Well, it’s Valentine’s Day everyone. And before you spring from your seat, shimmy down your drainpipe and then garden-wall vault your way to the nearest florists, we thought it would be fitting to take a look at some of the best Valentine’s Day adverts in recent years.

And you never know, this may give you some last-minute ideas on what to get your loved one(s). On the otherhand, maybe not…

6. The Portuguese Cardiology Foundation: I (heart) you

Okay, maybe a surprise inclusion in this list, but it sneaks in because, well, it’s a good cause and it’s a very effective advert.

To mark Valentine’s Day and Coronary Patient Day, The Portuguese Cardiology Foundation produced this advert that is pretty much self explanatory. Very simple, but like many of the best adverts, this is why it’s so effective:

5. Avon: happy Valentine Day

Another simple, but effective advert. Avon, by its strapline’s own admission, is the company for women.

In this simple advert, a lady’s red alluring red lips greet any man who’s worrying about what to get their other half for Valentine’s Day. Worry no more, Avon’s here to save the day:

4. Nakshatra: she would love expensive lingerie

Not an advert by a lingerie company, but a diamond company. Just as De Beers managed to do with its ‘A Diamond is Forever’ campaigns, making diamonds the de facto choice for engagement rings, the diamond industry has also muscled its way into Valentine’s Day.

This advert from Nakshatra is witty and smart because its (not so) subtle positioning of the diamonds alludes to the female form. ‘nuff said:

3. Puma: love=football

Puma was entering dangerous territory with this one. With several English FA Cup matches coinciding with Valentine’s Day in 2010, Puma offered fans the chance to record and send a personalised video (by Facebook or email) to their loved one(s) to help soften the blow when they head off to watch the football. A good viral campaign, underpinned by this ‘Puma Hardchorus’ advert:

2. Heineken: wedding band/beer bottle

This advert wasn’t so much about a direct call to action on Heineken’s part, it was more of a topical tidbit for Valentine’s Day. And it cleverly ties ‘beer’ in with love.

This advert plays on dual imagery. So, at first you think ‘why is Heineken advertising jewellery’, but upon closer inspection you realise it’s actually the lip of a beer bottle. Excellent advert:

1.  Durex: have no surprises for children’s day

This is a great advert by Durex, advertising, erm, safe-play on Valentine’s evening. If you don’t, then you may well be celebrating Children’s Day nine months later, on November 14th: