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My grandmother received an iron for Valentine’s Day–boy was she steamed! The lovely lady who led an exciting life — singing, dancing and acting on stage –dazzled men with her beauty and talents, and broke a string of hearts along the way. She met the man of her dreams, settled down and all was well till her husband gave her a far-too-practical, unromantic Valentine’s present, an iron. It must have left an impression because she talked about it for years.  We took her story to heart and as a result, we do not give household appliances–vacuums, toasters and irons–in lieu of more romantic offerings.

If you’re hard-pressed for gift ideas, buy the nicest card you can find and include this message: “I love you and want to spend time with you. Come away with me on a trip to…” (fill in the blank.) There are many great destinations in California such as beaches, redwood forests, mountains and deserts within a day’s drive. Spend quality time away from household routines because reminders of the chores can really kill the romance. Here are the tops gifts given on Valentine’s Day last year.