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It’s that time of the year, Pandas! The time for heart-shaped candies, ‘I heart you’ balloons, and bad love puns. You might hate the commercialization of the day that’s supposed to represent love and connection. But you can’t deny that with loads of merchandise comes the opportunity to laugh at some fails.

We’ve scoured the Internet and found the best of the worst. From funny spelling mistakes and cringy design choices to some absurdly grotesque Valentine’s products. You mean to tell me they sell heart-shaped beef? Bacon strips shaped to look like a rose? That’s the level of silliness I’m always up for!

Because it's Valentine's Day, Bored Panda reached out to Ireland's #1 dating and relationship expert Frances Kelleher. She was kind enough to tell us why February 14th matters and how coupled (and single!) people can make this day extra special!

More info: How To Double Your Dating | Frances Kelleher | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter (X)

If you're a cynic when it comes to love and all the hearts and sweets make you nauseous, Valentine's Day may seem pointless to you. Even some coupled-up people view it as nothing but a capitalist scam. However, relationship experts say that February 14th can be pretty important for people in relationships.

We asked relationship coach Frances Kelleher whether Valentine's Day should be special for couples. She says that it doesn't necessarily have to be on February 14th. The most important thing is to celebrate your union, and Valentine's Day can be a good reminder to do that.

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    #2

    I Don't Want To Kink Shame, But

    I Don't Want To Kink Shame, But

    thomeagle Report

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    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For my fellow North Americans, remember that British eggs go on the left side of the bed.

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    #3

    Valentine's Day Is Just Around The Corner

    Valentine's Day Is Just Around The Corner

    hotdog_is_a_sandwich Report

    "We need to keep appreciating our partners and not take them for granted; otherwise, the love dies," the relationship coach explains. "It's as simple as that. You have to keep dating your partner, too. This keeps the emotional bond strong. The health of the emotional bond of the couple is what keeps the relationship alive."

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    Kelleher has some suggestions on what couples can do. "Have a date night minimum once a month and just reconnect and have fun. Do not talk about the children or the house bills, just have fun and celebrate your union often that way."

    #4

    We've Changed The Sign For Valentine's Day, Boss

    We've Changed The Sign For Valentine's Day, Boss

    Okeechobeeshakes Report

    #5

    I Saw The Craziest Valentine’s Gift At Walmart Today

    I Saw The Craziest Valentine’s Gift At Walmart Today

    MasterSwrdRemix Report

    With Valentine's Day also comes what psychologists call 'performance anxiety.' No, not that one; settle down, boys. Relationship expert Becky Spelman told Business Insider that it's caused by the expectations that come with the day. "Because [couples] feel under so much pressure to be romantic, they also feel paralyzed and worried that whatever they do will not live up to the hype."

    Dating coach Frances Kelleher tells Bored Panda that the definition of 'something special' is different for each couple. "Doing something special does not mean you have to spend lots of money on them or have to do something lavish."

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    "It could be making them breakfast in bed, washing their car, filling the dishwasher," Kelleher lists some possibilities. "These are all acts of love. It could be putting the children to bed a bit earlier so you have a date night at home watching a nice movie."

    #7

    Interesting Kind Of Valentine’s Day That Walmart Is Promoting

    Interesting Kind Of Valentine’s Day That Walmart Is Promoting

    thepsycholeech Report

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    Ranger Kanootsen
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, because "I Spit On Your Grave" is exactly the thing you want to hear from your partner

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    #8

    Beef Roses For Valentine’s Day

    Beef Roses For Valentine’s Day

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    rullyman
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd smile if someone got this for me :] beef and on budget

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    Remember Gary Chapman's book "The Five Love Languages?" Although it's mostly based on generalizations, some people find that his described types of love languages may apply to them. A 2006 study found that Chapman's love languages "may reflect behaviors" we use to maintain a good relationship.

    "Check what your partner's love language is," Kelleher advises. "There are five. For instance, one is acts of service. Another is receiving gifts. You can do the love language quiz online to see which one you are and which one they are. This is a game changer as people usually give love the way they want to receive it, not in the love language of their partner, which could be totally different."

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    #10

    They Know Exactly What They Are Doing

    They Know Exactly What They Are Doing

    whatexactlyisthefunctionofarubberduck Report

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    Ranger Kanootsen
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I read somewhere that there are certain combinations of words that can get you forcibly removed from a business meeting. I think this is one of those combinations.

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    #11

    This Can’t Be Real

    This Can’t Be Real

    KarleeKanz Report

    And what should the loners do on Valentine's Day? Some women opt for a day with their girlfriends – a Galentine's Day. Others might choose to ignore the day altogether. Kelleher says that single people can also use this day for doing something special. "I would advise using this day as fuel to propel you forward in meeting the right partner."

    #13

    His Name Is Artin, But I Named Him Soulless

    His Name Is Artin, But I Named Him Soulless

    I got this for my girlfriend as a joke for Valentine’s Day. I’m not a huge fan but I support her obsession and I love her, so I just go with it. But the joke is that I felt like I was being stared at by “Soulless Creatures”. Well, I was at the store today and noticed this dude was missing a face, so I named it Soulless.

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    #14

    This Valentine's Day Window Display At A South Brooklyn Pharmacy

    This Valentine's Day Window Display At A South Brooklyn Pharmacy

    jordanhusney Report

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    Mi So
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don’t mix up the Pepper Spray & Colon Cleanse…even the Wet Ones won’t save you there!!

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    "Make a decision that, this time next year, you will have found your right partner," the dating expert recommends. "Do three things every day that move you towards your goal, and make love your number one priority. Successful people in any field focus on that one goal that they want and work consistently towards it."

    Valentine's Day doesn't have to be just about love between two people, Kelleher says. "Instead of thinking about this day as just romantic love, use it to make the world a better place by giving love to your fellow humans and beings."

    #16

    Thanks For The Valentine's Surprise, DQ. What I Ordered vs. What I Got

    Thanks For The Valentine's Surprise, DQ. What I Ordered vs. What I Got

    _lcll_ Report

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    Another Panda
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never give me gel instead of buttercream! That being said, if the bottom one had been advertised as made, it is kind of cute.

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    #17

    I Found The Last Valentine's Day Toy At My Local Walmart, And I Love It

    I Found The Last Valentine's Day Toy At My Local Walmart, And I Love It

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    #18

    My Valentine's Heart Candy Says “Gort”

    My Valentine's Heart Candy Says “Gort”

    SlyMoonLlama Report

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    Ranger Kanootsen
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I got one of those hearts and it said You F*g. I think it was supposed to say You're Fab or something?? But either way, the little thing wasn't exactly lying...

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    "Do something kind for a person or animal that is less well off than you," the dating coach advises. "This makes you feel good and makes you a love magnet, too, as what you give out, you get back."

    "Valentine's is about being kind, remembering that love is the most important thing in the world and that we can give love in many different ways, not just romantically," the relationship expert adds.

    #19

    Valentine’s Day Steak And Shrimp Package

    Valentine’s Day Steak And Shrimp Package

    WhiteBlackflame Report

    #20

    I Don't Know How I Feel About This One

    I Don't Know How I Feel About This One

    tina_belcher1227 Report

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Okay, let's just make a rule that no one, ever, should try to make Active Shooter training 'fun' in any way, or attempt to pretend it's anything other than a terrifying consequence of government dysfunction and the breakdown of society.

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    #21

    This Was In The "Valentine’s Day Gifts" Section, And Is It Supposed To Be A Threat?

    This Was In The "Valentine’s Day Gifts" Section, And Is It Supposed To Be A Threat?

    hansmollman Report

    While Valentine's Day adventures sound fun, there's nothing wrong with just staying home and doing nothing, as long as you're doing it together. Brittany Jakubiak, a psychology researcher at Syracuse University, told Insider that over 25% of Britons say they want to do 'nothing' on Valentine's Day. "They might be onto something – the key to a good day might be to not do very much but to do it together!"

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    #22

    This Book My Mother-In-Law Bought For My Toddler Last Valentine’s Day

    This Book My Mother-In-Law Bought For My Toddler Last Valentine’s Day

    At first, you’re distracted by the fact that it’s so low-effort, like someone made it in 15 minutes using the world’s worst clip art. But then you realize that both bees and bears start with b, and what the hell is that nightmare that’s apparently a “numbat”? And when you get past all that, your 2-year-old points out that the book just skipped x and y, and went from w to z, and this is just surrealism.

