Men: Don't let the dreaded approaching holiday of hearts intimidate you.

That's right, Valentine's Day is right around the corner. You have seven days (or fewer) to find that perfect gift for your perfect someone. Whether you're a first time buyer or an expert, here are a few tips to ease and guide you through the process.

Tip #1: Good jewelry can be found downtown.

Employee Jamie Bauman at Moyer Jewelers Inc., 100 E. College Ave., said only a couple of students have been in the store looking for gifts.

"Normally, people are in a couple of days before," Bauman said. "Valentine's Day is more of a last-minute holiday."

While the store is not having any kind of Valentine's Day special, Bauman said the store always tries to keep its prices as low as possible.

"We have lots of gold and colored stones," Bauman said. "Garnets are good for Valentine's Day because they're red."

Another popular gift idea is the Pandora bracelet, Bauman said. It is a Danish charm bracelet to which girls can add, match and mix charms.

"That's a good gift for guys to get girls because they always have a gift for the next occasion," Bauman said.

Tip #2: Thoughtful cards are not overlooked.

At Isabella's Hallmark, 114 E. College Ave., employee Tiffany Morgan (sophomore-animal science) said the store's cards are especially unique. "We always have the cards that talk and say sentimental phrases," she said. "Our music cards are [also] really popular."

Employee Suzie Brinch (senior-hotel restaurant and institute management) said the store also provides a wide variety of possible gifts for students for the holiday.

"People always come in here to get candy and stuffed animals," Brink said. The store also carries many types of paintbrushes edible lotions and for the more adventurous gift-seeker.

Tip #3: Flowers are classy.

At Woodring's Floral Gardens, 145 S. Allen St., employee Michael Albright said a large number of students order flowers in advance, but a lot of students also come in on Valentine's Day, too. "It's best to order ahead," Albright said. "In case there is a problem with supplies."

While the store carries all sorts of flowers, ranging from lilies, daffodils, daisies and tulips, there is one flower that beats out the rest.

"I could pretty much answer it in one word -- roses," Albright said. "That's, by far, the most popular flower for Valentine's Day."

Although the rose might be the most traditional flower, it may not be the most economical, said owner Allen Baney, of Avant Garden, 242 E. Calder Way.

"Try to purchase other flowers," Baney said. "You get more flowers for your money, and they last longer than roses. Buy a mix of flowers for $50 rather than a dozen roses for $50."

Tip #4: Create your own box of chocolate.

Paul Jensen Jr., owner of Chocolate Madness, 224 E. Calder Way, said the store is stocked and ready for the Valentine's Day buyers. For anyone ordering chocolate strawberries, Jensen said students must pre-order them by Feb. 12. All other chocolate items are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

"Everyone's different," Jensen said. "Some people come in and buy a pre-made box of chocolate or some will come in and create a box."

The store will be selling a pre-made box of chocolate, which contains two peanut butter hearts and four pieces of heart-shaped milk chocolate for about $5. Also, the store has many other items to fill a gift basket with, Jensen said.

"Valentine's Day is a day to get your significant other that special something that they really like," he added.

Tip #5: Lingerie doesn't have to be complicated.

Jessie Stover, of Jezebel's Boutique, located on 366 E. College Ave., said from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jezebel's will be having their first Men's Night to allow male shoppers to purchase gifts for their female counterparts.

"This is a time for men to come and shop," Stover said. "We will have free food, drinks and gift wrap for them."

Girls can come in and fill out Jezebel's registry any time and this way, her boyfriend or friends know exactly what she wants, Stover said.

"This makes it really easy for the guy," she said. Stover also said the store carries hanky-panky silk roses for Valentine's Day, which consists of a silk rose with a thong wrapped over the flower petals. Besides the basic lingerie, the store also carries sleepwear, bath and body lotion, slippers, and body fondues.