Belated Valentine’s Day

Sending a last-minute IOU will help get you out of the doghouse this year.

Valentine’s Day gets a bad rap as a Hallmark holiday, but the same can be said for any gift-giving occasion, right? It’s never too late to show some love, so keep dropping hints with a Gift Hero wish list, even if those gifts come in the form of an IOU.

Another Valentine’s Day stereotype is that women are the only ones on the receiving end of the gifts. Debunk that myth with an embossed leather utility pouch, wooden heart guitar pick, or — yes — even a bouquet made of salami.

The way to a man’s heart.

Score some brownie points with something sweet, like a fun bouquet-of-flowers-turned-cake, set of cookie sticks to share, or the all-time-favorite chocolate-covered strawberries.

Nothing spells love like F-O-O-D.

She’s more likely to forgive your tardiness when the gift is personalized, like a cupid’s arrow necklace, GPS coordinates print, or a Mad Libs–style book. Remind her it’s the thought that counts.

All is forgiven when you’ve gone the extra mile.

Of course, the excuse to end all excuses is the delivery truck was full/got lost/got in an accident, so don’t delay ordering those flowers. They’ll be fresh and appreciated, no matter when they get here. (Just don’t try to blame it on the dog if they come a day or two late.)

You can’t go wrong with flowers, no matter when they arrive.

So unless you want to pay through the ringer for overnight shipping, simply mark the gift as “Confirmed,” and assure your significant other that love is on its way.