)

The Got You Already Guy: you are clueless and need the most help of all. You think that because at some point you caught some unsuspecting woman off guard does not mean that your job is done for the rest of the relationship. Relationships require that what you do to get a girl is what you must do to keep her. So Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show her that you value her in some way. Just showing up everyday is not enough. Take the sentimental journey and buy her the same type of flowers that you bought on your first date or take her to the restaurant that you met at or something like that. Then give her an affordable piece of jewelry that she can wear daily. This will remind her of that one time that you were so sweet to her and she will forgive you for being "stupid" and "taking her for granted again."

This date night should be as dressy or as casual as the date that you are reincarnating. Keep the surprise intact (important for the best impact) just say we are going out on Valentine’s and you should dress like — then pick an outfit that you have seen her wear. Try to be vague and don’t have her in raggedy jean and a tee when she needs to have on great jeans and a hot top. She is going to want to feel beautiful to you that night so no wondering eyes!

Mr. Forgetful: you are very sweet indeed but forget the most important times to a woman. To avoid missing that important date plan ahead by pre-buying gifts for each occasion. There are stores that you can order from select a ship date that will have it to her on time. The big thing is do it while you are thinking about it. Forgetting is a very hurtful thing. The woman will believe that she is not important to you and that is why you just forgot!

Send her notes weeks in advance if you want to go out. Tell her how to dress and to call you with a sexy message before she starts to get ready for the date. This will serve as a reminder for you and get the romance started before you two even see each other for the date. One thing that Mr. Forgetful never forgets is how much he loves his woman and it always shows and this will be the best accessory for your date. She will start to feel as special to you as you know that she is. It will be magical!

Mr. It Is Just Another Day: you need a reality check. Yes everyday is just another day. But some days are special and even if she agrees with you (with her mouth) that it is just another day: she does not feel that way. If your woman likes to look nice then she wants to feel special. She wants that big bouquet of flowers to show up and something special at home waiting. Woman like everyone to know that they are loved and special and this is the day that you can make that happen. Sending flowers on non special occasions sends the wrong message (like, I’m sorry or I’m in the dog house).

You are not sticking it to the man, you are sticking it to you woman. To make both of you comfortable make it a casual date night. See a movie in or out in jeans or pajamas. If you don’t wear pajamas make a cute tee shirt for her and boxer briefs for you in the appropriate themed attire. Just make it special. She will never forget it.

Mr. Selfish: you are good hearted but going to a football game or hanging out with you and the boys at a sports bar is not a good Valentine’s date. Your relationship is about you and your woman not her and all of you all. Hanging out is great and the fact that she does not mind the gang is awesome and she is truly a rare find.

If Valentine’s fall out on hang out night, take her to an early dinner and do something romantic and give her the gifts that you have selected for her and then you both go hang out with the gang. She will have something to brag to her girls about and she will feel special the entire night. No matter how out of control you and the night may get, she will have that loving look in her eye.

Dress casual for this date. Jeans are perfect with a printed tee and a sweater. This will make her feel that you dressed up a little for the date but you will still feel great and not have to sacrifice a great night that you both enjoy anyway!

Remember this is a time to declare something. You are going to declare, she is mine or she is not. Whichever you decide do it in style.

Blast’s fashionista, Elle Bowman, guides you through the hardest part of dating for some, getting dressed.

The Valentine’s Date Outfit Guide for Her

For an upscale affair, the little black dress is always a winner. Want a spicy, jaw-dropping look that will make that special someone notice you? Make it caliente with red, which is commonly looked upon as the color of love and passion. You will stand out in a room swarming with little black dresses. For this type of affair, keep the outfit traditional but add accessories to give it a special touch. For example, turn a hot necklace into a belt, wear appropriate but awesome shoes and carry an over-the-top purse. Make it your outfit, not the designer’s.

A casual chic affair, like a club or classy restaurant has much fewer restrictions, but let the jeans stay home tonight. Step it up a bit by wearing form-fitting fabrics that bring out your feminine charm. This date is about him being the man and you being the woman. The right clothes will give you a really flirty approach to the evening and you’ll have a great time. Love comes when you least expect it, so just enjoy the evening and let the chips fall where they may.

On a casual date, pair a sexy low-cut top of a soft, feminine color with the most flattering jeans you can find. Finish the look with amazing black pumps. The silhouette that you create will give you a taller, slimmer look. No one will be able to resist staring at this fabulous you. Couple it with a fashionable handbag and a pair of sunglasses.

