You know what’s totally cliché? Proposing on Valentine’s Day. Yet for some reason, people all over the world continue to do it. The common misconception is that it’s this incredibly romantic gesture when really it’s just the result of not being able to find a suitable gift. Sorry to be the one to break it you, but that’s pretty much the truth. If you are planning on a Valentine’s Day proposal, perhaps you can work on making it a little less lame ass and a bit more unpredictable.
You know what would really throw her for a loop? Not having a ring when you propose. Alright, that might actually backfire, so why not go with the Pop The Question Rings (Firebox UK, £44.99-54.99)? Instead of agonizing over the ring selection, only to realize that your girl hates the one you’ve picked, why not give her a placeholder for the big moment and let her pick the ring she wants after she says yes? And I hate to even bring this up, but what if she says no? Then not only are you depressed about being rejected, but you’re also stuck with a ring that cost you mega bucks. Available in both traditional and contemporary styles as well as an array of sizes, you can be sure that your Valentine’s Day proposal will be anything but ordinary.
Also, if you want to get a smack/drink in the face, this makes a great gag gift.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Temporary ring for popping the question
-Available in traditional (Pop) or contemporary (Marry Me) styles
-Marry Me ring has real diamond set in it
-Pop ring is classic engagement style
-Available in sizes extra small to large (see site for measurements)
Let’s face it, even if you’re not alone on Valentine’s Day, it can kinda suck. It’s one of those so-called holidays that seems like it should be a really good time but almost always inevitably lets you down. You know, kinda like New Year’s Eve. Personally, I think it’s the hype factor. Valentine’s Day plans apparently have to include fancy dinners, lavish gifts, and some big, grandiose gesture. If that’s not setting yourself up to fail, I don’t know what is. Why don’t you just slow your roll this year and see how that goes?
I’m not saying you should suck out all the romance, but a tweak or two couldn’t hurt. Snarky Valentine’s Day Cards (ThinkGeek, $9.99) are the perfect antidote to a boring and predictable “holiday” with your significant other. I mean, everyone pledges their undying love, why not go for something a little different? Maybe by injecting an ounce of realism into the day, it won’t be a complete snorefest. These cards let your number one lady know just how much you care about her, but in a much less nauseating fashion. A set of six, each card features a different outer message like the one pictured here. The insides of each card are blank, so if you’re afraid that your sweetie pie might be a little turned off by messages like, “Big dinner make me drowsy so let’s do the sex part first,” then you can make up for it with a truckload of romantic gobbledygook on the inside.
It’s the perfect way to say “I love you,” without actually having to say it.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: approximately 6.25″ x 4.625″
-Set of six cards
-Envelopes included
-Insides are blank
-For adults only
In case you haven’t realized it yet, Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. Unless you want to be that guy (or more accurately, guys) rushing to a crowded jewelry store at the last minute, you should probably get something soon. The key to a good Valentine’s Day gift is thoughtfulness – it doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable. At least that’s what you should tell your significant other when you present them with their homemade/recycled/cheapo gift.
If you can spin it, the Lover Vouchers (Perpetual Kid, $6.99) could be the perfect gift idea this Valentine’s Day. Chances are, your thoughtful gesture won’t seem all that thoughtful so you’d better have a good story to back this one up. Everyone knows that vouchers are the easy way out; they’re the poor man’s gift card. In order to seem like you really considered everything else before deciding this 20 voucher booklet was the best idea, you should probably talk up its good points. For example, this isn’t just one gift, but actually 20. How generous! These vouchers can be used at any time, but fancy jewelry is only for special occasions. Used sparingly, this booklet can last a very long time – can the same be said for a box of chocolates? You get the idea.
Go forth, cheap one, and don’t forget to turn on the charm.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 8″ x 3.25″
-Set of 20 vouchers
I think I need a day off. I’ve been shoveling out my driveway for the past month and I’m sick of it. My back is killing me, my arms are sore, and I have an ever increasing hatred of the winter season. But I don’t have any time off coming up, so a tropical vacation is out of the question. I guess I’ll just have to make do with some sunglasses and a heating pad.
If you want a really relaxing experience, pull out the Bubble Spa Mat (Gizoo, £69.95). It’s a soft air mat that uses over 300 individual aeration vents to simulate the effects of a whirlpool bath. The unit features customized massage variable controls and a timer facility you can set for 15, 30, or 60 minutes as well as a convenient wireless remote. Its non-slip feet grip the bottom of the tub to prevent slippage while the mat fills with air to cushion your body. Basically, it takes all the best parts of a spa session and combines them with the convenience of a jacuzzi tub, all within the comfort of your own home for a fraction of the price.
Hmm, inexpensive and easy? It’s a lazy person’s dream!
5 out of 5 stars.
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Specs:
-Dimensions: 120cm x 37.5cm x 0.8cm
-Converts any bathtub into bubble massage spa
-Duplicates the effects of whirlpool bath
-Soft air mat with 9′ flexible hose
-Mat fills with air to cushion body
-Over 300 aeration vents
-Customized massage variable controls
-Timer facility for 15, 30, or 60 minutes
-Compact unit also folds for easy storage
-Convenient wireless remote
-Non slip feet prevents slippage while in use
I know it’s hard, with the all the snow hurdling down from the sky, but try to think of the blissful spring/summer that will be here in a few months. Have you thought about what activities you’re going to engage in? Perhaps you’re already planning a relaxing beach trip – if you’re not, you’d better get on that because vacation destinations book up wicked quick! Planning an out-of-season trip is the easiest way to beat the winter blahs because you’re actually being responsible by taking care of everything in advance. Plus, it’ll keep you from going batshit crazy as a result of being snowed in for the umpteenth time.
Picture this: you’re lying on the beach, listening to some tunes, when the tide washes in and totally ruins your iPod. That is not the way you want your vacation to go. The Eye Play (Latest Buy, $39.95) helps you balance your need for tuneage with the mischief of the sea. So much more than just a water-resistant sunglasses case, this handy gadget also features a built-in speaker. Instead of listening to your headphones and tuning out the rest of your vacation buddies, why wouldn’t you want to hook up your iPod, mp3 player, etc to a portable speaker system that everyone can enjoy? What’s even more amazing is that you can store your media player inside the case so it’s protected from the elements while you sit back and listen to music!
Before you even ask, no, this does not come with neither a pair of sunglasses nor an awesome iPod. I know, such a drag that you have to go out and buy those things yourself.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3″ x 7″ x 4″
-Sunglasses case with built in speaker
-Compartment to store money or credit cards
-Connect to 1/8″ earphone socket of any device
-Water resistant
-Uses 2 AAA batteries (not included)
-Sunglasses and iPod not included
