Sephora Gift Card Winner Announced!

My view of Valentine’s Day has forever changed thanks to the comments in this contest. Once thought only to be an opportunity for special someone’s to tell each other how they feel, I’ve widened my view. I’m especially touched by the dads who give their daughter a Valentine each year so no matter whom she pines for, there will always be at least one guy who loves her for who she is. I’m going to suggest (insist) my husband start doing this for our daughter.

Also noted is that amidst all the grand gestures this holiday often evokes, most of you said your favorite Valentine gifts have been homemade, inexpensive, and simply heartfelt. I love that.

My thoughts are now turning to spring, Teacher Appreciation, and birthdays. Did you know that birthdays are the number one gift card occassion? It’s true.

Pop over to Gift Card Girlfriend to get some birthday ideas and go to our blog to find out who won the Sephora Valentine’s Day Gift Card Giveaway!

Give your sweetie a Green Valentine

Get your eco-conscious sweetie a green Valentine this year. Pack an organic picnic lunch in a reusable shopping bag and deliver it with a gift card for an environmentally friendly adventure. Using Google, I had no difficulty finding green ways to tool around my nearby city. Blazing Saddles has gift certificates for bicycle or tandem bike rentals. Wheel Fun Rentals would allow me to pre-purchase and reserve surrey, carts, or electric cars. And I could get a gift certificate for a GPS-guided carbon-friendly GoCar tour in seconds.

If you prefer to skip the adventure, get a gift card to an eco-friendly store and give your guy or gal a shopping excursion instead. Maybe even start the day with a little Green Eggs and Ham?

“Green day” would also be a fun family or anniversary gift.

For more Valentine’s ideas, check out the Valentine’s Day page or read about Valentine’s Day on my blog.

And don’t forget to make a green Valentine card out of recycled materials.

Though you may think it a risky relationship move to give a gift card on Valentine’s Day, I think spending wisely is just as important as telling someone how you feel. I also think a gift card is less risky than picking out the wrong gift.

Do you REALLY want to give your girlfriend a gold necklace only to have her burst into tears because somehow you failed to notice she only wears silver? Conversely, do you want to be the picky Valentine who returned the gift he selected especially for you?

A gift card delivered with the right sentiment and a little something to open immediately will save you both from embarrassment.

Here’s a tip: Get your gal a candy necklace or make one yourself like shown here on the “birthday in a box” web site. Then give her a gift card to the jewelry store as well. It doesn’t have to be a fine jeweler either. A gift card to Claire’s or another accessory shop will do just fine. She’ll appreciate the effort and your creativity. And she’ll enjoy picking out a little bauble for herself later.

For other gift card ideas, check out the Valentine’s Day section.

Save me a seat!

People who know my husband will find this hard to believe, but it’s true. Paul likes chick flicks. He willingly indulges every Sandra Bullock, Julia Roberts, Amy Adams movie I put in front of him—at home or in the theater. So I’m pretty sure we’ll see the new movie, “Valentine’s Day” when it comes out in a few weeks. I’m excited.

(Don’t bother sending me a review. McDreamy and McSteamy on the big screen. We’re going.)

My sister, on the other hand, has to bargain with her husband to get him to see a romantic comedy. To surprise her this Valentine’s Day, all my brother-in-law needs to do is agree to see this movie, without rolling his eyes. To exceed her expectations, he could get her a gift card to the theater, a box of tissues, and some movie candy–all packaged up with a pledge to willingly watch (even embrace) this likely-to-be-cheesyrom-com.

If he can’t stomach the Valentine’s Day movie, then a gift card to the video store and a promise to indulge a chick flick of her choosing would be equally romantic.

Find other creative gift card ideas on our Valentine’s Day page.

Lisa Simpson to Ralph Wiggum

I’ve been reading the “Best Valentine Ever” posts on the Sephora Gift Card Giveaway and am amazed. We’ve heard sweet stories of getting to hold a newborn for the first time and sentimental dads who give their daughter a Valentine every year. I’m touched by the story of the teacher who received a card from a struggling student and would love to see the “ratty Valentine’s Day card” Noelle got from her fourth grade crush. (Lucky girl!)

Download free gift card holder

But Cindy U. made me laugh out loud when she described the handmade card her husband gave her (ala The Simpsons) that read, “I choo-choo-choose you.” Since gift cards are ALL about choice, I had to make a tribute gift card holder in honor of this theme. Download it here or choose from one of several on the Valentine’s Day page.

And if you’re trying to think of a creative way to tell your Valentine how you feel, read through the other Best Valentine Ever posts. Didn’t think a can of bug spray could be romantic? Check it out. You’ll be inspired.

Win this Sephora Valentine Gift

Having never been to Sephora, I planned to dash into the store for a quick preview before posting this Valentine Sephora Gift Card Giveaway. 

Instead, I found myself perusing the cosmetic aisles with my eyes all a twinkling. My 4th grade daughter looked just as mesmerized. She ogled neon eye shadows. I tested long-lasting lipsticks. Together, we caught a whiff of Amazing Grace and followed the delicious scent back to the fragrance section. 

I haven’t worn perfume since realizing my signature scent masked the new baby smell on this very girl now by my side. We decided that Mom, after nearly a decade, could smell like something other than peanut butter and Lady Speed Stick for a change. I like the smell of Amazing Grace. I love the quote on the packaging even more. So I bought a bottle for me and one to share. 

For Valentine’s Day, we’re giving away a $35 gift card to Sephora, a .5 oz. Amazing Grace spray fragrance, and a Sephora compact mirror (their gift card freebie), with one of Brooke’s most popular prints, “Love in red.” 

Two ways to enter. (Yes, you can do both and get two entries in the drawing): 

1. Sign up to receive blog posts and announcements via e-mail.
   
   Enter your email address:
   
2. Finish this sentence in your post. “The best Valentine I ever received…”

Legal Stuff: Contest open to continental US residents only. Contest ends February 14, 2010 at midnight PST. Winner announced February 15, 2010.