Wish List: A guide to the minefield that is Valentine’s Day gifts

What with it being Valentine's Day this week, we have nothing to wish for ourselves, so we thought we'd turn our attention to our other halves

No matter what stage of your relationship you're at, buying gifts on Valentine's day can be a bit of a minefield for anyone, in particular if it's still early doors and you don't want to go overboard too soon. If the relationship is still fresh then you want to get something romantic that will get you in the good books, and if you're in it for the long haul then something a bit more fancy is needed. Thankfully, one of our intrepid JOEs went along to Brown Thomas this week and was given a step by step guide on how to buy and what to buy, no matter what your budget. You can start with a few classics, like flowers and a few chocolates, or maybe even cupcakes (€8.00) from a pop-up shop in the iconic Dublin department store. So that's the first stage sorted. If you've only been going out a few weeks or so, then a bottle of pink champagne (€46) and a few nibbles should do the trick. There are also a few fun items that will be a popular gift, like these Marc Jacobs phone covers. They tick the box of being a thoughtful gift as well as bringing some designer cred, but they're not going to break the bank and they're lighthearted too. If you want to be a bit more extravagant but still stick to a classic gift, then By Killian Perfume (€188) is proving to be a hugely popular fragrance, and has an interesting back story. It's made by the grandson of the Hennessy family, of cognac fame, and there's a wide variety of scents and fragrances available. Valentine's Day is a time for romance, in particular for those in longer-term relationships, and while it can be a bit of a challenge, buying lingerie is definitely a gift that will get you brownie points if done well. There are a few hurdles to overcome, and we were given plenty of tips. First of all, never guess the size. You might have to have a quick rifle through her delicates drawer to make sure that you've got the details, but it's worth the trouble. Secondly, try and pick something that's not too off the wall in comparison to her usual style. The Lingerie Rooms at BT have a huge selection of styles and sizes, from the luxurious Myla set (pictured: €135, €80) to a range of lingerie from Elle Macpherson, Calvin Klein, Passionata and anyone else you can think of. If you're really pushing the boat out and you've been in your relationship a while and this Valentine's Day you want to spoil that someone special, then we have been reassured that only one name should be on your lips: Manolo Blahnik (€740). Apparently that means something about Sex and the City and that carry on, but this is at the top of most lists on February 14th. Of course, jewellery is another gift that is a timeless classic, and with the Annouska range, you can get a beautiful chain (€550) or pendant (€400), that can be added to with extra charms and pieces, a gift that keeps on giving, as it were. And finally, there are accessories, handbags, scarves and plenty more choices that can suit any budget, whether you want to spend €50 or €5000. For more info, check out the Brown Thomas wesbite or any of their Stores in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway