Valentine’s Day is really just like any other day.

If you take away the candy, flowers, cute stuffed animals and mushy cards, it would be another frigid February day.

But the glitz and glamour of Valentine’s Day is here to stay, and your significant other won’t be happy if you don’t get him or her something to celebrate.

The Journal of Consumer Research recently published a study by Stanford University, the University of California Berkley and the University of Chicago researchers suggesting that those who put off shopping until the last minute buy presents with the intentions of preventing a fight as opposed to wooing their lover.

This may very well be true, but if preventing a fight is as simple as getting a small gift or doing something slightly out of character, why not? It doesn’t even have to look like you’re trying to hoard off fits of angry yelling and a week of the silent treatment.

But by now, all of the flowers will most likely be picked over. Good luck trying to get reservations for dinner. Chocolates? Maybe.

It’s time to get inventive and creative — quick!

Last minute

“Crap, I’m broke” ideas:

Love coupons: Print a booklet of coupons for your significant other. Search for “love coupons” online and pick your favorites, or create your own.

Some examples for coupons include “a long sensual massage,” “a personal strip show” or “breakfast in bed.”

Staple them all together or bind them with some ribbon. You can even fulfill one or two coupons tonight.

Sticky note extravaganza: Sticky notes can be more romantic than they might seem.

For example, translate “I love you” into as many languages as possible — use an online translator for some help. Stick them all over the bathroom mirror or on your lover’s windshield.

Put together a sticky note scavenger hunt. Leave a trail of clues leading to you with dessert or a bottle of wine — or the aforementioned love coupons.

Last minute ‘I really did mean to woo you’ ideas:

Save-it-for-later date: Purchase tickets to an upcoming concert, sporting event or a play. Plan a couple’s spa day or a weekend getaway. Tell your sweetie with a card. He or she will be excited you were so thoughtful to plan something and that you get to celebrate Valentine’s Day twice.

A night in: Cook your significant other’s favorite meal. If your cooking skills are less than mediocre, order takeout and present the meal on ceramic plates instead of paper ones. Dirty up some pans and your lover might never know the difference.

Be sure to have dessert on hand — or make it together.

Add some candles and sexy music. Finish the night with a good movie or something a little friskier — a bubble bath or long massage.

Last minute ‘We’ve only been dating for a week-and-a-half’ ideas:

iTunes gift card: These take a lot less work than putting together an entire CD of romantic songs.

Also, if you’re in a big press for time, gift certificates can be purchased online at the iTunes store and printed from a personal computer. It’s so simple and useful; everyone enjoys new music, and there’s a good chance you can burn yourself a copy of whatever your honey buys.

Something practical and thoughtful: A thoughtful gift that has some practicality behind it won’t be creepy for a new love. Pick up a refill of his or her favorite perfume or cologne if it’s getting low, or order a subscription to his or her favorite magazine. You might also consider surprising your new flame with lunch at work or bringing coffee to a study session.

Last minute

‘This is for later’ ideas:

Drugstore flirtations: Head to Walgreens, Bartell Drugs or Rite Aid and pick up a sampling of sexy treats.

Your basket might include massage oil, scented candles, creamy lotions, bubble bath and body frosting.

Something a little more comfortable to slip into: If you know your significant other’s size, an undergarment is typically an easy, appreciated gift for Valentine’s Day that can’t go wrong.

Victoria’s Secret might be quite busy today, but they do not run out of bras and underwear. Stores such as Gap, American Eagle Outfitters and Zovo Lingerie also carry intimate apparel for women.

For men, Gap, American Eagle Outfitters, Lucky Brand Jeans, J. Crew and Banana Republic are all stores in where boxers can typically found.

Your celebrations don’t have to be dull, even if your only intent is to avoid an argument. Go out there and get a gift that looks like you put some thought and time into it. Chances are your lover will be thrilled and excited no matter what. Truth is, it really is the thought — not the time — that counts.