Valentine's Day is around the corner. So what do you get her this year?  Maybe you're tired of doing the same old "red roses and a box of chocolates" thing and you want to make this year a Valentine's Day she'll remember without spending a fortune.
Here are the top three things every woman wants for Valentine's Day.  You may be surprised!
1.  A Show of Effort
Women want to know that their man has put some thought and energy into making their Valentine's Day special.  They want to see that there was time spent in preparation for the evening.  It's not about how much money you spend.  In fact, it's better to have spent more time than money on Valentine's Day.
Plan an evening that requires a little forethought, and preparation.  Women know if you just stopped at the local convenience store to pick up some roses on your way over.  Give her a night dedicated to her wants and desires - not just something thrown together at the last moment.
2.  Proof You Listen to Her and Know What She Likes
As a man, one of your most important jobs in your relationship is to listen to your woman.  Women drop clues on a constant basis in everyday talk.  For example, if the two of you are out shopping, she might see a bunch of tulips, and say "I just love tulips!  Pink tulips are my favorite flower."  One of the best things you can do is hear that information, remember it, and use it at a later time. 
Then on Valentine's Day buy her pink tulips instead of the standard red roses. Chances are she will be so impressed that you even knew she likes pink tulips, because she forgot she said it, or even that you remembered all this time, and that you went to the trouble to surprise her with her favorites.
This can apply to anything including a certain food she loves but never indulges in, a hotel or retreat she'd like to take with you, a piece of jewelry she adores but would never spend the money on herself, or maybe something off beat like she's always wanted to learn ballroom dancing - Sign the two of you up for lessons.  There are many ways to make Valentine's Day memorable if you just listen.
3.  Pamper Her
All women love to be pampered.  Some may not be used to it, or not even know what they like, but I promise you all women will love it.  A gift certificate to the spa is not the same.  Here's why - When you pamper a woman you are taking care of her, you are making her feel good, and by you doing the pampering you are showing your love.  So how should you pamper her?  Every woman likes different things more than others, so don't be afraid to ask her ahead of time.  Here are some suggestions to get you started.
You could make a bubble bath for two complete with candles and champagne.  If she's not a bath girl, you might consider buying a small bottle of massage oil, have her get into her bath robe and give her a back massage.  If she's a woman that spends her days on her feet, you may want to give her a pedicure. 
Remember that however you pamper her it should be done for her enjoyment alone.  It should not be used solely as a way to get her warmed up for sex.  If she leads it that way, then all the better, but go into it with the intention of just making her feel good.  Women can sense when they are being primed for sex, and when it is a genuine act of kindness.
The key is to listen to her, find out what she really likes, and plan an evening that caters to her.  Surprise her with her favorite things instead of the typical Valentines roses, chocolates, and teddy bears. And, spend time and effort to make this Valentine's Day a night she will remember and brag to her friends about.