Of all the occasions for giving gifts, none seems as simultaneously beloved and maligned as Valentine's Day. Finding just the right gift can dredge up more angst than a first date, and all the unspoken rules can get in the way of finding something good. We've put this guide together to give you some ideas. And don't worry, we haven't forgotten that not everyone is half of a happy pair on Valentine's Day -- we've got ideas for your friends (or yourself), too. Click on the images and links to compare prices at HowStuffWorks Shopper.

Let's start with a new look at some old standbys.

Stuffed Animals
As soon as Christmas is over, heart-wielding stuffed animals show up all over the place. You can find them in the grocery store and the pharmacy, and you can get them for free with purchases from all kinds of retailers. But the free (or extra-cheap) version might not be greeted with joy. We recommend something like Gund's Snooky the dog, who is so cute we can even forgive the silly name. We also like the big red bow.

A more unique choice is Russ Berrie's Viola the Hippo. She has a bow, too, and that adds to the cute factor. Or, if you're looking for something really special, Steiff has all kinds of top-quality stuffed animals in a range of sizes.

Jewelry
It's hard to miss the ever-present "A Diamond is Forever." But if a diamond is beyond your means or your sense of global ethics, you have lots of other choices. A jade butterfly, for example,is a traditional Chinese symbol of love. We're particularly fond of these jade butterfly earrings.

Flowers
Most people consider flowers by the dozen to be a pretty foolproof choice for Valentine's Day. African violets, though, are just as pretty and will last a lot longer. Remember to water violets by putting the pot in a shallow dish and adding the water there -- violet leaves don't like to get wet.

Flowers, stuffed animals and jewelry aren't for everyone, so we'll look at some less "traditional" choices next.