A few recent emails have asked me what kind of Valentine gifts readers could buy for their partner at the last minute - either because they'd completely forgotten about the event, really had no clue what to do and waited until the last minute, or had just started a relationship and weren't sure if they should get their new partner something special.

For those in the forgetful camp, I've created a small but fun list of last minute valentine gifts, most of which are inexpensive. I've also tried to include a few on the list that were appropriate for newer couplings as well as more seasoned partnerships. I'd also recommend taking a peek at my first date gift ideas for those new to each other - everything on the list is inexpensive, fun, and lighthearted enough to share early on, while still providing ample opportunity for romance and/or get-to-know-you conversations.

Do you have any suggestions for last minute valentine gifts, or has your partner ever surprised you with something truly magical that probably didn't take a lot of time to set up?

More last minute valentine gift ideas:

• Flower Gifts - why last minute? Because they deliver!
• Valentines Day Chocolatesmost of these only have another day to ship, so you may want to order right now if you'd like it in time.
• Plant A Tree Gift - Self explanatory probably; you purchase a tree on behalf of your partner virtually, and the tree is named after them in their honor. Or, you could go to a nursery and purchase a small tree and plant it together as a symbol of your love growing for one another.
• Romantic Valentine Ideas - Everything on this list is something you can create with a day's notice or less.
• Romantic Dinner for Two - I like pairing this one with the dinner and a movie date idea personally, but you could just go all out making dinner instead.
• Romantic Text Messages - Honestly, there's no reason why you can't use your cell phone to create romance with your partner. Maybe a lovey scavenger hunt, or a series of short, cute love quotes throughout the day?
• You Light Up My Life Romantic Idea - Quick, simple, and only as far away as the dollar or toy store.

How important is Valentine's Day to you? The answer to that might determine if you're morose about being alone or happy about celebrating Valentine's Day single.

But what if instead, those who are still single/single again amongst us, decided to claim Valentine's Day as our own? As a day to celebrate love in all of its forms, including most importantly the ability to love oneself - no matter how we feel about February 14th?

So say instead of looking at the cheap Valentine's Day ideas that I've written from the perspective as a person part of a couple, you look at the suggestions instead as a single person pampering themselves like no one else can. Maybe all you want to do is curl up with a good book and a mug of cold beer - why not take advantage, avoid the Valentine's Day crowd, and plan for it? Or maybe being social is more your thing - so why not throw a Valentine's Day costume party for all of your single friends?

Are you single this Valentine's Day? What do you plan on doing, if anything? When single, do you celebrate St. Valentine's Day? To choose an answer, click on the appropriate link, or if you feel I've missed something please feel free to share your comments.

• Yes.
• It depends on my state of mind in any given year.
• I've never thought about it before; I might.
• No.

Finding a decent free dating site about a decade ago was an impossible task; they just didn't exist. Plenty of Fish changed that playing field forever, and now there are more free dating sites popping up every day that I can keep track of.

We're just at the last stretch of the 2012 Dating Readers' Choice Awards, and I'd love to know what free dating site(s) you love. Last year OkCupid took the prize, with Plenty of Fish and Mingle2 in a tie for second. There's no log in requirement anymore - just a quick form to fill out and a submit at the bottom, to nominate your favorite, free hangout to meet other singles online: 2012 Dating Readers' Choice Awards.

I'm curious. How many people really aren't prepared for Valentine's Day? And how many single people shun the holiday completely? Vote now in the poll below by clicking on the link you choose.

• Yes, I was ready months ago.
• Yes, I planned it all recently.
• I have most of my plans solidified.
• No, I haven't started.
• No, I am not celebrating Valentine's Day this year.
• No, I don't celebrate Valentine's Day at all.