I don't necessarily think of romance in the traditional sense. Write the requirements to parallel some aspects of your mate's life. Send a taxi to pick up your mate from work, with a secret destination known only to you and the taxi driver. The mystery will add to the romance when your mate arrives for dinner, or a movie, or the theatre, or whatever surprise you've planned. Keep a dedicated page in your day planner where you can note gift ideas, especially little surprise things.
Anticipation is a beautiful thing.
Jointly prepare a list of places you'd like to go. Try a different destination each time.