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.

Michaels posted this video on their Facebook page and I wanted to share it with you. Several little gifts are tied together with a ribbon, all stuffed neatly into a shipping tube. As the recipient pulls the ribbon, the presents are revealed, leading up to a big gift at the end. Jo’s finale is a crafty Valentine t-shirt, but I suggest topping things off with a gift card instead.

My Version

I love what Jo has done, but for my taste (and time constraints), I’d probably get a smaller tube and tie just two or three items en route to the gift card. You’d get the same effect without the added expense and effort.

Fun Themes

You could adapt this idea to any occasion–a baby shower, bridal gift, teacher appreciation, or birthday. I see a theme tube as well–maybe a group gift of several gift cards tied to the ribbon. Or a movie gift card tube including snacks and movie tickets with theater wrapping paper on the tube itself. A baseball themed tube with sports page wrapping and baseball cards, sunflower seeds, cracker jacks, and an MLB gift card inside. Oh, a tennis ball canister would work great here as well. Uh-oh, I’m starting to trip over myself with gift card ideas! Seriously, who doesn’t want to open a string of goodies to get to a gift card??! So many possibilities.

Speaking of Michaels

Speaking of Michaels, don’t forget to answer the Valentine’s Day poll to be entered in the $25 Michaels Gift Card drawing. You just might win and then you can march yourself down to Michaels to make your own Valentine’s Day tube! Good stuff!

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.

With just a little effort, I think a gift card can be dolled up into a perfect Valentine’s Day gift. But others might think the gift with a reputation for being impersonal is just a little too risky. What do you think?

Please click here or on the link below and let me know. Thanks for your input!

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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!)

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 get ideas from 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.

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.