The Valentine’s Date Outfit Guide for Him

Upscale, black-tie events for a man require a suit or tux. There is no way around it! Make yourself stand out with red accessories. If you have the personality to pull off wearing red shoes, it might get you the girl that likes that sort of thing. Select a cologne that smells great on you, this will definitely give you added sex appeal.

A man on a casual/chic date should wear dress slacks, a crew neck shirt and leather slip-on shoes as a foundation. A button-down shirt on top of the crew neck creates the boy next door look. A blazer for a power look, and a leather jacket makes for a bad boy look. Prefer a more urban feel? Add a ¾ length jacket. This creates a place to start that has endless possibilities. The tailored jeans are still in, and a nice jacket will complete the look.

The accessories that you select makes all the difference in the world: choose a Tag Heuer or Fossil watch, a platinum ring and a belt and shoe color that match and you’re good to go.

Casual date attire begins with jeans and a white t-shirt, and you build from there. This is a great foundation to achieve a variety of looks. Adding a button-down shirt with just the bottom few closed will get you a preppy look. Add an oversized button-down to get a street look. You can go with a black leather jacket and black square toe slip-on shoes for a more manly look.

Decide what look that you want to have and add the accessories that make the grade. Eyewear/sunglasses can add a certain level, if that’s what you’re going for. She’ll be trying hard to impress you, so try to match the effort.

As Valentine’s Day stirs feelings of love and lust, give the object of your affection a gift they’ll never forget. The Sexy Gift of the Month Club provides an innovative way to surprise your special someone and bring spice into your relationship.

Blush Group LLC, provides its customers with ‘the art of sensual living’. Is this group the sponsor of the gift club or what? Creator Miller Canning’s idea was to design products that make her customers feel good. In addition to selling sex-related items, she offers gifts like sweet smelling soaps, bubble baths and an urban strip aerobics DVD led by a fitness expert.

“Our company tries to stay away from novelty items and focus on helping women and couples find quality products to enhance their sex lives,” said Canning.

Blush’s gift clubs are its signature items and have become the pillar of its success. Blush’s initial club, The Dirty Book Club, provides customers with a new, erotic book each month. While The Dirty Book Club satisfies customers’ reading pleasures, The Sexy Gift of the Month Club, provides customers with a sexy surprise to look forward to.

Imagine receiving a present every month that delights one of the five senses. Blush offers four, different packages of sexy gifts to bring excitement into the bedroom. Choose from the "Mood Setter" ($35.00), "Romantic Surprises" ($40.00), "Erotic Adventures" ($50.00), or "Premium" ($115.00). After starting the club in December 2005, the club has earned fans.

"I think the club appeals to anyone who wants to explore their sexuality, but is nervousabout going into a public store where they can be seen," said Canning. "Also, I think people who view sex as play and sensuality as something that is on the inside aremore apt to choose the club."

On the other hand, the Sexy Gift of the Month Club seeks to help customer’s become more open to their sexuality.

"It’s a great opportunity to not be responsible for pushing a partner to try something that he or she normally might not have tried. A recipient can just say, ‘hey, it’s here, so let’s try it.’ We give them the freedom to test boundaries with little embarrassment or guilt," added Canning.

With household sex toy parties on the rise and more and more people becoming interested in freely expressing their sexuality, the Sexy Gift of the Month Club provides a new outlet for eroticism.

"Typically people order 3-6 months, but we love the folks who re willing to try new products for a year. I think you get more variety and many more options to explore," said Canning. Best sellers include the "Original Rabbit Pearl," ($78.00) "Lily," ($134.00) "Accuvibe," ($68.00) as well as "O’My Natural Lubricant" ($16.50/$26.50) and a striptease dance DVD, "Strip To It" ($24.00).

"When I watch an Oprah show that is covering sexuality I listen to her audience and see how well our products map to their needs," said Canning.

The Sexy Gift Club of the Month aspires to make every day feel like Valentine’s Day and every relationship feel exciting and sensual.

"Imagine a surprise once a month that reminds you to slow down…or speed up," said Canning.

A look at Sean and Cat, our hot young couple gracing the cover of Blast Magazine, in February.

We have Valentine’s Day to worry about this month, but Blast has you covered with gift ideas and tips and a candy/dessert gallery to die for. We also had Sean and Cat act out a fight–so it’s just the perfect Valentine’s Day!

We know that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about roses and chocolate, and for many, it can be downright miserable. We wanted to do something different this month related to relationship interaction.

Something that captured the essence of V-Day and the hype over finding the right gift and booking the correct restaurant. We wanted to change it up.

So we had our models fight.

Enjoy.

Captions/text by John Guilfoil, photos by Aram Boghosian, both of the Blast Magazine staff