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Everywhere you look, you will see suggestions on what to give your Valentine but there are no suggestions on what NOT TO GIVE.

So we came up with a list that could hopefully help you avoid the Day of Love Into Day of Disaster. Though I have to say, some choices would be great as pay back to The Horrible EX.

1. A Gym Membership

You may think that our partner could do with losing up some weight, but pointing this out is rarely a good idea, and Valentines’ Day is the worst of bad choices.

2. Tickets To The National Museum Of Crime and Punishment

This Washington based Museum came up with the novel idea “Stealing your loved one’s heart” on Valentines’ Day by taking them to learn about love-related crimes. They even offer to handcuff couples during the tour, and of course gift them handcuffs as a parting Valentine’ gift. While I am all in favor of ‘knowledge’; learning about Crimes, even if they are Crimes Of Passion on Valentines’ Day is not exactly on the top of my wish list.

3. Cooking Classes

Unless you have discussed it before (and that does not mean that it was mentioned once), the message is “I love you, but I hate your cooking.” So, unless you are very, very, very clear about the fact that your partner thinks it acceptable as a Valentine Gift, steer clear from it.

4. Household Goods

For women, even the most perfect Martha Stewart-esque type, such gifts can only bring to mind DRUDGERY. She may really want the revolutionary new vacuum cleaner or the waffle maker, but they are not meant to be gifts EVER. And don’t even think of buying that new theatre system because we know as well as you do, that it’s for you and not for us.

5. Male Enhancement Products

For obvious reasons. Though I would send this to an EX. It is also the perfect gift if you don’t want to enter into any explanations while breaking-up.

6. Sex For Dummies

After 5, do I still need to explain? Though on the other hand, a full-illustrated Kamasutra edition could actually be a great gift.

7. Plastic Flowers

Hey, even gas station flowers are better than that. You don’t have to be extravagant, but don’t be cheap either. Just a single fresh rose bud isn’t that difficult to find or afford.

8. Breath Mints

Is this even a valid gift for any occasion except maybe ‘Let’s Humiliate The Bad Breath People Day’.

9. Tickets To Action Movies/Sport Events

So you have the perfect evening planned - Candlelight, romantic dinner, and movie. But are you sure about the choice of movie? Your gal may love action flicks as much as you do, but not on Valentines’ day. If you can’t stand the sappy chick-flicks, cut the movie off the plan completely. Also, steer clear of Porn, and tickets to any sports events (unless she really is into it). If you are low on cash, cooking or even ordering in isn’t a bad idea, as long as you remember not to poison her accidentally.

10. No Gifts

Even Bad Gifts are better than NONE. And guys, if your partner told you not to get them anything much, you better make sure you get them something extra special or else…

Ok.. I agree, Valentines’ day is probably the most romantic day to propose, and even for getting married.

But it is too much of a cliché too. Of course, there is a school of thought that says clichés became clichés because they were successful.

Maybe, I am just not the dewy-eyed romantic because I do have a few objections to being proposed to or even married on Valentines’ day.

For one, it’s so overdone that it is almost expected if you are in relationship. There would just be no element of surprise, and definitely no original thought the choice of the day. I don’t hanker for the surprise but lack of original thought is certainly a big turn-off for me.

Secondly, it is like having a day less to celebrate each year for the rest of your life. If Valentines’ day and my anniversary falls on the same day - I get one present and one night-out for both. Not really a good bargain (Ok ok… I am a bit materialistic).

And hey, when you tell you got engaged or married on Valentines’ Day, they start OOH and AAH-ing immediately. So, if you do have a really romantic story, no one ever waits to hear it. You just have to knock them over the head to be able to tell it.

On the other hand, atleast you can be sure that your husband would never forget to get you a present even if he only remembers it is Valentine’s day and not your anniversary.

So, what do you think?

Would you want to get married/engaged on Valentines’ Day or not?