very holiday and special occasion, my sweetheart asks me what I’d like for a gift. My answer is always the same – “a love letter.” A gift of words is a gift from the heart. Words can be read over and over again. Words inspire and re-confirm your commitment and devotion. They’re always in style, always welcomed, always cherished.

Here are some tips to get you started. (Want to receive a love letter? Print this article out, tie it up with a ribbon and give it to your significant other. Love letters are sentimental to both sexes!)

Set the mood. If you want to be romantic, it helps to feel romantic. Clear your desk and mind. Light a candle. Put on a romantic CD – if the two of you have a special song, play it. Surround yourself with photos of you and your honey to remind you of intimate times you’ve shared.

Use romantic writing tools. Your love letters should look as beautiful as they sound. I use a quality paper, such as Crane’s or an antiqued parchment, and a fountain pen with fine ink. Your letter will look better and last longer. (Who knows? Your great-grandchildren might be reading it in the next century.) I love using calligraphy – it lends an air of romance (though it does take a little practice!) Never write love letters on a computer – your words will be far more personal and meaningful in your own handwriting.

Get inspiration from your loved one. Think about the things you love most and admire about your beloved – his or her special qualities, the loving things they’ve done for you, the unique things that made you fall in love. Recall the wonderful times you’ve shared, the magic memories you’ve made. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, make a list before you start writing. Sometimes, the little things count the most.

Write from the heart. Be unabashedly sentimental. Wallow in nostalgia. Be lavish in your endearments and extravagant in your praise. Wear your heart on your sleeve. A love letter is no place to be shy. Tell your sweetie exactly what you love most about them, how grateful you are to have them in your life.

Pay particular attention to the opening and closing. The opening and closing of a love letter sets the tone for the entire letter. Use an intimate salutation and don’t be afraid to be creative – for example, I’d use “To My Sweetness,” instead of “Dear friend.” If the two of you have pet names, use them – it adds intimacy. When closing the letter, sum up your feelings in a few words; for example, “With endless and eternal love, s.l.”

Rewrite. Romantic letters are a labor of love. Just getting in touch with your feelings may require some soul-searching; putting these feelings into words can take even more focus. Don’t worry that you’re not a professional writer; what’s important is that you’re sincere and loving. Avoid spelling or grammatical errors; accuracy shows you care.

Try short and sweet. If you're having a hard time writing an entire letter, start off writing little love notes, then work your way up to a longer letter. If a letter is still too daunting, organize several little notes on a single page (spacing between them) to make a poetic piece you can present with love.

Make your letter appeal to all the senses. A good love letter is a work of art. It should look good, sound good and feel good. By using your favorite perfume or cologne, you'll add your own unique "signature." Smell lingers for an amazingly long time – a much-admired trick that will instantly flood your lover's heart and mind with thoughts of you.

Love letters are for all the special people you know. I love telling my friends and family how much they mean to me, how glad I am to have them in my life. Try it – it's a gift from the heart everyone will cherish!