VALENTINE’S DAY: THINKING OUTSIDE THE CHOCOLATE BOX

Toronto, Ontario, February 5, 2007 – Valentine’s Day. Most men dread it. For many women, it’s the Super Bowl of dating. But this holiday leaves the more than 98 million singles in North America wondering, “What is all the hype about?” Categorized with recommendations for both singles and those in a relationship, Lavalife offers a sweet yet simple guide to Valentine’s Day gift giving for men and women.

“Many singles question how to spend Valentine’s Day every year,” says Lori Miller, Lavalife’s Singles and Dating Expert. “If you’re single and looking, it’s a great night to boycott the typical romantic scene and hit the town with your single friends. And if you are single and dating, we’ve put together a simple guide for choosing a gift that sets the mood without saying too much.”

Whether you're deliriously solo or deep in the dating game, Lavalife’s got some great Valentine's Day tips for singles and gift ideas for every stage of relationships…read on.

If You're Single & Loving It

Just because you're single doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate Valentine's Day. Treat yourself!

Who said you need Prince Charming to live happily ever after? Ladies, treat yourself to a day at the spa or a little bauble, a sweet reminder that we can live a fabulous life with or without someone else.

If you're a guy with no attachments, send your mom a card and be done with it. Or grab a group of unattached buddies and head over to a sports bar. You'll have the place to yourself, because almost no woman wants to get all dolled and shave her legs for chicken wings with a side of hockey on Valentine's Day.


-more-




If You're Single & Looking

Maybe you're on your own this year, but hoping to meet someone intriguing. For both sexes, Valentine's Day is a great day to focus on what you're looking for; this is a perfect time to update your online dating profile, adding some snappier lines and uploading a few more photos.

Consider throwing a singles-only party where every guest brings a single friend, treating yourself to something decadent, or offering to baby-sit for a home-locked couple who haven't seen romance in awhile. Good deeds have a way of coming back around.

Most importantly, don't let Valentine's Day be just for couples. Instead, let it inspire you to go after what you want and serve as a reminder that single life is also to be celebrated. Enjoy it while it lasts.

If You've Had Just A Few Dates

It's a gift! It's a date! Think inexpensive, adorable and romantic gifts that you can enjoy together like a fondue pot or a homemade s’mores kit, complete with a book of matches to light the fire. Tickets to the local ice skating rink, amusement park or art museum are also great, inexpensive gifts.
If You've Been Dating 1-3 Months

At this point in your relationship, take the traditional Valentine’s Day gifts and add a special twist. Surprise your date with sinfully delicious brownies from your local bakery or national gourmet retailer. If you want to think outside of the traditional chocolate box, spring for chocolate flavored spa treats, body paint, even bubble bath! We swear to you it’s out there.

For the woman with a creative mind and a spontaneous sense of style, chose a perfume with a fresh scent like grapefruit, tea rose, cinnamon or cassis. If she’s sexy and frequently indulges, give her a scent with notes of cumin or vanilla. Perfumes with fruit notes tend to appeal to pleasure seeking women who find conservative to be boring.
If you want to spend your hard-earned cash on roses that last more than a week, try rose-scented bath products, aromatherapy, candles, or rose petal jam for breakfast-in-bed junkies.

If You've Been Dating 3-6 Months

This is a luxe gift, but it will definitely sweep them off their feet. Instead of chocolates (or in addition to, if you're a real romantic,) try giving a caviar spread for two. Don’t forget the crème fraîche and a nice bottle of champagne or sparkling wine.

For music-loving guys, there are some great things out there from a record cover signed by his favorite artist (check eBay) to hip man jewelry like guitar string bracelets made from the strings of your guy's favorite guitarist.

-more-


Another gift idea we love for both sexes is one that benefits a local or national charity. There are a lot of great organizations in need of your help, and many sell thing from bracelets to rings to T-shirts, with proceeds benefiting the organization. These make perfect gifts for creative types, woo-woo chicks and anybody with great style and a tender heart.

If You've Been Dating Six Months or Longer

Guys, we hate to break it to you, but six months or longer means jewelry. If you're not ready to commit, stick to bracelets, necklaces or earrings. If you need help picking something she'll like, ask her best friend to go shopping with you.

If You Still Want to be in a Relationship Next Valentine’s Day

Finally, guys, Lavalife would like to leave you with one bit of advice: When it comes to Valentine's Day, flowers are mandatory. If you've had at least one date, and you're hoping for a second, send flowers on Valentine's Day. If you've been dating for three months, or married for 30 years, send flowers on Valentine's Day. We can't tell you why it's so important, it just is.

About Lavalife

Lavalife is ranked the #1 dating site in Canada* and is ranked among the top 10 worldwide dating sites.** A leading provider of products and services designed for singles, Lavalife connects, engages and entertains through a variety of web, voice and mobile offerings. Founded in 1987, Lavalife Corp. markets its products and services across the United States, Canada and Australia and allows its members anytime, anywhere access to like-minded individuals. Lavalife's open-minded approach to dating allows singles to choose how they want to "click" by offering three unique communities: dating, relationships and intimate encounters. Lavalife has attracted millions of unique members who exchange 1.3 million messages every day. For more information, visit www.lavalife.com/corp or www.lavalife.com/mediaroom.

* Source: Combination of comScore Media Metrix and Lavalife. Lavalife estimates that it ranks #1 in Canada when publicly quoted statistics are adjusted to reflect traffic assigned to other web sites.

** Source: Combination of comScore Media Metrix and Lavalife. Lavalife estimates that it ranks in the top 10 worldwide when publicly quoted statistics are adjusted to reflect traffic assigned to other web sites.

# # #