[Terminal Est]

It is a fun and cute holiday, albeit rather superficial should you ask me.

Also, I am guessing it is probably derived from some age old cruel and barbaric practice and was eventually socially transmogrified, or that it stems from some naturally secular cultural activity that was imposed change by nonsensical religious accusations. Too lazy to look it up.

Either way, I believe the trick is to not get something just because this is what we do on the holiday. Find a present because you want to, and while sticking to tradition with flowers and heart shaped boxes of chocolate is always nice and sweet, get something a little more unique to go with it that your girlfriend will enjoy. Something just for her, along the standard present. It does not have to be super expensive either, you can get her a key chain, a stuffed cat (I always loved getting those for some reason.) or something anyway, that will show her that you know what she enjoys, and that you understand her personality.

Just a thought; appreciation for valentine's certainly does not have to abide to purchasing anything.