What happens to the ring when things go sour and the engagement is broken off? Surprisingly, it depends on where you live.

In the United States, the ring is considered a conditional gift; if the marriage is canceled, the ring must be returned. Irish law holds the same view of the situation. But in Britain, the return of the ring is only enforced if there was a prior agreement by the parties to do so in case of breaking up. In Canada, it depends on who breaks it off, if the bride cancels, she must return it but if the groom backs out, he forfeits his claim to the ring.

A recent court case in Australia ruled that the bride having refused the marriage offer, no longer retained rights to the gift but that it became bailed property. Thus, when Vikie Pappas as bailee, ordered her father to throw out everything her former fiance had given her including the ring, she improperly and unlawfully disposed of bailed property.

Valentine Gifts to Avoid

1. The Practical Gift - Even if she really needs some practical or household item, don’t do it! A new dishwasher a week after Valentine’s Day will get you a gold star but on Valentine’s Day it will get you a spot in the doghouse.

2. The Sexy Lingerie Gift - She will naturally assume that this is a gift for you or that you think that she’s usually boring and unappealing. There’s also the risk of getting the wrong size. Whether too big or too small, she may feel insulted or hurt and that is definitely not the reaction you want from a present. Too dangerous and can go wrong too easily.

3. Gift Cards - A card says that you couldn’t be bothered to put any thought into your gift. Additionally it gives her nothing to open on the important day. An exception to this rule might be a gift certificate to a spa or salon for a day of pampering, but have a card and a small gift to wrap for her to open.

4. The Panic Gift - This is the one you got on the way home at the local drugstore. It usually includes some wilted flowers without a vase, a generic card with your name scribbled on it and a standard box of chocolates. This says “I remembered at the last minute and didn’t want to get in trouble”.

Valentine Gifts She’ll Love

The best gift to give is one that is meaningful. It doesn’t have to be traditional, although it adds a nice touch to include a bouquet of flowers or even a single rose. Find a gift that says “you’re special” and one that your Valentine will know you put thought into. This could be an elegant pair of diamond earrings or a gold necklace. Buying her something related to her interests and hobbies is also a good idea. Whatever you decide on it should be something that is personal. A blank card that you write an original note expressing your feelings will be more treasured than any mass-produced Hallmark greeting. If you are not confident of your writing ability, find a poem that best describes how you feel and tell her how it reminds you of your love.

The big heart-shaped day is approaching and you still haven’t decied on the perfect gift for your Valentine.

No need to panic, you can still find the gift that says “I love you” even if you don’t have time to search the malls and specialty stores. Here are some ideas for gifts you can order now in time for Valentine’s Day without leaving your chair.

Hershey’s offers a personalized gift that satisfies both the card and the chocolate requirements - and satisfies a sweet tooth as well. Their Perfect Match Chocolate Card let’s you write your own message (up to 24 letters/spaces)and is a solid 2lb of chocolate. Place your order by noon on February 13 for guaranteed Valentine’s Day delivery.

There’s no one who knows your love the way you do, so don’t rely on standard flower arrangements you order by phone. Check out Virtual Flowers for dozens of unique floral arrangements. Imagine her delight when this cuddly plush bear arrives with an armful of lush roses.

Guys, you know she’s expecting flowers, they’re the most traditional gift on Valentine’s Day next to chocolates. You can seek the advice of your florist on the best arrangement or be a little creative in choosing a bouquet.

Long-stemmed red roses are the most traditional Valentine flower, but roses come in many gorgeous shades, each holding special meaning. Check out the meanings of roses and choose a panopoly of colors that stand for all the many facets of your relationship. You can include a card that explains the meaning of each rose and how it applies to your relationship.

Tell her that the red rose symbolizes your passion, yellow is for the underlying friendship that makes your relationship strong, pink is her elegance and grace etc.

Choosing the bouquet to represent what your relationship means to you will say much more to her than if you plunk down some cash for the standard, unimaginative gift.

For the meanings of the variety of roses:
A Rose By Any Other Color