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My m-i-l's table. She's into the day!
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I was due to be born on Valentine’s Day. I’m a little bitter that I came into the world early and missed sharing the day with Cupid. But I still had Valentine’s Day-themed birthday parties (except for the year my mom had a “Presidents” theme…really, Mom?! Lincoln pennies made with brown construction paper. Heads of George Washington threaded on string and hung like banners around the house.). On the 14th, I loved giving those little Valentines to my classmates. Of course we had to give to everyone in the class, but I’d pick the best of the Minnie Mouse or Barbie cards for that special boy(s) I had my eye on.
As I live in a household of males, most of the mushy stuff falls to me. We don’t do a big deal for the day, but everybody gets a card and some sort of small gift. Last year I finally told Surfer Guy (my dh) about how I really just wanted chocolates in a heart-shaped box and that’s what he gave me! It’s See’s Candies all the way here in California and he also included a bag of my favorite chocolates of all, Scotchmallows.
If you’re scratching your head as to what to give the guy(s) in your life, I have a few suggestions:
1) Six pack of a favorite hand-crafted beer. Because beer is well…beer.
2. Nice pair of sunglasses. Because spring and sun is on it’s way!
3. Board games. I bought a handful for the family this Christmas and everybody loves Smart Ass. Then there’s Cards Against Humanity. Oh, my. I never laughed so hard, but you have to be really careful who you play with because it’s un-PC and raunchy (raunchy enough that someone had to explain some of the terms to me!).
4. Gift card. I know, I know, seems unimaginative. But then I think of how much I enjoy them. The receiver gets to do some guilt-free shopping at their fave coffee or juice place or their fave restaurant.
5. Workout clothes. Most guys have a jock-y side and most guys let their gym clothes get very ragged (I go to the gym a lot, so this I know). Moisture-wicking short and shirts would be much appreciated, I bet!
Are you into Valentine’s Day? Do you make a big deal about it or skip over the 14th altogether? A lucky commenter will win an advance copy of BUNGALOW NIGHTS, Book 2 in my Beach House No. 9 series.
367 Comments on “Valentine’s Day: Love it or Leave it? (Plus Giveaway!)”
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We exchange mushy cards (no joke ones)and often cook a special dinner, and dh often brings me flowers, but we do not go out on the 14th.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:47 pm.
This valentines day is very special for me and my
Daughter. It’s the 10th anniversary of her adoption. She is 16 and amazing. I am so lucky to be her mom.
And I teach kindergarten so Valentines day at school is very exciting as the kids are so very excited to open their valentines from their friends!
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:48 pm.
Oddly enough my hubby is a little more into it than me. Several times he’s had me serenaded at work by a quartet and even a little brother and sister playing violins. I usually got the homemade cookie or cake route for him.
This year, however, I’m taking him to see the new Die Hard movie. Nothing says romance like “Yippee-ki-yay-mother-bleep!”
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:48 pm.
Heh! That sounds awesome! I love the Die Hard movies!
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:56 pm.
Well, our anniversary is Feb. 18th, so we celebrate– usually candy because everyone in our family has a big sweet tooth. My husband started buying me romantic comedies on DVD years ago, and so that plus truffles makes me a happy girl. I usually give him music and candy. We’re easy that way. LOL
We try to go out to dinner for our anniversary and to a movie– it’s easier now that our youngest is almost 13:)
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:50 pm.
We don’t make a big deal about Valentine’s Day but will probably go out for Chinese food, which we enjoy. Happy Anniversary to the goddesses!
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:52 pm.
We always exchange cards and if we can manage it, go out for dinner. That’s it!
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:00 pm.
We say “I love you” and that’s about it.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:01 pm.
Hmmm. I’ve been single for EVERY Valentine’s Day in my life, but I’ve still always “celebrated” singles awareness day somehow. I used to rent horror movies, but the last couple of years, it’s been getting together with some other single friends (or friends whose significant other is out of town) and celebrating together.
However, the challenge can often be finding a place to go that doesn’t make us additionally depressed about our love lives… lol.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:17 pm.
Love the Love Day.
Flowers and candy doncha know.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:35 pm.
valentine’s day is very special to me because my son matthew was born on valentine’s day 32 years ago!!! my original due date was the 25th but i am so glad he decided to come into my world on that special day. when he was a baby i always dressed him up all in red but not i can’t get him to dress up!!! but i still love him and of course my husband always sends me flowers.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:36 pm.
Valentine’s Day is not that important of day in our home. We go our to eat sometimes otherwise we do nothing for each other. My husband stopped giving cards, flowers and candy after a few years of marriage. We have been married for 42 years, 2 children and 6 grandchildren. He feels I should know he loves me and he should not have to say it all the time. If I want something I should just buy it. I wish things were different because it is just not the same as getting a gift and being told I love you. You learn to live without it but it still hurts sometimes. I just thank God our son and daughter have wonderful marriages.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:03 pm.
