When February 14th rolls around each year millions of people scramble to find something special to give to the person they love. We seem to be inundated with Valentine gift ideas soon after the New Year celebrations are over. Although Valentine chocolate continues to be the most popular present, there are many other fun and romantic things you can give.

Greeting cards are always welcomed when it comes to displaying your affection. You can certainly opt to purchase one of the hundreds of pre-made greeting cards that are found in many stores. For a more personal touch consider making your own. Some of the most touching Valentine gift ideas are those that are handmade.

Another idea that involves making something for your sweetheart is enlarging a photograph. Most people have many images of them and the person they adore. If you take one that depicts an especially poignant moment in your relationship and have it enlarged, you can then frame it. A simple black and white image of a special moment is one of the most loved Valentine gift ideas there is. It’s also incredibly personal and memorable.

Stuffed animals usually are chosen by the younger crowd to give to one another. During this time of year there are many teddy bears and puppy dogs wearing t-shirts with words of love on them. These Valentine gift ideas are usually a big part of the teenage crowd who want to give something cute to one another. Many adults would also find themselves smiling were they to receive a surprise stuffed animal in their Valentine gift bag.

Jewelry is a bit extravagant but it makes a breathtaking gift. Although most of us think of women being the recipients of these Valentine gift ideas, many men enjoy wearing jewelry too. If marriage is in your near future, Valentine’s Day is a perfect time for a marriage proposal. A woman might consider giving the man she loves a silver or gold watch. Having it engraved makes it even more precious.

You simply can’t argue the beauty found in flowers. Traditionally roses are the flower given as a symbol of love but it’s just one of the many floral Valentine gift ideas. The type of arrangement chosen should be a reflection of the woman receiving them. If she loves lilies, fill a vase with them and if daises are her favorite, give her a basket full. Always remember that you want the person receiving the flowers to truly enjoy and embrace them.

I do not know about the rest of you but I am just about sick of all of the various holidays. Every month it seems as though there is a new one coming around the bend. Stores begin decorating for holidays months beforehand and it drives me crazy. I don’t want to pick through Christmas decorations in August, thank you very much.

One of the most annoying holidays is Valentine’s Day. Do not get me wrong – I am in a loving, wonderful relationship – I just do not like being told that on some random day in February I have to prove it to my mate and the rest of the world. Valentine’s Day is meant to be romantic and all that jazz but the holiday itself does not have the most romantic of histories. I won’t go into it but it involves Catholics and martyrdom. Yikes.

I feel a bit awkward whenever my honey and I are watching tv and a damned commercial for Valentine’s Day comes on. There we are, sitting in silence, waiting for it to be over. We love each other plenty but a stupid stuffed animal really does not do it for me anymore. I am not twelve, thank you.

I am a grownup. If someone wants to do something amazing and unforgettable for me on Valentine’s Day it does not involve chocolates and roses. They could pay my car payment. That would last a lifetime. Chocolates just make me fat and flowers die, so what is the fascination? Someone please tell me.

Valentine’s Day is the most overdone of all holidays, even more so than Christmas. Bold statement, I know. But I think that it is true. It even alienates more people than Christmas. There have to be more single people out there than there are people from a single, non-Christmas celebrating religion. Now how do they feel, huh? We go out of our way to make non-Christians feel accepted during the holiday season, what about the dateless? What about them?

I think that we need to tone down the whole Valentine’s Day thing. Being in a relationship or being in love is a personal thing and not everyone feels deeply in love on a random cold Thursday in mid-February. Leave me alone Russell Stovers! You too, rose-growers! I am happy in my relationship and I do not need your industries telling me I need stuff or to do more to prove it.