The former State Secretary on Bush's admin, Condoleezza Rice was one of the top recipients among U.S. officials of gifts from foreign heads of state and government and their aides in 2007. Her recent gift in January 2008 from Jordan’s King Abdullah II was an emerald and diamond necklace, ring, bracelet and earrings estimated to be worth $147,000. Prior to her King Jordan's gifts, while on her official Middle East visits she also received another set of gifts from King of Saudi Arabia at twice the amounts.

Unfortunately for the recipients, the gifts must be turned over to the General Services Administration in accordance with US law, which bars politicians and officials from accepting personal presents in almost all circumstances.

While her boss did not fare as well as her in terms of the gift achievements, he did however get Rice a Christmas gift by putting her on the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, filling a term that expires in 2014.

For an ordinary citizen like us who is not bounded by the General Services Administration's protocol such as hers is another different story. Perhaps if she makes another similar journey, she would get as much again?

Would you keep your own gift to yourself? In a fortnight time you may have such opportunity, say a nice branded brown leather hand bag from the beloved one. What would you give your own spouses on the Valentine's Day?

See larger image and other views

It may not be the right time these days for those expensive and fancy gifts, most of the folks are downgrading their gift according to the new adjusted buying power. There are other things which may not cost at all by for example doing your spouses his/her normal household chores instead.

The effort and appreciation of this might exceed the value of an expensive gift. By showing your affection and give more attention could win a harmony family's relationship. Hence we do not need any protocol bounding to ourselves! Would it be lovely to have as simple affections? Would it not help to contain our greediness in the past, as such that drove the current downturn economy crisis?

Some of us may not have the confidence choosing immaterial as compare to that of materialistic gifts, as much as the lending institution or market (just about any market) 's lost of confidences. Topics that are buzzing endlessly today, that even the famous philanthropist and investor Steve Forbes relays from Davos. He does iterate that a classic financial philosophy has re-emerged itself; "People or Firm likewise would prepare to invest on something that exist in material. No more forecast nor contract are sold these days". Hence, I would like to propose another choices for your Valentine's day gift:

1. Appreciation Gift Baskets
2. Gift ideas
3. 30% off Jewelry selections
4. On more intimate choices vdaypromo2009 , or
   
5. For her/his selections:

Should you get to this line, you're not certain to pick any choices yet? I suggest you go back to the 6th paragraph from the top, then read again. Who knows you might be brave enough to pick "Showing Affections" instead. Re-iterate as necessary, please! Don't let yourself getting into an endless looping though!