We go out to dinner . . . but always on the weekend before or after, not on the day itself. And Hubby always gives me roses.
He’s not imaginative but he is sweet, and that’s what matters to me.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:06 pm.
I’m also the lone woman in a house full of males, so if it wasn’t for me Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be observed. LOL I send my teen boys ecards and try to get a paper card for hubby. A little candy doesn’t hurt either.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:07 pm.
it’s not a big deal
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:08 pm.
I don’t do much for Valentine’s Day. I will send cards to my friends. It’s a good way to let them know I’m thinking about them, especially those friends that happen to live in another state.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:10 pm.
My husband and I usually stay home and say we love each other and that is all we need to show our love to each other.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:19 pm.
It’s not a huge thing, but it’s a nice excuse for chocolate.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:21 pm.
Bah Humbug.
1. I’ve never dated a male that drank beer.
2. They have had sunglasses for years and work just fine.
3. The last time any male of my acquaintance played a board game, he was 10. And it was difficult then to get him to play.
4. Might accept a gift card to the sporting goods store for new carhartts.
5. Do not know any male that goes to the gym.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:24 pm.
I can leave it because we do things all year long not just on this one particular day.
Z
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:27 pm.
My hubby and I have always celebrated Valentine’s Day with a nice dinner out and a handmade card to each other (yes, we have to make the card with original heartfelt wording). Until the price of roses went through the roof I always received a bouquet from my hubby, but I suggested we let that tradition go by the wayside and in the Spring he could buy me a new plant or bush to put in our yard…something that would last a bit longer and we could both enjoy.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:31 pm.
Oh, I grew up in Calif and I remember when the American Cancer Society had their annual Sees Candy sale outside the postoffice in town, we always bought a couple of boxes. Hard to find out here on the east coast. Miss my Sees but I mostly just like the Carmels.
Z
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:32 pm.
My guy gets a Skyfall DVD and a new recurve take down bow. He is now into archery.Oh,yes and some steaks from Omaha Steaks (of course, I get some of that, too!)
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:38 pm.
We have a nice dinner at home.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:49 pm.
I make it all about my kids and family. I just put in an order for The Popcorn Factory to have special treats delivered to my kids and my nephew…How awsome is it to get something with your own name on it in the mail and then have it be a treat to boot!!!
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:50 pm.
Its not really a special day for us as its usually smack in the middle of play season, but last year my hubby bought me a little case of truffles that were to die for. I told him he should have bought a case! He looked for them all year until he found them a couple of weeks ago and came home with a big box, early, so I could enjoy them.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:56 pm.
That’s such a tough question. Because I think Valentie’s Day is so super lovely, but I don’t have anyone special this year, so it’s kinda just like another day for me. But I love it. I love seeing all the cute stuff in all the stores
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:11 pm.
I always make a big deal out of Valentine’s Day. My birthday is right after Valentine’s Day and my Mom always bought Conversation Hearts marked down to put on the cupcakes I brought into school!
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:18 pm.
It’s not a holiday we really celebrate – it’s generally a quiet dinner at home.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:48 pm.
I do enjoy Valentine’s Day! With life being so busy, it’s nice to set aside a day to appreciate those we love. My husband and I usually just exchange cards and enjoy a nice quiet dinner, but that time together strengthens our relationship
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:49 pm.
Once upon a time my dear hubby would surprise me with little things, flowers, chocolate dessert, a clean house, through out the year. This no need for Valentine’s Day special gift. Now, none of that happens. I’ll be lucky if I get a card.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:08 pm.
Well, we mostly do it so that I get a present. My partner is a good shopper but I’m not. The only thing he’s failed on is perfume as my nose and his don’t agree and I ended up returning the stuff. We do try to go out for a special dinner but they’re not as fancy as they once were. This year, in fact, we’re going to the IKEA Valentine’s Day buffet because it’s a good deal and we can go right after work and still be home at a reasonable time (I go to bed at 9:30 so 9 o’clock dinner reservations don’t work anymore). I don’t get him a card because he just doesn’t like the mushy stuff and that’s the kind I want to give him. I just tell him verbally and he pretty much tells me with his gifts.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:09 pm.
Love Valentine’s Day!–We usually celebrate by either going out to dinner or getting take-out—no cooking at home for us. Our first Valentine’s Day, I took my then future husband out for dinner (my treat). That was 33 years ago.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:22 pm.
We don’t really celebrate V-day much. I’ll try to make something a little nicer for dinner and we’ll open one of our better bottles of wine. But that’s about it. With a 4 and 7 year old, and not a convenient babysitter, the big deal is out the window. However, there is ALWAYS a big, fat heart-shaped box of chocolates for all of us to share.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:46 pm.
