Neither of us has gotten the other something for years!
I think way back to the dark ages when we were first married and I would get him little thing, he loved Turtles with the pecans and carmel and I'd get him a box of those. Or a new shirt usually.

We got each other just cards this year. He does usually buy me flowers (not this year because of the crazy cat). I don't usually get him anything except the card. IF those chocolate covered strawberries I saw yesterday hadn't been $1.99 each, he would have got some of those though!

My DH loves ice cream. I filled our freezer with ice cream. He didn't need anything, didn't want anything. I'm keeping him happy!! LOL

Just Ecards.

We exchanged cards, ate lunch out. Always have goodies on hand.

hubby gets me flowers and candy every year. We have been married 12 years. I get him something from the garden dept.(his favorite thing). This year it was a hanging basket kit with flowers to plant come spring.

I got a roll of (small) cookies at the grocery for the one that I love the most ... well, one of the ones.

Plus ... splurged $3.10 for a litre of 10% cream - I don't like paying over $3.00, and on the rare occasions that I may get it for $1.99, it makes my frugal heart go pitta-pat. Plus a few litres of apple cider.

Actually, ask most any parent whom they love the most, and it's something of an open question, I think.

On the one hand ... we chose our mates.

And, in a way, we didn't exactly choose/were stuck with the kids (even the planned ones?).

Gee - that sounds sort of cold and calculating, doesn't it?

Also, kids grow up and leave, so intimacy is a more or less temporary thing, as most of them go off to build their own families. And some of our egos went into the moulding and forming, as they grew up and into independence. But, ideally, there continues a strong bond there through life.

Then, after they're gone, the parents travel on the journey through the rest of life together (well, ideally so - it doesn't always work out quite that way).

As families are split up more than ever before, how be we older folks look around to some kid hungry for a Grandpa-like connection and befriend that person - not to displace, but to supplement their connection with the actual grandaprents.

When we were missionaries, often our kids began to call various other family people "aunt" and "uncle" (but I don't hin that I heard much about "cousins".

I hope that you all have had a lovely Valentine's Day.

ole joyful

Once when I was a small kid in our village grocery, when Dad was in a room at the back, a neighbour came in, took one look at me, and said, "Well, Dick Baker will never be dead as long as that young one's alive!".

My youngest brother and I looked quite lot like Dad, middle brother more like Mom's family.

I got the kids a small suprise for this morning and I got my DH a box of candy. I got a card from my 15 yr old DS, nothing from DH. I also grilled steaks for supper...out in the freeezing cold.

I got Dean a box of special chocolates from a candy shop in Ames. Picked up Linda the other day and headed to the candy store! He likes dark chocolate and nuts...mostly what he got..also a couple of pieces of dark chocolate covered blueberries...2 of his favorite things! He hasn't had any yet.

We bought my power shovel the other day...that was my gift.

I sent the girls cards in the mail, and got them each a couple little things...can't say, Kalie hasn't gotten hers yet..and she reads here! =)

I gave 'Deej' a card and tonite we went out to dinner. It was the first date we've been on in months. Just lovely! I thoroughly enjoyed the entire meal and although I love to cook, it was very nice having the nite off.

Laurel

I usually do. for dh and ds. And send cards to grandpa, nceices and nephew But not this year. I've been so sick!

I told dh to not worry about me either! But he could surprise me NEXT year! lol

We didn't buy ANYTHING this year, in fact, this morning we both didn't think of VD at all. He is not feeling well, had a Dr.'s appointment, and I had a funeral to attend.

But it was a nice and sunny day. This evening we got our "happy valentines day" wishes and hugs out of the way. :)

No money used.

Moni

I always give my 3 kids (40,27 &24) something. I buy a day or two after each holiday little things that I can send to my girls and I always buy my DS a t-shirt.

My DH thinks V-day is a made up Hallmark holiday LOL!! So if I get something from him it is hit or miss. I usually just send him a card at work sprayed with my fav perfume and a big lipstick kiss on the back and I do not put my return address hoping the other guys will think it is a mystery woman:) One year I bought him a heart coffee cup he liked alot.

This year was a 'hit' for me:) He bought me a bottle of my fav wine and a I guess it is for the yard since he got it at a nursery~~it is a mama bird with her wings out and two babies under one arm and one baby under another to represent our three kids~~It brought tears to my eyes and I love it:)

Very simple but oh so sweet:)

I didn't get my husband anything this year. Money is still tight. When he buys for me it is usually a bit expensive, so he didn't feel he could get anything...We just decided not to buy.

