It's nearly Valentine's Day! But what will you buy the special person in your life to show them just how much you care??

Why not try to keep it local this year, and get your gift from one of our fantastic local shops.  Whether you want a traditional bunch of beautiful red roses, or are looking for something a little different there are some great shops locally where you're guarantee to find the perfect present.

For the traditionalists, Flowers by 4Occasions has to be the place to get the freshest roses, hand picked by the very experienced Neil to guarantee their quality.  Whether you want to keep it simple with a single bloom, go overboard with a full bouquet of 12, or want to accompany your flowers with a beautiful vase or a special little ornament, your Valentine will definitely feel very special with anything from this colourful and vibrant shop in Codnor.

If your Valentine is a lover of art or crafts, then the place for you is Muse Gallery in the lovely village of Heage.  Owner Mandy Ahlfors has recently been acclaimed as one of the top 100 greatest living artists in the world, and her style and taste cannot be disputed. As well as a number of her own original works in a variety of different themes and styles, Mandy stocks a beautiful range of really popular hand crafted items from local artists. Not sure what your lovely Valentine would prefer? Mandy offers gift vouchers for anything in her shop, or for any of the many themed workshops she runs throughout the year.

Or for a gift from the home of the goddess of love, it wouldn't be Valentine's without a trip to the amazing Magic and Moonbeams in Heanor.  With lotions, potions and elixirs from the original Love Goddess range, ethnic trinkets and gifts, gemstones, crystals and much more, or therapies to give your valentine the gift of relaxation and healing. Again, if you can't decide or want your valentine to be able to choose, Magic and Moonbeams also do gift vouchers for any of their gifts or therapies.

For more inspiration, or for a different type of Valentine's present altogether, why not check out all of our other recommended businesses?

Highlife kitchens could transform your home with a full new kitchen or bedroom, or they can breathe new life into your old units with new worktops and doors. Or how about an extension, or some home decorations or renovations from our friends at Imperial, now that would be a present that couldn't be forgetten in a hurry!

Give your Valentine the gift of independence, or maybe the opportunity for that perfect new job when you buy them driving lessons from Richard at Classic Driving School. Or if he/she can already drive and loves his/her car, why not speak to Junior at Custom Automotive Styling Solutons and get a very classy tint on the windows or some stylish vinyl wrapping to make his/her car really stand out from the crowd.

Or for a really personal present, how about a professional photograph from the very talented Jane Stapleton Photography (yes, they don't just do schools!) with your pose beautifully framed by Anita and her team at Outframed in Ripley?

Of course, many of you might be planning a romantic meal for you and your valentine.  For a really special treat and a feeling of opulence without the price tag, why not book a table at the fantastic Horsley Lodge, our very own local golf and hotel resort nestling in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside.  With a 4 course gourmet menu at just £29.95 per person, and special rates on rooms for the occasion, this could really be a Valentine's night to remember.

Or if you're shunning the traditional romantic night for a fun fancy dress party, you've got to pop in to see Elaine or Sarah at thebestof's newest member, The Event Place.  No more ordering costumes that don't fit over the internet, or raiding your parent's wardrobe for a make-do outfit! Be the talk of the town with one of the hundreds of top quality, well fitting and totally authentic costumes from our very own fancy dress and party wear experts.

Thebestof has loads of options for you to choose from, all from local businesses, and all highly recommended by other local people just like you.

Whatever you decide to do this Valentine's day, we hope that it's a day full of love and togetherness that lasts the whole year long.

And of course, once the special day is over, don't forget to leave a review for your favourite local business so everyone else will know just how great they are, and don't forget to tell the businesses that you saw them on thebestof Heanor and Ripley

Happy Valentines's Day Heanor and Ripley!