I’m not a fan of Valentines Day at all. We pretty much tend to ignore it, although hubs is getting me flowers this year.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:50 pm.
Like your suggestions for the guys particularly as I am outnumbered that way in my family too!
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:58 pm.
Good heavens, the place is jumping today! As I no longer have a significant other the older of my two brothers makes sure I get a box of Godiva’s chocolates for Valentine’s Day. He does the same for my Mom. Any wonder my SIL is crazy about him?
I send Valentine’s cards to my family, but that is about it.
As I run a bakery I will spend most of Thursday making sure our cupcake table is full and that we have plenty of twelve inch cookie cakes and other goodies ready for people to give to their loved ones!
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:59 pm.
I wish I had someone to celebrate with…but instead I make it special with my nephews and nieces!
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:10 pm.
I plan to skip over Valentine’s day because I dont have a partner to share it with. My sister and I will do something fun
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:19 pm.
We don’t go out to eat- overpriced food that is not as good as the regular menu- yuck. We like to stay in and have a special meal at home.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:57 pm.
I’m not really into Valentine’s Day. When I had a significant other, we mostly just did cards, maybe I’d get a nice bouquet of roses and he’d get some chocolate. Now I don’t need the candy, and it just doesn’t really inspire any enthusiasm in me to celebrate.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 12:07 am.
We usually just buy cards for each other. Not mushy ones, funny ones. Hubby isn’t one for going out to eat, so dinner may be pizza.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 12:15 am.
Oh, and a perk for Valentine’s Day is…eating chocolates. Simply an indulgence that is guilt-free.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 12:56 am.
Yeah, I’m not really into Valentine’s Day. It’s a little cheesy and pointless, and it’s never really been a big deal for me. But your birthday parties sound really cute!
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 1:06 am.
My hubby will be out of town on business on Valentine’s Day. I don’t need a special day to know he loves me, so I will celebrate with chocolate and a book.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:12 am.
We don´t do anything on Valentine´s day. I enjoy it a lot more when my hubby isn´t ´forced´to do anything, like when he brought me breakfast in bed this weekend.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:52 am.
As a single gal, I skip it but I still believe in the idea of it. I`m not one to bash the day, just don`t have a reason to celebrate it right now
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 6:00 am.
I’m in it for the candy. Post-Valentine’s day sales are the best lol
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 6:02 am.
After 35 years of marriage and both of us hating the idea of shopping, we pretty much are happy to spend the day together talking while we take a long walk. I make a dinner of favorites and treat myself to ice cream and some chocolate. We allow no complaints!
We’re not into gift giving for special occasions, birthdays or Christmas.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 7:36 am.
If we cannot go out that night (work, other things) we usually go out next day off. Usually a “happy Valentines Day” greeting in the morning and maybe if the funds are there a little present, if not then yeah, maybe next year.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 7:44 am.
We usually exchange cards and eat out at a favorite restaurant. We have a 34-year-old child who despises Valentine’s Day, so we don’t make too much of it.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 9:16 am.
I’m a leave it kind of girl. Never got into it honestly and I’ve been married for 20 years.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 9:59 am.
When the kids were younger, I always had something for them for valentine’s day. Now they all have their own valentines. I have a niece who was born on that day.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 10:03 am.
“Leave It”, My husband and I let each other of the hook when it comes to buying gifts for each other on holidays. We give each other cards and if the mood strikes us out out to dinner.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 12:24 pm.
I love Valentines day and never sure what to do for my husband so this year I’m making him his favorite Italian Cassata Cake…it takes 3 days to make it but I do it with love.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 12:42 pm.
Sadly, today is last day I can eat chocolate until Easter. I give up chocolate for Lent, and V-Day is AFTER Fat Tuesday! So now candy for me! No fair. We never go out to eat on V-Day, too many people. I have a great hubby who keeps flowers in the house all the time. He buys them for me every Saturday or Sunday morning! So every day is V-day here!
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 1:40 pm.
Valentine this year will be a lonely one. My hubby is in WV preparing our new property for us to move to. He has been there almost a year and only home four to six days a month. I really miss him. He will not think to even send me a card. It would be great to win this.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 1:52 pm.
My husband and I always try to make Valentine’s Day special even when we don’t have the money to celebrate. One year I made him a special coupon book that included hugs, kisses, massages, etc. This year it will probably be cooking a special meal. But I also believe that couples should make everyday Valentine’s Day and make sure their significant other knows how much they’re loved and cherished.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 2:07 pm.
Hubby and I exchange cards but we wait until the weekend to go out either to a movie or a little dinner…we are married 35 years and Valentine’s day was when we got engaged, 36 years ago…so the day is a memorial one…
I have a special dinner planned and hopefully a quiet night together…
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 2:41 pm.
