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Valentine's Day Special

Whether you love Valentine's Day or have a more cynic opinion on the day of lurve, one thing's for sure - there's no escaping it.

And in these financially challenging times, the strain on our budgets adds some extra pressure to the tricky task of finding the perfect present for your beloved.

But don’t despair, because good old Closer has come up with some cute and quirky ideas that take V-Day back to its’ romantic roots!

Fun, simple and easy on the wallet, what’s not to love?

Visit a film location

If you and your man are movie lovers, this will make for a fantastic day out! Visit the spot where Bridget Jones kissed Mark Darcy or find an area that featured in your ‘first date movie’!

It is fascinating to see these well-known locations in real life and walk around where your favourite actors played out some of the greatest romantic scenes of all times!

Go to www.movie-locations.com for more inspiration.

Let the funky music do the talking

Create a romantic playlist that features songs that are meaningful to your relationship and burn them on a CD or go retro with a mixed tape.

You could also dedicate a song to your partner on the radio - just make sure they don't miss it!

Be old-fashioned

A survey by voice-to-text service SpinVox has revealed that 1.6million British men will follow into the romantic footsteps of Shakespeare, Keats and Byron by writing their own love poems this Valentine's day.

If you want to surprise your man with a beautifully worded poem yourself but don't know where to start, simply visit www.moblog.net/RecessionRomeos/ for help!

SpinVox has teamed up with Christopher Mulvey, emeritus professor of English at the University of Winchester to provide a helpful five step guide for wannabe Wordsworths.

Other classic romantic alternatives are to carve your initials in a tree or to write an old fashioned love letter and mail it. Sometimes simple gestures say so much more...

Get gaming

Crank open your Xbox for a fun-filled night in. Challenge your man to sing a romantic duet with you - Xbox has put together a special Valentine's Day collection of love songs, including Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman's "Somethin' Stupid" and Estelle's "No Substitute Love".

If karaoke's not your thing, you can also download a variety of classic romantic films and sexy music videos from the Xbox LIVE.

Not got one? Shame on you! Head to our special Valentine's Day competition to win the super-cool console plus a limited edition red controller, and make your man very happy indeed!

Food of love

Cook up a storm and add some extra va-va-voom with foods that will not only stimulate your tastebuds but also boost your libido!

So-called aphrodisiacs are full of vitamins that will get your hormones going, so prepare a meal that’s full of sexy foods like salmon, strawberries and dark chocolate (maybe not in the same dish though).

Nutritionist Fiona Kirk has compiled a guide to the best Valentine's Day dishes and cocktails – all easy to prepare and friendly on the purse.

Love, Closer xxx

P.S.: If you are currently single, planning to be solo again by February 14th or find yourself surprisingly back on the market, check out www.thebeargetsit.com