Beat The "Credit Crunch" This Valentine's Day -- Focus On Romance Not Ruinous Extravagance Say Scientists and Survey

Hertfordshire, UK, November 10, 2008 –- Still reeling from the cost of Christmas or counting the cost of the Credit Crunch? Think you haven't got the “readies” to make someone feel really special this Valentine's Day? Think again! Because, the good news is you don't have to max out your Mastercard to move her to tears. So says a recent survey conducted by online gift retailer, pressies4princesses.co.uk. In fact, they found almost two thirds of women actually prefer a little romance to extravagant gifts. "It's the thought that counts" isn't such a tired old cliché after all.

Focusing on romantic effect rather than gob-smacking generosity could also avoid genuine suitors' motives from being misunderstood. Research by Martie Haselton, an evolutionary psychologist at the infamous University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), found that women are more sceptical about extravagant gift-giving and inclined to see it as manipulative(1). Splash the cash and she might think you are only after one thing.

For men sold on romance over ruinous expense, pressies4princesses has ideas dozens of ideas from £5, each oozing the "ahhh..." factor. Five ideas for romantic gestures costing under £20 :-

• Add a squeal of surprise to her morning post – send a gift-boxed teddy bear complete with your personal message.
• Leave a love token under her pillow. These gorgeous glass tokens look great on a bedside table.
• Send your message in chocolate with this "I Love You More Than Chocolate" bar. After all, chocolate contains phenylethylamine which scientists call the "love molecule" and say induces feel-good feelings of excitement, much like love itself(2).
• Ensure a reminder of you is never far from those oh-so-kissable lips by giving her a new favourite mug, complete with loving message.
• Put your heart in her hand, well handbag! This heart-shaped locket keyring has space for a picture of the happy couple and a mirror to ensure she always looks delightful.

For Valentines with a bigger budget, pressies4princesses.co.uk stocks exclusive UK handmade jewellery ranges from designers not available on the high street. Buying quality instead of over-familiar 'designer' labels, will keep her guessing just how much she is worth. And, with limited editions numbering in the tens available from £155, giving something as special as she is need not break the bank.

www.pressies4princesses.co.uk

(1) As reported in the New Scientist: http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg19325971.800

(2) As reported in the New Scientist: http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg19025491.900

ENDS

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