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    #23

    This Donut Shop Tried Its Best. 2 Weeks After Valentine’s Day

    This Donut Shop Tried Its Best. 2 Weeks After Valentine’s Day

    Gingerbreadseason Report

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    EmiTheEpic
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “you’re good” describes the icing work too, “yeah that’s good just put it for sale I don’t care”

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    #24

    This Defective Toy

    This Defective Toy

    Found this gal with her face upside down at a T.J. Maxx in Eugene, Oregon. It’s the first misprint I’ve ever found, so I was pretty excited! I didn’t get it because it’s not my personal style but still very cool!

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    PattyK
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe not upside down — the eyes could be smiling, the heart could represent the mouth, and the upside-down line on the forehead could be — old age?

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    Opting for something quiet might be better than panicking and buying some meaningless gift. "If their partner is the romantic sort who longs to be pampered, they are likely to feel unappreciated and unloved, and this could even cause a crisis in the relationship," Spelman says of the flowers and chocolates.

    #26

    Imagine Getting A Valentine's Card From The "Friend Zone" Section

     Imagine Getting A Valentine's Card From The "Friend Zone" Section

    car0o0oo Report

    #27

    The Commercialization Of Valentine's Day Has Reached Truly Asinine Levels

    The Commercialization Of Valentine's Day Has Reached Truly Asinine Levels

    mdoktor Report

    Experts recommend couples remember that not all relationships need grand gestures. Scientists have proven that a simple touch can reduce stress and increase mood and satisfaction with life. It can even lower the risk of catching a cold!

    "If touch communicates, 'I'm here, I care about you, I have your back,' then avoiding touch may communicate a lack of availability, concern, or commitment and ultimately undermine the relationship," Jakubiak told Insider.

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    #29

    A Staple Valentine's Day Disappointment

    A Staple Valentine's Day Disappointment

    xrats Report

    #30

    There Was An Attempt To Pick An Appropriate Font

    There Was An Attempt To Pick An Appropriate Font

    minimegamomo Report

    The professor said that her research shows these types of touches can be casual for them to work. Sitting on a sofa with legs touching is enough to see the benefits mentioned earlier. "People also provide affection by saying things like, 'I love you' or 'I appreciate you,' or by being available to celebrate accomplishments and to help when problems arise," Jakubiak concluded.

    #31

    Paid "1-800-Flowers" $70 To Send Flowers To My Wife's Office... Yep, Exactly As Advertised

    Paid "1-800-Flowers" $70 To Send Flowers To My Wife's Office... Yep, Exactly As Advertised

    KCamTTU Report

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    EmiTheEpic
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I swear this was the same company that made that horrifying “lion” bouquet someone ordered

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    #32

    This Valentine's Day Chocolate From Target

    This Valentine's Day Chocolate From Target

    chemistrybonanza Report

    #33

    Nothing Says "Amour" Like An Exercise Bike To Go With Your Wine

    Nothing Says "Amour" Like An Exercise Bike To Go With Your Wine

    To the couples: here honey, happy Valentine's! I think you need this.

    To the singles: if you wanna find someone, try the bike, not the wine.

    olivec.v Report

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    #34

    Can't Even Trust That Valentine's Day Cards Are Grammatically Correct Anymore

    Can't Even Trust That Valentine's Day Cards Are Grammatically Correct Anymore

    courtneyngeorge Report

    #35

    "Be My Valentin". Nothing Demonstrates Love More Than Proofreading

    "Be My Valentin". Nothing Demonstrates Love More Than Proofreading

    itsericmiller Report

    #38

    Just Finished Setting Up The Action Alley For Valentine's Day

    Just Finished Setting Up The Action Alley For Valentine's Day

    Fearless_Connection_ Report

    #39

    Romance Is Alive. Happy Valentine’s Day From Publix

    Romance Is Alive. Happy Valentine’s Day From Publix

    noraaajane Report

    #40

    The Grinch Is Not A Valentine's Day Movie

    The Grinch Is Not A Valentine's Day Movie

    Icurasfox Report

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    EmiTheEpic
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s the lesser-known prequel, How The Grinch Stole Valentines Day

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    #41

    The New Walmart Valentine's Bear Looks A Little Deflated

    The New Walmart Valentine's Bear Looks A Little Deflated

    ButtMunchSupreme420 Report

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    EmiTheEpic
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe it’s a mascot costume? The picture on the box looks like a costume. Either way it looks cursed when not worn lol

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    #43

    This Is What The Valentine's Section Of The Dollar Tree Looks Like, It's A Gift For Men

    This Is What The Valentine's Section Of The Dollar Tree Looks Like, It's A Gift For Men

    twitter.com Report

    #45

    Valentine's Flowers... Delivered Upside Down, Moldy, Broken, And Not Even In The Right Vase

    Valentine's Flowers... Delivered Upside Down, Moldy, Broken, And Not Even In The Right Vase

    SEND_ME_SPIDERMAN Report

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    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Ah, our mistake! We accidentally gave you the bouquet that was supposed to go to Morticia Addams!"

