Quirky Valentine's Gifts

Valentine's Day is traditionally celebrated with flowers, candies, and greeting cards... but why keep it ordinary?! With the advent of the Internet (or a little creativity of your own), Valentine's Day and other romantic days can be celebrated with a myriad of gifts that express love with a little more individuality.

For those of you who may be creatively challenged, here are some products and ideas that could help you say "I love you" without the traditional fanfare. (Note: all products are as of December 2011 and may change. I have included the main website for you to search, rather than the individual links, due to HubPage restrictions. I have also tried to select fairly affordable - under $20 - gifts.)

For Geeks and Gamers, visit www.ThinkGeek.com for the following items:

• The "8-Bit Flower Bouquet." Especially good if you have a girlfriend without a green thumb. However, if she does have a green thumb, try the "DIY - I Love You Bean"!
• "Star Wars Han Solo Carbonite Chocolate." What Star Wars fan wouldn't want to take a bite of that yummy hunk?
• For zombie lovers, the "Exclusive Zombie Monkey Plus." Who wouldn't want a pet zombie?
• There is also a multitude of clothing. Whether you're a math whiz ("Plotting for Your Heart Babydoll") or mad scientists ("Chocolate Molecule Women's Classic Cut"), you're sure to find something - just verify your lover's size before ordering!

For those who love the celebrity life, consider giving a personalized magazine cover (either printed at home or printed professionally), available at www.YourCover.com. You could also consider a custom cardboard cutout from www.PartyStandUps.com.

For fans of the Twilight series, but those who are tired of the same old Edward and Bella T-shirts and lunch boxes, consider a Vampire blood vial necklace. Warning: VampireWear.com also sells "Fill Your Own Vial" sets!

For the Comedians out there, "I Love You From Top to Bottom" Toilet Paper - at www.justpaperroses.com.

For music lovers, Amazon.com offers the Fi Hi MIX'D Tape 512MB Flash Memory - make a mix tape without the hassle of buying a cassette player! (Sold by FLYMODE.)

For Chefs, Coffee Lovers, and other culinary delights, go to Wrapables.com for all sorts of culinary dishes. My favorites include:

• "Love Candy Hearts Martini Glasses" (A13059),
• "Heart Warmer Heatable Hand Warmer" (A52103),
• "Love Beyond Measure Heart Measuring Spoons (set of 4)" (A54431), and
• "Frosted Sweetheart Wine Stoppers" (A20014 for white and A20015 for red).

If your guy has to work during the day, I highly suggest Sendapantygram.com - self explanatory.

And if you want to go a little traditional, the following are great ideas:

• A subscription to the Microbrew of the Month Club (for beer lovers).
• Custom Printed M&Ms (www.mymms.com)
• Red Noses. Everyone loves red roses, but red noses last! Wrap up a red nose - or better yet, a whole dozen! (Sure to induce laughter.)
• A YouTube video. You don't have to have the pipes - just plug in the webcam and do your own rendition of your favorite love song (or, my favorite, the Numa Numa song). Do a puppet show. Let your creativity flow and make something that will profess your love to the world...then send him/her the link.
• The International Star Registry allows people to have a star named after someone. Buy a kit (prices vary), and you'll get a certificate and star chart to show your loved one his/her place in the heavens!