Thanks to all who voted in our Valentine’s Day poll and congratulations to Charlene who won the Michael’s Gift Card.

We wanted to know whether or not you think it’s okay to give a gift card on Valentine’s Day when presents are supposed to be tokens of affection, representing how you feel about a person?

The Votes are In

As the poll shows, the answer is, “Yes.” 84 percent of the people who responded to our poll said a gift card is perfectly acceptable on Valentine’s Day. And though 30% would like to receive a gift card, another 30% would like something a little more sentimental–like a handwritten note. In a tough economy, it’s nice to see that simple gifts are appreciated and gift cards, which can save time and money, are welcome.

See full poll results here.

Which Gift Cards?

In the contest, we asked you to name the gift card you’d most like to receive. So pay attention Valentines because here are the most requested gift cards:

• Michaels, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby or other craft supply store
• Target or Wal-Mart
• Visa or American Express
• Bookstore
• Movie
• Restaurant
• Amazon.com
• Sephora

Now some of those gift cards are pretty generic, meaning they can be used anywhere or you can buy any variety of things with the particular gift card. So, in my opinion, you need to work a little harder to make the presentation special. For example, a VISA gift card on Valentine’s Day could be cleverly packaged with things that spell out the word, “Valentine” such as: V for Visa Gift Card, A for apple of my eye, L for love, etc.”

You may have a practical gal or guy on your hands who does appreciate the flexibility of a gift card, but it’s still wise to put a little effort into make it more personal. Check out other ideas in my Valentine’s Day section.

I need your help. Do you think it’s okay to give or receive a gift card on Valentine’s Day? You KNOW I think it’s a good idea. But perhaps you’re after more traditional sentiments from your sweetie.

Click on this link to take a poll then leave a comment and you’ll be entered to win a $25 Michael’s Gift Card.

Jiffy Lube sent me a couple of $50 gift cards–one to give away and one to test drive. Ally and I ditched the boys last Saturday to get the “Hottesy” all tip-top again before going on a little shopping trip. Rex and the guys at my local Jiffy Lube took care of us right away–fast and friendly. (You can watch our video and read about the adventure in my next blog.)

For the give away, I love the idea of partnering this “on the go” Jiffy Lube card with the popular Dr. Seuss book, “Oh the Places You’ll Go.” The combination would be wonderful as a:

• Graduation gift
• A going away present
• Congratulating someone starting a new chapter in their life
• Birthday gift for a new driver or someone who just got their first car
• Wedding gift for a young, newlywed couple

To enter this contest, leave a comment and tell me how you would turn a Jiffy Lube gift card into a thoughtful gift. How would you package the Jiffy Lube card? What items would you put with it and who would you give it to? (This is a family show, so keep it clean.)

Legal Stuff: Contest open to continental US residents only. Contest ends April 15, 2010 at midnight PST. Winner will be posted on the site for one month and notified by e-mail. Be sure our e-mail address (@giftcardgirlfriend.com) clears your spam filter. If winner doesn’t respond within one month, a runner-up will be chosen.

Ok, answer the question! How would you turn a Jiffy Lube gift card into a thoughtful gift?