valentines day posts

Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day is undeniably a significant day. Celebrated by millions of men, women, and children all around the world, the grand love-in never ceases to keep cash registers ringing or curb the occupancy rates of hospital nurseries.

Here are some facts and figures about this beloved (and bemoaned) global celebration of affection and love.

He's killed all the spiders in the bathroom, patched up the hole in the wall he made and fixed the kitchen faucet numerous times even though it still drips. Now you want to show him you appreciate his efforts (if not his skill). But what to get him for Valentine's Day? Here are a few suggestions you'll both appreciate -- him for your thoughtfulness and you for the money you'll save.

By Bruce Watson
Daily Finance

Valentine's Day is looming, bringing a tidal wave of chocolate, roses, lingerie ... and rich revenues for the retail industry. In search of gifts that say more about the heart than the wallet, I asked DailyFinance's readers for their best tips for inexpensive but meaningful ways to express your love on Valentine's Day. Starting with their suggestions, I've compiled a list of ideas that can -- hopefully -- let you demonstrate your love without bruising your bank account.

In the interests of full disclosure, I should admit that, like many men, I can't stand Valentine's Day. I love Thanksgiving, get giddy around Christmas, eagerly anticipate Easter, and spend weeks preparing for Halloween. But when candy hearts go up in stores and flower prices go through the roof, my mood heads south.

Part of this has to do with the pressure of the day. For young men in freshly-minted relationships, Valentine's Day is a high-pressure exercise in blindly gauging their own feelings, as well as those of a potential significant other. And, not unlike the Grail scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the wrong choice can be deadly: A poorly thought out gift can kill a promising romance or -- possibly worse -- keep an ailing, better-off-dead relationship on life support far past its expiration date.



Either way, perils abound.

Flowers are nice but let's face it, in a few days they'll wilt and within a week they'll die and if that's a symbol of your relationship this Valentine's Day you may not be in a great place. Here are a few suggestions that will last a bit longer (as hopefully your relationship will too), won't break the bank and will still provide a burst of beauty or at the very least some amorous feelings between you and your lady this Valentine's Day.

So Canada, which province do you think is bringing sexy back?

With Valentine's Day around the corner, there are many shoppers looking for inspiration on what to buy their Valentine.

Will it be a lacy piece of lingerie? Or will it be a box of chocolates? And who will be giving what?

With online shopping increasing each month in Canada, it's no surprise that eBay Canada has been seeing Canadians shopping for romantic gifts.

But who's buying what? And which province is most focused on love, romance or asking I do?

Taking our cue from eBay Canada's survey of romantic shopping by Canadians, here's the romantic rankings, province by province:

SLIDESHOW: Sexiest Provinces According to Valentine's Day Purchases

Valentine's Day can be a source of anxiety for some. Whether you've been in a relationship for ages or have started a brand new relationship, tensions over gift selection can run high.

In her new book, The Millionaire's Handbook: How to Look and Act Like a Millionaire, Even if You're Not, award-winning author Vicky Oliver shares frugal gift ideas that will have you spending less but showing a lot of thought. Want to know how you can make the right impression this Valentine's Day? Click the photo below to launch our gallery of Valentine's Day gift suggestions.

PHOTO GALLERY: Good and bad Valentine's Day gifts

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Money can't buy you love but strategic spending can greatly increase the chances that you'll be on the receiving end of a few more "come-hither" looks from your partner this Valentines Day. And you don't have to be rich to get them to, ahem, appreciate your assets.

Start a Modest Savings Plan for a Vacation Together
Central bankers are telling you to save a little more but when what you've socked away disappears into the car repair fund, all those pennies seem for naught.
You're more likely to be disciplined about putting cash aside if it's for a specific reason like a surprise few days in Paris or the Caribbean for you and your partner. It doesn't have to be much. Set aside $150 a month and you can get away in October or November when low season deals make airfare and accommodation very reasonable for most sun-kissed destinations and European capitals.

Thoughts of Valentine's Day always conjures up pictures of elaborate heart-shaped boxes of premium chocolates and huge bouquets of red roses, but not all of us have the kind of money it takes to be that flamboyant in our expression of affection.

But, take heart Valentine's Day gifts needn't be expensive.

Although there are package deals to be had geared towards
getting away for a romantic night, not all of us are in the
position to jet off to Chicago with our mate on February 14th
for a night of good eating, theatre and a posh hotel.

Who really has the cash right now to pay for the airfare for two, a sitter for the kids and tipping a doorman several times all in recognition of one night?

But that's not to say Valentine's Day shouldn't be recognized -- I've always been a big believer in doing something special for your significant other on the 14th. Even if it is an appreciation that is somewhat forced, it does remind us not to take our partners for granted (at least for one day).

Here are a few ideas on how to treat your sweetheart without getting walloped with a big bill at the end of the night.

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Ditch the Car for More Ca$h

If you want to save a bunch of money --$10,000 to be exact -- in 2011 and out of ideas on how to do it look no farther than your drive way says money expert Liz Metcalfe.

The amount of cash you put into keeping your car operational and up to provincial standards might be better spent somewhere else.

Maybe, perhaps investing in long-term purchases like a house or retirement savings.

What do you guys think? Is a car a necessity these days?