But I find it really hard to buy for him...What do you get for a guy for Valentines day????

He's not a jewerly guy. He really doesn't have much that he does anymore...so it is hard.

patti

Before my husband died last year, it was a big day for both of us. For 20 years, he would always buy me several nice things and cook me filet mignon and shrimp for dinner. I would buy him gifts and take him out someplace nice to eat. I really miss that today, and know I always will!

When the old lad and I were married,Valentines was really big deal.
There was always the dinner out,and a more than beautiful bouquet of flowers.
I always got him something,and a really nice card...he loved the chocolate sort of thing

We don't exchange gifts on any occasion. If I want something, I buy it for myself and I prefer it that way.

I got Rich a book from a favorite author and a small teddy bear that says "Love and Kisses", plus 2 cards, one funny and one mushy!

(((Kay)))

Bob used to give me roses every year, but a few years back I asked him to quit because I had much rather have something to plant in the yard. Same thing goes for other holidays too when gifts are the norm. In the spring and / or fall I remind Bob that the flowers I am planting make me happier than a vase of them that last a couple of weeks. We just don't swap gifts because we get what we want when we want it. He did buy me a valentine balloon this morning because he just felt like it. We went out to eat lunch at one of our favorite places and tonight after supper I baked some brownies. I used a cookie cutter and made them into heart shapes for Bob, Anna and myself. I topped them with vanilla ice cream, fresh sliced strawberries and whipped cream. They were so good. Something like that means more to Bob than anything I might buy him that he didn't really want or need.

Linda

We used to exchange more than we do now. Nice dinner, some fancy type of accessory, candy. I got roses today, probably more than the usual single bud because he saw me racing around caring for our first GS the past few days. We will go out to dinner. That is it.

this year found a funny card with reference to bvds...so got him some...but dh beat me to the punch, found a musical card and beany baby...

We used to exchange gifts, but decided this year, we wouldn't. Just save our money till we decide what we are going to do for our 25th wedding anniversary in April.

Sent Cards to DS's also got DS here a little something
No SO right now but he would have received a sweet Valentine gift

I got DH a very nice card, made him an exceptionally good dinner, (even after he asked me out for dinner), helped him in the yard and gave him a heart shaped rock I found.
He moved the mail box to its new site, gave me some great jewelry and did some of the honey-do's he has put off for a long time.
We are both happy!

I gave him a beautiful card. He gave me dinner out and a huge, beautiful, bouquet of flowers and beautiful card.
He's such a sweetie.
Lulie

No and it's my anniversary to boot!
LOL

Valentine's Day puts a lot of pressure on couples, I think.
And the commercialism!
Valentines have been up at Walmart since December 23rd!
LOL

We'll probably go out to dinner Saturday or Sunday night.
I'd rather take the money we'd spend on Valentine's gift and put it towards a trip or something....

Lori

I'm like Marilyn.

If we do get a gift for the other it is because we saw something the other would like and would be given at anytime of the year. Holidays remind us to treat ourselves to a nice dinner or something but never on the actual holiday. DH and I will be going out for his birthday (last week) dinner and Valentines Day next week.

Many many years ago after a horrendously long wait for a table at a restaurant at which we had a reservation, hubs and I decided we would never, ever, again go out to dinner on Valentine's Day. A friend who is in the restaurant business confirmed our suspicion -- there are two days each year when the restaurants put out extra tables so that they can get more people in at a time - Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. We stay far, far away from restaurants on those days.

But in answer to your question, Ron...

Yes, my hubs is my sweetie. He's my heart. I do give him something. I have never felt that Valentine's Day is only for guys to give stuff to girls.

DH and I gave each other nice cards. And I cooked dinner tonight, which in itself is a treat for him. :)

Its been a totally more than usual busy week but I managed to get my dh his candy favorites and put them all in a bag, also made his favorite steak and potatos dinner despite having to run dd and her friend into town for basketball practice and ballet. Not much for me in Valentines day because its Dh's birthday and I would rather he have a special day. Dh and kids did give me a pretty beaded necklace from Hallmark. They did good, I really like it and it wasn't pricy. I think they like mothers day to spoil me.

