Every year, just as we dismantle and stow away our synthetic Christmas trees, store shelves are already being weighed down with Valentine's Day gifts,er, paraphernalia … stuffed animals, furry handcuffs, foil-wrapped chocolate hearts and glittery greeting cards ... all in mass abundance. (I'm sure this garish pink and red chaos can be seen from the sky!)

With it all comes a sense of obligation to one's partner; a feeling that it is morally imperative to stand in line at the checkout with plastic devil horns, foil balloons, a bunch of gerberas and a box of "privates"-shaped pasta spilling from our arms.

But amid the excessively kitsch merchandise, two Valentine's Day gifts have endured the ages -- chocolates and roses -- both for their sweet smell, and for their uncanny ability to press our biological "feel good" buttons. Both gifts are often anticipated and duly welcomed, but have a very short shelf life … not so much a token of your undying, everlasting love after all, are they?

Hence, in commemoration of Valentine's Day 2011, Perfume.org has gathered a small selection of perfumes for him and her that feature chocolate and/or rose fragrance notes. This is your shortlist of lasting perfumed gifts to bestow upon your beloved (and gents, your opportunity to avoid aisle upon aisle of girly pink hideousness)!

VALENTINE'S GIFTS FOR HER

Stella McCartney - Rose Absolute
This is British designer Stella McCartney's interpretation of rose, with the volume turned up to 10! A dewy rose plays a starring role here in a chorus of feminine florals, while a dark amber understudy waits quietly in the wings. This perfume manages to stay contemporary, sexy and infinitely chic. Pop a bottle of Rose Absolute perfume in with some sexy lingerie to add some Va Va Voom! to your Valentine's!

Comptoir Sud Pacifique - Amour de Cacao
Chocolate-lovers of the world, brace yourselves! Amour de Cacao is an olfactory overdose of mouth-watering chocolate, sweet vanilla, orange zest and shimmering star fruit. This decadent eau de toilette is finger-licking good … spritz it on with a friend who is greedy to be gobbled!

Victor & Rolf - Flowerbomb La Vie en Rose
In celebration of the fifth birthday of Flowerbomb perfume, Victor & Rolf released Flowerbomb La Vie en Rose … a youthful twist on the lip-smacking original. Centifolia rose has been added to the mix, and the fruity aspects of the original fragrance tweaked to produce this tender-hearted scent in a darling candy-pink flacon. One that will win hearts for its rarity and romantic joie de vivre.

VALENTINE'S GIFTS FOR HIM

Bvlgari - Blv Notte Pour Homme
A mysterious fragrance for men that fills the night with promise. A beating heart of dark chocolate works in unison with zesty ginger, luxurious woods and gin juniper to create a fragrance that will have you leaning in for more.

Davidoff - Zino Davidoff
A complex and compelling scent focused around rose, Zino Davidoff cologne is a masculine powerhouse in the same vain as Chanel's Antaeus … lush herbaceous accords, soft florals, light woods, patchouli, amber and vanilla all furnish this perfume with an air that is both rugged and warmhearted.

Guerlain - L'Instant de Guerlain Pour Homme
The celebrated house of Guerlain has created perfume perfection in its time, and L'Instant Pour Homme is as good as it gets. A profound blend of citruses, soft florals, sandalwood and bitter cocoa bean makes for an exceptional eau de toilette reminiscent of spiced chocolate jaffa cake. With fathomless depth and character, L'Instant Pour Homme is an instant head-turner!

Now you're armed with the information you need to give the thoughtful and enduring gift of perfume this year, but with a tip of the hat to tradition.

Happy Valentine's Day!