Now a days it’s all abut the grandkids.
Cupcakes, candy and lots of love.But I love chocolates and raspberry candy.
Carol L.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 2:42 pm.
As we get older, it seems to be less important to do ‘something’. Hopefully we share the love everyday.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:22 pm.
Marron 5 in concert! I’m in Love!
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 4:39 pm.
I bought 4 boxes of 32 Monster High doll valentines for the oldest three granddaughters to give out in school. Forgot to take them to my eye exam yesterday as I had to go by their place afterward and boy, did they let me know I goofed. LOL
Since I’m widowed I don’t generally do Valentine’s day but it’s nice to be able to help out the girls.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 5:37 pm.
We try to avoid the crowds and celebrate Valentine’s Day earlier or later –
I haven’t thought about what to get my husband, yet. (Yikes!)
But I do know that my daughter and I are baking a chocolate cake for the house today.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 5:48 pm.
I’ve never celebrated Valentine’s Day. I grew up not celebrating it, and just naturally went on to follow that trend.
I always feel that the best thing about Valentine’s Day is when the chocolate goes on sale afterwards. Only a couple more days now…
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 5:55 pm.
The sun came up and I am happy,
I’d love to WIN, so make it snapppy!
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 6:26 pm.
We don’t make a big deal of it. But everyone does get a small gift and some candy.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 7:31 pm.
I have a single feather earring for someone who has a single piercing. I love the soul patch on a guy. Love reading all of Lori Handeland’s books. I know my soul mate is out there.
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 8:16 pm.
Leave it… nobody special but myself
great giveaway 
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 1:28 am.
My husband has never remembered Valentine’s Day (we’ve only been married for 35 years so there’s still hope). I buy myself candy after it goes on sale the 15th.
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 2:47 am.
Valentine’s Day and my anniversary are just a week apart so we try to combine a the 2 with a special get away. This year will mark 37 years.
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 10:12 am.
I would be into Valentine’s Day if I had married someone who was into it too. But my husband is not. He will ask me, “Are we doing Valentine’s Day this year?” Because he wants to know if he has to buy me a gift and he doesn’t want me mad if he doesn’t. So we skip it every year. I do however bake cookies and cupcakes for the kids. And don’t tell any one but I go out and buy myself a box chocolates every year too. I think I deserve it!
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 11:32 am.
Love Valentine’s Day! My husband and I go out for a romantic dinner.
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 1:10 pm.
I used to love valentine’s day, but my partner died in oct. of 2005 and valentine’s day is kind of sad when you don’t have someone to spend it with. Consequently, I buy myself chocolate every year and tell my dog, Max, that he gave it to me because I’m his valentine and he doesn’t have a problem with that since he always gets a teeny piece. (I know, I know, you shouldn’t give dogs chocolate, but I’ve had dogs all my life and I will rarely give a teeny piece to them.)
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 10:12 pm.
Valentine’s Day is usually my hang-out day. However, this year I will be working the night of V-Day. It’s not a huge event for me, seeing as I haven’t dated in over 8 years.
AquarianDancer at gmail dot com
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 10:22 pm.
Valentine’s day for me is just another day since my husband doesnt believe is doing anything special for it but my kids get to take goody bags to school.
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 8:47 am.
This is the very first time I am actually going out on a Valentine’s Date! At 38 years old, it seems weird that I haven’t been, but I have been married my entire adult life – until this year- and my ex-husband was never the ‘romantic’ kind. So, my boyfriend is taking me out tonight, so I am so excited. I bought him his favorite drink – Crown Royal XR, since it’s hard to find (usually have to order it online). I am hoping for some serious romance tonight! xoxoxo
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 2:16 pm.
Even though I am young and single, I do not dread Valentines day as many of my other single friends do! I love valentines as I can celebrate those special people in my life who support and love me everyday. I’m happy for people who do have a significant other as it is an exciting holiday that break up the dreary winter (at least here in Canada)! Hopefully one day I’ll be able to celebrate Vday with my own prince charming
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 3:22 pm.
I am currently single but at work we exchanged sweets with everyone and wished all our patients a Happy Valentines Day (I’m a nurse)
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 3:47 pm.
Loving Beach House #9 and can’t wait for the others in the series!
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 4:45 pm.
Nothing special here. We had to work, night shift. Off tonight doing a movie night.
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:22 pm.
We don’t do anything special for Valentine’s Day – just spending time together and a card are about all that we do. Having a great husband who is also a great dad is the best Valentine’s gift one can get.
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 6:05 pm.
My husband and I really don’t celebrate other than a nice meal at home and an extra huggle or two. Hey don’t tell anyone!
Posted on February 16, 2013 at 12:24 am.