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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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!

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.