So I don’t mean to sound bitter – because I’m not - but I think Valentine’s Day is just DUMB. I mean, the idea comes from a good place, but this Hallmark holiday turns out to be a no-win situation for everyone but single guys (who miss it completely) and retailers (which aren’t having any fun these days, anyway). Think about it:
· Husbands and boyfriends – required to buy a reasonably good gift for a made-up holiday. And just six weeks after the [real] holidays!
· Women in relationships – hopeful their husbands or boyfriends will suddenly become Ryan Gosling from The Notebook, not to mention wondering what in the WORLD to give a GUY on a “holiday” made up of hearts, cupids and, eek, feelings.
· Single women – bummed and annoyed watching non-single women get flowers and candy all day.
But secretly, my campaign against Valentine’s Day boils down to one thing: buying gifts stresses me out. I want them to be really good, but I never have any clue what to get. Even if you know someone really well, achieving the perfect gift can be tricky.
Never fear! IamSaintValentino.com is here! Check out this excerpt from a recent article on TechFlash.com:
IamSaintValentino…allow[s] gift givers to gather ideas by placing pre-recorded phone calls (in the voice of Saint Valentino) to the intended sweetheart. It also includes a customized message from the caller. At the end of the call, the recipient is asked to say his or her favorite Valentine’s Day gifts or desires. Those messages are recorded and immediately available for playback on the IamSaintValentino Web site, so the gift giver can make a smarter purchase decision.
In an added twist, the site incorporates a speech recognition tool on the back end to analyze words of the call recipient. It then recommends specific products from online retailers based on words spoken in the message.”
Hmm… see, that’d help even me. Looking for a simpler way to source your ideas? Better Homes and Gardens (wow – The Notebook and now BHG? This is getting girly…) posted 29 Creative Ways to Say “I Love You.” Gotta admit, drawing a heart on a steamed-up mirror is kind of sweet.
And so are stargazer lilies. And pretty pink laptops that support a good cause. Oooh, and chocolates – the fun gourmet ones (not the ones with the mystery pink cream in them)… But Valentine’s Day is still stupid. J
February 10th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
This was a fun read Michelle. Love the pink laptop for a good cause idea!
February 10th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
I am happy that Dell decided to do a great cause with the pink notebook.
I don`t need cards for Valentines day, just give me the flavored gourmet jelly beans.
February 11th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
My friend Saint Valentino would say \”Hey Sugar, Love your pink laptops Dell, they match my Prada wings!\”
February 12th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I don’t like made-up holidays either…
Oh, wait…
February 13th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
In line with our “Down with Valentine’s Day” theme, CNET posted a great photo series today: Gadgets that broke our hearts. Sure hope the writer gives netbooks another chance. Or, at least, one netbook in particular.
Check it out: http://news.cnet.com/2300-17938_105-10000337.html?tag=nl.e434
March 12th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Is it necessary to give a gift to your valentine?