It's that time of the year when love is in the air. Some go for flowers, some for chocolates and others for cards. But this Valentine's Day, many are giving to their loved ones something truly precious - time.

"The day (Valentine Day - Feb 14) is special because it is meant to celebrate togetherness and simply gives you an excuse to be with your loved ones for the whole day. Normally, you do not get a chance to spend so much time together. Gifting is just an excuse. The idea is to be together," Milisha Nigam, a management student, told IANS.

"Gifts have a shelf life but good moments will last in your memory forever. So the choice is yours," Nigam added.

While the markets are flooded with gifting options, couples are opting for a quiet lunch or dinner to make the occasion special.

"We will be going out for dinner and before that we will go to the Mughal Gardens and sip our share of coffee. After all this is done, we will go for a long drive," said Neha Gupta, a software professional.

For media professional Gargi Parasher, it will be a get-together at her friend's place where she will be joined by three more couples.

"I hate going out on Valentine's Day as it gets overcrowded everywhere. We all throw a party and prefer to sit back at home and sip our drinks, catch some old romantic movie or else just chat while holding hands. This gives us the feeling of togetherness," Parasher said.

For model Amanpreet Wahi who is getting married Feb 24, Valentine's Day will mean taking the day off from wedding preparations and spending time with her fiance.

"Both of us have been so busy preparing for our wedding that we are not giving quality time to each other. So we will just be together for the whole day in each other's company," Wahi told IANS.

"We will go out for lunch or dinner but we will switch off our phones to give ample time to each other," she added.