Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and it's impossible to avoid the thought of gift-giving. I've noticed one oddity that I just need to discuss. Has anyone else noticed that you can't walk into a grocery store, gas station, shopping mall, or gift store without seeing Valentine's Day stuffed animals? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 21% of Americans give stuffed animals for Valentine's Day.

Why? This is one tradition that I simply do not understand. I just don't know what a woman is supposed to do with the stuffed animal. No woman over the age of 14 should display stuffed animals as room decor. Is it appropriate to give this toy to your children? I just don't get it. If any of you like getting stuffed animals as gifts and could shed some understanding on the subject, please comment.

Matt says the reason men buy stuffed animals is because they're cheap. I understand living on a budget, but let's find a better way to spend our limited Valentine's Day budget. The same Census Bureau report says that only 11% of Americans give jewelry as gifts, and I think that's a shame. Matt says that's because jewelry is expensive, but most women don't expect diamonds at every gift-giving occasion.

Fun and stylish costume jewelry makes just as great a gift as fine jewelry with a much friendlier price tag. And, since it didn't cost as much, most women feel free to wear it daily instead of only on special occasions.


You can choose a great costume jewelry gift with just five simple steps:

1. Choose a color. Look through your ladies' closet and see what colors she wears most. What color are most of her shoes? Do you have a favorite outfit of hers'? If so, what color is it? This is the color you are looking for when you go shopping.
2. Choose a type. What type of jewelry does she tend to wear? Does she like earrings? Bracelets? Necklaces? Maybe a watch? This is the type of costume jewelry you are looking for.
   
3. Choose a store. If you have time, go to an antique mall or flea market. You'll find unique vintage pieces at reasonable prices. If you don't have time to wander the booths, go to a large department store. Kohl's and JC Penney will have a variety of different styles to choose from. Target has lots of trendy stuff if your lady likes the latest fashions, and it's usually sorted by color.
4. Choose an item. Keeping in mind your target color, look at the selection of items in your type. They will often be displayed on racks next to the cases of finer jewelry. Find one that catches your eye and looks like your ladies' style. Do not make the mistake of thinking "she doesn't have anything like this, so I'll get one for her." She doesn't have anything like that because she doesn't want anything like it.
   
5. Choose a companion piece. If your budget allows, look for a matching piece to the one you've already selected (i.e.: you've selected a necklace, look for matching earrings or a bracelet). This is advanced because you need to match color and style. It might be wise to ask a salesperson for help.

Now simply drop the items in a gift bag. When she opens it, tell her all of the thought you put into picking out her gift. She will be so impressed you cared enough to take the time to choose the perfect gift.