Think Ahead and Avoid Valentine's Day Disappointment

For all those guys out there who are, how shall we say, somewhat less than plugged in about what kind of Valentine's Day gift a woman wants to receive on the special day, a survey by online jeweler Blue Nile provides timely advice.

If you think your partner is going to be on cloud nine after receiving a carpet shampooer or pencil sharpener – and yes, those are real-life examples of the kind of gifts not so sensitive men give – then think again.

Apart from being alone, 19 percent of survey respondents ranked receiving a bad gift or no gift as their worst Valentine's Day experience, while eight percent said receiving a bad gift was the reason for their worst Valentine's Day.

And for men who think that they can't go wrong with traditional gifts, such as lingerie and candy, here is a surprise: those items top the worst gifts list. If you don't know precisely what kind of lingerie is going to make your lady feel fantastic – and let's face it, that's most of us – then leave well alone.

Following hard on the heels of lingerie and candy as no-no gifts come cards/notes, household appliances, cleaning products, flowers and plants.

“Generally, gifts failed to meet expectations when the giver didn't dedicate appropriate thought to the recipient,” said Blue Nile Diamond and Engagement Expert John Baird in what many people might think a statement of the totally obvious. "A rug shampooer is clearly a horrible Valentine's Day gift, but likewise giving candy when she's expecting diamond earrings is equally disappointing."

To ensure you buy an appropriate gift, Baird suggests buyers think about what the recipient would like to receive or "what would make her eyes light up".

Not surprisingly, Baird recommends a gift of jewelry, although romantic getaways and a fancy dinner (not at McDonalds, however, as in the case of more than one unlucky lady) are also possibilities.