Needless to say -- though people usually feel the need to say it anyway -- Valentine's Day is pretty lame. Crowded restaurants, irresponsibly-grown-shipped-from-afar flowers and widespread red stuffed animal silliness in South Philly's legendary seasonal window displays (OK, those can stay) all contribute to an icky and decidedly unromantic whole. 

But it doesn't have to be that way! Start simple and just do something nice for someone you love. Here are a couple creative gift ideas for the world's least creative holiday:

Nothings says supportive like helping your sweetie cultivate her inner geek. Girl Develop It Philly offers a series of coding classes and SEO workshops at a reasonable price. This is a great surprise for any nascent blogger or tech-curious dabbler.

If your boo is more hands-on, how about a membership to NextFab's gorgeous new fabricating facility on Washington Avenue? Community memberships can be had for as little as $30 per month.

Then there's the gift that no urbanite could possibly refuse: A pack of SEPTA tokens. (You can even buy them online!) It's the gift that literally takes you places. And you might as well start getting nostalgic for them now -- our vintage coin-based system is (thankfully!) on its way out.

Of course, in the deepest dark of winter, a dream of spring is all it takes to warm the heart. If you fancy to secure a spot in one of the city's community gardens for your beloved, now is the time to get aggressive. The Pennsylvania Horticulture Society has a fairly comprehensive map. 

If you're not lucky enough to secure one of those for your precious, then think smaller. Like seeds. Happy Cat Farm, based in Kennett Square, sells dozens of gorgeous heirloom varieties. Try proprietor Tim Mountz's own beloved tomato cross-breed, Black Krim, a gorgeous, funky, salty beast.

Looking to spend a bit more green on your man? Let him have one of the most quintessential Philadelphia experiences there is -- getting a suit tailored by the legendary Pat Scioli. Working out of a storefront on East Passyunk Avenue, the master tailor is quite the, um, character. He's also a genius. (What do you expect from a man who can cut clothes for both Andy Reid and Desean Jackson?) This is truly an act of love, and the result will be a timeless piece of clothing and a great story.

Of course, you could also just throw your hands in the air and buy a box of John & Kira's exquisite locally-produced chocolates. Even the most cynical among us couldn't refuse one of those. 

LEE STABERT is managing editor of Flying Kite.