Roses have carried Valentine's Day for so long that they have become almost automatic, which is exactly the problem. A dozen red roses is a safe gift, but a safe gift is rarely a memorable one. They also have a short life, look identical to what half the street received, and are often marked up sharply for the one day. A chocolate collection gift box collection sidesteps all of that.

More information is available at wedding favour chocolates.

One week out is for the details. Write the message, confirm the delivery address, and decide whether the gift is arriving on the day or a little before. Chocolate keeps, so a few days early is safer than cutting it fine.

The second week is for deciding format. A boxed assortment for the adults, a share bag for a family, individually wrapped pieces for colleagues and teachers. Settling this now means you order once rather than returning three times. The chocolates are handcrafted in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, where Mary Ann O'Brien started the company in 1992, and the range covers most of a gift list without needing to look elsewhere.

The fourth week is for the gifts you are giving in person. Buy them now, store them somewhere cool and dark, and they are ready whenever the diary throws up an occasion. This is also the moment to write cards while you still have the patience for it.

See more on this at dessert-inspired chocolate collection.