Has a there ever been a Valentine’s gift that has made you wonder about bad Valentine’s gifts that are quite commonplace. FakeTV, makers of a burglar deterrent had a contest on Facebook to see what their customers may have received as gifts.

They received responses such as these that were given by men such as a coupon book for back rubs, fake engagement ring the famous cubic zirconium, vacuum cleaner some husbands favorite, Panini Maker, tickets to a monster truck fest, rose addressed to another woman meaning two women receive wrong cards, nothing at all. Those given by her to him included; tickets to the Bridal shows a direct message to him to get on the ball and propose.

The top worst fake Valentine’s Day gift was dog biscuits wrapped in a heart shaped box. This one first prize and the man that gave her the gift no longer is in her life.

The women that responded had one thing in common; the intention was the most important part. It is important to not let worrying about not buying the right thing deter you from buying anything and do not send a message that says being by yourself is your desire.  The well intentioned will also win over the thoughtless.

FakeTV was not on the list because it is a fake that is good. The FakeTV simulates a TV’s light thus making the home look occupied. A fake is a fake but this fake is good and offers a piece of mind.

Not everyone agrees with Valentine’s Day. For everyone that does there are those that think is a commercialising way to exhort money from consumers. Here are some tips to help make a good impression on Valentine’s Day.

Red roses – the norm, but the most appreciated as well. Prices are high so shop around for the best deals. Some arrangements may cost up to £100. Marks & Spencer’s has a £19.99 bouquet delivered that is well worth the price.

Other flowers may be an alternative and are not as expensive as roses at this time of year.

Hyacinths, irises and freesias are alternatives and cheaper than exotic out-of-seasons flowers.

Remember, you can always buy your loved one their favourite fragrance. The big department stores will have the best deals and buying online will save you money.

Sites to check on are CheapSmells.com, StrawberryNET.com and FragranceDirect.co.uk. Pricerunner.com will help you compare prices as well. A box of chocolates is always a safe bet but you need to find the best prices because they can be expensive.

Thornton’s offers for £4.99 a box of 13 chocolate hearts, continental chocolate from £10.99 and champagne truffles at £15.00. You may also find deals at local supermarkets or win them over by making your own.

There are many online offers for dining, but in order to avoid trouble do not take your loved one for a 2 for 1 special if love is on your mind. You do not have to spend a great deal though, you can reserve a meal through 5pm.co.uk or toptable.com with savings up to 50% in top quality restaurants in the UK.

If you have not made plans but are keen to do so, check last minute deals for the theatre, hotel or spa. Sites like Lastminute.com, Laterooms.com and others are out there to help you save money.

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It’s almost that time of year when those lucky couples among us can go out for a meal that at any other time would cost half the price, and those of us unfortunate (or fortunate, depending on your point of view) still to be single will either stay at home with a bottle of wine and a TV dinner, or have the bottle of wine then go out and try and find someone. Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day

These days you don’t even have to be misterlastminute.com with your petrol station pansies, with such a wide range of presents available. Whether you’re shopping for love or luck, she will love you for it and if she doesn’t yet know who you are, choose the right gift and you might get lucky, whether you’re going sweet and simple (gift-wise, that is) or up-market and glitzy.

It needn’t cost the earth, either (literally). Send an e-card E-cards often involve a lot more thought. A great new website has e-cards for free and hundreds of designs that you can do with what you want, including adding music and pictures. You can send the card via e-mail, snail mail, blog or Facebook, or just print it, so there’s no excuse for being late. You don’t have to stop at the wife or girlfriend, you can send them to friends and family and once you’re in the habit of sending them, use them for other occasions, too. At a time when we all have to save our pennies, sending e-cards is a great way.

Alternatively, you can get away for a weekend of good clean fun (if you prefer). Hotels and other establishments, from York to New York, will all be offering deals for Valentines.  Go while the goings hot, the weather’s cold and the kids are at the parents. Relax in comfort on leather, in front of a naked fire, or in bubbly water, with a glass of bubbly.

For the more naughty among us, there’s always lingerie. Anything goes (or comes off) for Valentine’s Day – whether it’s traditional bras and panties, Basques and teddies or ‘accessories’. If you just want to stay warm, there are always thermals or silk gowns. If you’re one of those people that pretends they’re lost when you find yourself in lingerie (the department, that is), you can simply shop online to both your beating hearts’ content.