Whoever said romance is dead was lying, it just wasn’t trendy for a while but it’s time to bring it back with some top romantic ideas that will let you show your partner how much you care for them without materialistic expenses. Get the fire back when you are dating in London.

1) Creativity

We’re not all blessed with a talent in artistic abilities but sometimes it’s just the attempt as well as the thoughtfulness that counts. Instead of buying that elaborately expensive birthday card for your partner, what about making your own, from scratch? You can include whatever you like on it, make it personal and include some in-jokes that are only shared between the two of you. It’s free, it’s extra special and it’s romantic.

2) Treasure Hunt

If you’re up before your partner or have work on their day off, get some sticky post-it notes and a pen and maybe chocolate or a small gift. Whilst their still asleep/or out of the house, write out a few post-it notes for you to stick around the flat for them to follow. Did you ever have easter egg hunts as a kid? Make it your own and something you think they’d enjoy. You could even make it sexual…

3) Secret

Most romantic ideas work through the element of surprise, so why not keep something a secret. No, I’m not saying keep stuff from your partner but have a plan in advance, whether it’s a weekend break for you both away, a day trip somewhere you’d both enjoy or even learning a new skill to surprise them with. It’ll be impressive and thoughtful.

4) Become a DJ

Not literally, but become one for your partner. If you’ve read the book (or seen the film) High Fidelity, you’ll be aware how important music be very personal for us. Why not make your partner a playlist, either rip it onto a CD or put it on their iPod without them knowing, with a message. It could be songs the two of you love, or something old school that’d remind them of their past. It’s a great gesture.

5) Seduction

Have you got comfortable in a relationship where having sex is just routine? Bring back some seduction! Just because you’re in love and comfortable with each other, does not mean you should stop making an effort. Guys, compliment your girlfriend on something specific, like a dress she wears or how she has her hair, make her feel special and that you notice them. Girls, stroke your guys ego, let him know that he’s the man.

6) Food

Other than sex, eating food with someone is the most intimate act you can do, because they both use all 5 senses at once. If you’ve not gone to a restaurant with your partner in awhile, find a new place and take them out. It does not have to be a special occasion. Or, cook for them, learn a new recipe and make it special. Some foods provide a great aphrodisiac but as you know your partner, make them something you know they love but may not have had in awhile.

7) Picnic

It might be simple but it’s romantic. With the warm weather we’ve enjoyed in London lately, what about surprising your partner for lunch with a picnic hamper and chilling out in a park. You can bring some tunes with you too and set the scene. Or if you don’t have time for a proper picnic, just take a walk in the park, talk to each other without distractions of home like television or the internet.

8) Tokens

Literally a token of affection, perhaps you are both very busy or just want to add something fun, get some paper or card and make some love tokens. It could be “I owe you one foot massage”, write some for yourself too to make it even and surprise your partner with it by asking them to pick a card out of a hat. You’ll both be rewarded!

9) Entertain

For those who love to read, buy a book that both of you will enjoy and take turns in reading it to each other. It’ll be a great alternative to the internet or television and it’s also quite intimate as you are listening to your partner tell you a story. Or, if you’ve got a great imagination yourself, write a story yourself that you think your partner would enjoy. Maybe drop it in their e-mail or write it out and leave for them to find.

10) Bodyguard

If your partner is going away, buy a little cuddly toy and put it in their luggage without them knowing, with a note saying that the toy is there to protect them whilst they’re away. Perhaps if the guy is going away, girls may need to use their sex appeal rather than a cuddly toy, like texting them a naughty photo of yourself, he’ll appreciate it.