I may be petty but I spent today-getting my outfit together, to make my SO proud of me-as he feels I am his "eye candy" which makes me ill!! I love this man BUt most of the time I feel like his motives are only to 'appease ' himself! he treated me to a nice dinner on the beach-but-you know what? He (for the 1st time in FOUR years) "forgot" to get me a Valentine's Day card!!! i have saved & treasured every card prior to this-yet, despite the fact he sat at home watching movies ALL day=prior to us going out for din-din...and didn't even remember to get me a card!! Tell you what..I would've much preffered to stay at home, in my flannels & socks and fixed coffee & toast, watched tv AND received a card from him-than to experience the disaster that happened tonight!! I am BUMMED!!

He gave me a BEAUTIFUL basket filled with blooming bulbs and bulbs that are about to bloom along with some growing grass and some beautiful ivy. I LOVE it. I gave him an 'I Love You' cake. Yummy. I was a very nice Valentines Day. Thanks for asking...

sooey

For 30 years I have always got DH something like imported beer and a card. And he gets me flowers and chocolates. I think it is a holiday for both, not just women though all the advertising makes it appear that way.
Clare

Last year I got a Beautiful Anne Klein Crystal Studded Watch. This year "0".

I usually get Main Man a little "something something". But, I had a luncheon at church to go to. I just bought him back a lunch plate with dessert and told him Happy V Day.

Last night he said "I started to buy you flowers. But, I thought you would rather have something to plant." He is right, so I'm gonna drag his skinny rear to the Nursery today. LOL!

I want a Palm Tree! Think BIG!

Gayle

Last year I got a Beautiful Anne Klein Crystal Studded Watch. This year "0".

I usually get Main Man a little "something something". But, I had a luncheon at church to go to. I just bought him back a lunch plate with dessert and told him Happy V Day.

Last night he said "I started to buy you flowers. But, I thought you would rather have something to plant." He is right, so I'm gonna drag his skinny rear to the Nursery today. LOL!

I want a Palm Tree! Think BIG!

Gayle

Twinkie and I exchanged cards and I gave him a carton of "Whoppers"! LOL

We (along with DGD) went to Colton's and ate. Not particularly for Valentines, but for DGD and to keep me from having to cook! LOL

I like to do little things for valentines day. Nothing expensive and I don't expect a romantic dinner or anything, although I plan to make something I know he likes a lot if I can. Since his and DD's food tastes are similar it's like a two-fer ;).

DD got a cookie decorating kit, some bath foam, and a lip sucker. DH got a sphere shaped puzzle and some fun-dip candy. Now, he doesn't eat candy normally but he had mentioned that was his favourite kind when he was a kid. It think I might have spent 15.00 total on everything. And that was only because the puzzle was Pirates of the Carribean and therfore a bit pricey LOL.

We had stopped doing these things but discussed it recently and decided this year we will go back to the cutesy little things for special ocassions. No stressful "what will I get" type gifts, just little thoughtful touches. However, DH apparently forgot. When he realized it, he insisted he figured we would "celebrate" on Saturday. Okay then.

But guess what? He is working saturday then has plans. So hmmmmmm. I guess he forgot that he forgot.

Because we're going to Florida next week, and to his club's annual Valentine's day dinner tomorrow night...Tom said "cards only - ok?"

So, I put a nice card at his place at breakfast, and then he put a card at mine...and a big heart shaped box of Lindt Truffles (my favorite).

I got him a card and a book of love poems. He got me a card and a vase of beautiful hot pink roses. We're going out to dinner tonight to celebrate both Valentine's day and DS's birthday, which is tomorrow, but he'll probably want to spend it with friends.

If I had a SO I would have baked him cookies or made him his favourite dinner or something nice.

Anne

I always get DH a card & usually candy. I got him 2 hearts this year - one was shaped like a football actually, not a heart. Figured that would grab his attention first. LOL

I bought DH a couple of cards..one silly and one romantic..he brought me a bouquet of supermarket flowers and a really mushy card. I wish he meant it! He DID go looking for white daisies..could'nt find any. He tried.

I was sick but I managed to make hubby an apple pie,Must have been good its gone already.He got me a ring,nechlace,earrings with 2 rubys in shape of heart,with diamonds.

Dh and I exchange cards...some years we do more...but ALWAYS at least a card...I got him a package life savor gummies this year...gag...he loves them though...I always give the boys cards...this year I gave my college boy a Walmart Card to buy some groceries and put a little cash in the teeny boppers card...

We usually do just sometihng little. Poor Brian got a card and a sick wife and he got me a card and my stuffed doxie dog...Stacy