Valentine's on a budget - for boys

Pink roses are said to signify grace; red are for love but yellow ones indicate infidelity (Getty)

Time flies when you’re having fun – or when you’re not stressing over flowers or chocolates. We’ve all been there, and we’ve all said: “Screw it, I’ll just get both.”

That time of the year when all men in relationships cringe is just round the corner - Valentine’s Day.

Ironically, time is what we men don’t have come the day: everything seems to happen too quickly and the pressure is well and truly on. There are films, books and eager girlfriends dropping hints on what to do every year to make it special – yet we still panic.

Congratulations to the thoughtful, well prepared and loving boyfriends who have got Valentine’s Day already sorted. I’m sure you will be rewarded. However to the rest of you guys, here are a few ideas on what you can do to spoil the mrs this year.

If you want to keep it simple, you can never go wrong with a big bouquet of flowers, chocolates, a bear and a mug. Online discounts and voucher codes can be found all over the web - here, for instance.

Some women may love a man who takes control, but don’t let that be an excuse for you not to listen to what your partner wants. You have to do what appeals to your girlfriend; if she likes to go out to eat, that’s a good place to start. There are lots of fancy restaurants with set valentine menus for a romantic evening. If you’re on a budget try home cooking, she won’t expect a Gordan Ramsey dish but it’s the ‘little things’ she’ll appreciate.

Students are eligible to apply for Taste Cards which give you 50 per cent off or 2 for 1 deals at thousands of UK restaurants for just £79.95 per year, after a free 30 day trial.

The theatre is always a winner, but sadly, Valentine’s Day is on Thursday this year, as there are a few guys out there who would have tried to go the cinema with an Orange Wednesday code. There are plenty of shows in the West End with reasonable prices starting from £20, but you better book soon before someone else beats you to it ().

For all the men out there who don’t like the idea of Valentine’s Day but want to treat their partner, consider spa breaks. Get rid of her! Send her away with her best friend on an all-inclusive package deal. With discount websites like Groupon offering up to 80 percent off on deals you can find an affordable romantic getaway.

“You’ve been working hard lately, you really deserve a break. I want to treat you to some pampering time; I’ve got you two tickets to a spa – look they even do those massages you like.”

She’ll be out the door before you know it and you’ll have the day to yourself to banter all your friends about how whipped they are.

Going to a spa with your girlfriend would be good for you too as well mind you – you’ll score major brownie points.

Finally surprise her; no one will know your girlfriend better than you do – I hope. There must be something she’s said before that you can spoil her with. Sometimes it’s the little things that have the biggest effect - a framed photo of you two and a bottle of champagne.

Aw, you remembered

Forget ‘I love you’ these three words are more important, if she says that you’ll have her eating out of the palm of your hand.

Good luck boys – you’ll need it.