Inbox Insider: Love is in the inbox

With Valentine's Day approaching, love is in the air — and in the inbox.

Already this week, I've received a number of e-mails from marketers selling gifts for the lovers' holiday, including See's Candies, Victoria's Secret and 1-800-Flowers. Each of these brands is pushing its version of “the perfect gift” for that special someone. Here are some examples:

1-800-Flowers provided research on floral arrangements, having found in a recent poll, conducted with Wakefield Research, that more than 40% of women think their significant other should never forget flowers on Valentine's Day. To drive sales in a tough economy, the floral retailer is offering free shipping and a no service charge promotion on any Valentine's Day collection item ordered through February 12. The company has also launched two Facebook apps for the holiday. One has relationship advice from love coach Patti Stanger and a lovers' translator called “Hand me a line for my valentine.”

See's Candies is selling chocolates for sweethearts. One of its e-mail blasts reminds consumers to order as soon as possible to take advantage of standard shipping rates. And Victoria's Secret e-mail promotions call consumers to enter an online poker contest called “wild card,” luring e-mail subscribers to the company's site to buy lingerie goodies for their special someone.