You just got over the trauma of fighting the crowds to find the right Christmas gift, and as the time approaches to flip the first page on your new calendar, you find in bold letters: Valentine’s Day.

Now, the pressure is on. An attempt must be made to give the perfect gift of love.

This year, try something a little different and add some variety to the traditional gifts.

No one enjoys the same timeworn gifts from his or her love, and there isn’t any excuse that covers up another stale gift.

The overused, dozen red roses idea should be prohibited. Horticulture professor Mike Gaul suggests bulbs for a change of pace, such as tulips, daffodils and crocus.

They add a splash of color and when they die the bulb can be preserved and planted into the ground. He also suggests house plants such as a scheffler, fig, snake plant or rubber plant to add life to a room.

Another popular gift idea on Valentine’s Day is to exchange jewelry; however, if you are going to follow along these lines, be creative. A mass-produced gift from a chain store automatically looses its uniqueness.

Knowing that one million other significant others own that identical object is not going to be romantic. Get off the beaten path and look for a store that specializes in custom designs.

Since jewelry is one of the hottest item searches for a custom store, this shouldn’t be a difficult task.

“For Valentine’s Day most people come in and choose coordinating pieces which they may have bought for Christmas,” said Elise Craner, a co-store manager of James Meyer Co., a one of a kind, family-owned jewelry store in Williamsport, Penn.

“Heart pieces with pink tourmaline are most popular,” she said. “Every year about 15 to 25 pieces are added to the line, Jim [Meyer] takes a yearly trip to Italy, and from there the new designs are extracted and integrated within the jewelry.”

Locally, Ames Silversmithing is known for its custom jewelry.

Owner Gary Youngberg said earrings and pendants are the most popular for this holiday. A great alternative to the traditional ruby is a favorite garnet, and comes in alluring grassy green color, he said.

“Many people are surprised when I show them this stone because they assume it is a traditional red garnet,” he said. Youngberg’s staff consists of three designers and goldsmiths. They are continually designing new pieces, both on an individual basis and for the showcase.

Some say a $3 card is sufficient, while others spend hundreds of dollars on their Valentine. No matter whether you are casual aquaintences or have been married for 50 years, the gift should be uniquely from you.

Giving and receiving a custom gift shows all the effort, and alters the overall meaning, of the gift. Creativity is always around, but generally isn’t emphasized enough. With a spark of originality in your gift, love is sure to fly.