The Hydreon Corporation, based in Eden Prairie, sent out a press release naming the top 10 worst gifts for Valentine's Day. The responses came from a contest that ran on their Facebook page. The list (below) is pretty funny, but I don't understand what bad Valentine's Day gifts have to do with a company that sells a home security device.

But what the heck, I'll cut them some slack because their product, FakeTV, is cool. It's a small, unobtrusive device that simulates the flashing images of a TV set to make a burglar think someone is home.

About the size of a travel alarm, the device looks nothing like a TV, but its simulation is impressive. Its built-in light sensors automatically turn on the device at dusk and then turn it off four or seven hours later (user's choice). The flashing images should be viewed from the outside through a translucent shade (such as in an upstairs bedroom), so a burglar can't see the device directly. The LED light uses no more energy than a night light and much less energy than leaving a TV on. It's cheap home security device for $40, including shipping.

I tested it several years ago and liked it. Even Minneapolis police sargeant Jesse Garcia put his stamp of approval on it. It's also been featured on QVC. Buy it at the FakeTV site or call 1-877-532-5388.

Now here is FakeTV's list of worst valentine gifts.

10. Coupon Books for back-rubs or "whatever." He says this is selfless service, she says "so, you could not think of anything to get me."
9. Any jewelry with Cubic Zirconium
8. Vacuum Cleaner
7. Panini Maker
6. From Her: A pair of tickets to the Bridal Show.
5. From him: A pair of tickets to the Monster Truck Fest.
4. Abdomen Exerciser
3. Roses -- with a card made out to a different woman. It turns out the other gal also got the wrong card as well.
2. Nothing. (Even the roses to the wrong woman was better.)
1. A heart-shaped box filled with dog biscuits.

Just in case anyone was wondering if a FakeTV would make a good valentines gift....no. Your practicality is admirable but your romance needs a nudge.