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    #46

    That's Bloody Confusing

    That's Bloody Confusing

    dustinpari Report

    #47

    Good Job I Read The Inside Of The Cards, Can't Abide Bad Spelling

    Good Job I Read The Inside Of The Cards, Can't Abide Bad Spelling

    Campervankid Report

    #49

    There Was An Attempt Decorating For Valentine's Day On A Budget

    There Was An Attempt Decorating For Valentine's Day On A Budget

    jimandloribrad Report

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    #50

    Poster For Valentine's Day. The Text In Black Means "Text To Personalize With What The Train Station Will Do"

    Poster For Valentine's Day. The Text In Black Means "Text To Personalize With What The Train Station Will Do"

    BOBOUDA Report

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    Lesbean Soup
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Our station teams wish a happy valentine's day to all lovers - text to personalise with what the train station will do"

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    #51

    My Mom Wrote On My Dad's Red Valentine's Card Envelope With A Red Pen

    My Mom Wrote On My Dad's Red Valentine's Card Envelope With A Red Pen

    GoatSinGowther35 Report

    #53

    There Was An Attempt To Make A Valentine’s Day Balloon

    There Was An Attempt To Make A Valentine’s Day Balloon

    nska1000 Report

    #54

    Ordered Flowers For Valentine’s Day

    Ordered Flowers For Valentine’s Day

    Zenki240 Report

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    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll grant the received bouquet does not match the advertisement. But *some* of the problem is the difference in light levels. Brighter light would have made that look a little cheerier. Can't do anything about the sparse number of blossoms, though...

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    #55

    Nothing Says Happy Valentine's Day Like A Heart-Shaped Steak

    Nothing Says Happy Valentine's Day Like A Heart-Shaped Steak

    michaelshobermansphere Report

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    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why not? That's what it's going to clog. (*Mmmm*! Delicious, tasty, grilled heart clogger! A little olive oil, a nice dry rub, and a hot grill...)

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    #56

    The "O" In The Word "Love" On This Box Has Been Replaced By A Barely Visible Heart

    The "O" In The Word "Love" On This Box Has Been Replaced By A Barely Visible Heart

    AkwardGayPotato Report

    #57

    To Remind People Not To Forget About Valentine's Day

    To Remind People Not To Forget About Valentine's Day

    kireol Report

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    #58

    Valentine’s Day Sale: Shouldn’t The Sale Get "Better" With Each Additional Set?

    Valentine’s Day Sale: Shouldn’t The Sale Get "Better" With Each Additional Set?

    Knittin_Kitten71 Report

    #59

    Valentine's Sausage Cuts. It Tasted Awful Too

    Valentine's Sausage Cuts. It Tasted Awful Too

    xxPANZERxx Report

    #61

    This Children's "Toy" Attached To A Valentine's Day Card, For A 3-Year-Old

    This Children's "Toy" Attached To A Valentine's Day Card, For A 3-Year-Old

    gorillacanon Report

    #62

    My Local Morrisons Are Down Bad This Valentine's Day

    My Local Morrisons Are Down Bad This Valentine's Day

    Zharetmal Report

    #63

    That’s Supposed To Be "Hers" Mug Too

    That’s Supposed To Be "Hers" Mug Too

    Tucxn Report

    #64

    Valentine's Flowers: Local Florist Edition

    Valentine's Flowers: Local Florist Edition

    YouCantMakeitUp Report

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    LB
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's different than ordered but still beautiful and loads better than most flower fails on this list.

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    #65

    Valentine's Day Design

    Valentine's Day Design

    solo_savage117 Report

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    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, it *is* an R2-D2 heart-shaped box, so can you *really* be surprised at Star Wars candy packets inside?

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