Valentine's Day gift ideas: Homes

Granted, on its own, a frame makes for a very uninspiring present. But pick up an ornate vintage-looking frame like this one, and pop a favourite photo of you and your lover together, or a handwritten love note that you've kept from the early days of your romance, and suddenly it becomes a lot more personal and thoughtful.

Painted pewter vintage frame, £15
Buy online at heals.co.uk
Photograph: PR

Artist Rob Ryan produces some of the most romantic paper-cut prints around - but with one piece costing hundreds of pounds, it could break the average Romeo's bank. But you can still share his heartfelt messages with one of his beautiful wooden keys, laser-cut with whimsical messages. Build up a little collection and hang on the wall. Very romantic.

Rob Ryan keys, £18 each
Buy online at tate.org.uk
Photograph: PR

The whole vintage hearts thing may not be to everyone's taste, but this Jan Constantine folksy cushion is super-soft, bright and chirpy - and something that even a guy might agree to have in his room.

Patchwork cushion, £80
Buy online at johnlewis.com
Photograph: PR

Don't want to give red roses? Then give her one that will last forever, in the form of this tapestry rose cushion by design duo Lulu & Nat, stocked at ubercool SCP.

Rose cushion, £86.85
Buy online at scp.co.uk
Photograph: PR

It's Le Creuset but doesn't cost the earth, it's heart-shaped, and it's very, very cute. Fill with little candies or something sugarcoated for extra brownie points. It also happens to be the perfect size to hold a dainty piece of jewellery in it too ... (just a thought)

Heart ramekin, £6
Buy online at johnlewis.com Photograph: PR

Say it in miniature with this cool paperweight. Available in a stylish subtle brushed aluminium or a bolder red (well, it is Valentine's, after all).

Mini Love sculpture, £60
Buy online at tate.org.uk Photograph: PR

Love is ... a heart-shaped nutcracker by Alessi, obviously. An unnecessary kitchen gadget to make him or her smile.

Nutcracker, £10
Buy online at scp.co.uk Photograph: PR

OK, so this may be a chopping board, but it doesn't mean it has to be used as a chopping board. Offer it as an earthy, natural gift to hang on the wall or above a door. You could even go one step further and etch both your initials on it, although that could risk overdoing it in the cuteness stakes.

Acacia wood heart chopping board, £8
Buy online at johnlewis.com Photograph: PR

Pop this in an Ikea Riba frame and hang it on that blank wall she's always complaining about. Hopefully she'll notice it's there.

Love print, £38
Buy online at boldandnoble.com Photograph: PR

... or make the bed (go on) and change the linen while you're at it. Pop these covers on for some pillow talk.

Pair of pillow covers, £29
Buy online at lushlampshades.co.uk Photograph: PR