We love Craigslist. In fact, we’re sort of addicted to searching the free classifieds site for really random things. Like houseboats.

When we recently searched for the term “Valentine’s Day,” we were surprised to see two pages of results. What could people possibly sell on Craigslist for Valentine’s Day? Turns out, quite a lot.

We decided to pick the best and worst Valentine’s gifts Washingtonians are hawking for quick cash and run photos of them here. Please note our (totally arbitrary) Gift-O-Meter rating system, with 1 being you’ll-be-sleeping-on-the-couch terrible and 5 being make-arrangements-for-a-dogsitter-because-you-won’t-be-coming-home awesome.

You’re welcome.

>> See our full Valentine's Day Guide

This chocolate-fondue pot from Williams-Sonoma, usually $29.99, is a steal at $9.99. A romantic way to share a rich indulgence, the porcelain pot and tea-light candle come with six stainless-steel fondue forks that can be used to dip strawberries, marshmallows, brownies, and more.

This time of year usually means planning holiday parties, attending soirées, buying gifts, decorating . . . the list is exhausting. With all the stress of the holiday season approaching, why not take time for a new hobby? Sure, you’re about to be loaded down with all those extra tasks, but some of these holiday hobbies come with perks: They’re relaxing, and the result can often be given as a gift. If you’ve always been interested in knitting, try a beginners’ course that will teach you to make a scarf. Knitting can be done during the Metro commute or when unwinding with a glass of wine on the couch. On  weekends, take the kids to a baking or pottery class, or try a workshop to find new ways to spice up your holiday dinner party.

Saturday, December 6, through Saturday, December 13: Ornament-Decorating Workshop
The Alexandria Archeology Museum invites families to the Torpedo Factory Art Center to decorate holiday ornaments. Create clay ornaments using different shapes, colors, and patterns, and take them home for yourself or to give as a gift. Saturday, December 6, 1 to 4; Sunday and Monday, 11 to 7; Tuesday through Saturday, December 13, 11 to 9. Free; call 703-838-4399 for more information.

You might also like . . . Recession Deals at Restaurants | Happy Hours on Saturday and Sundays

Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday

Thursday, November 20: The third Thursday of November marks the release of the 2008 Beaujolais Nouveau harvest—and French law says the bottle can’t be corked before then. The anticipation is killing us, so we’ve rounded up a few local spots that will toast the special occasion.

You’ll get a French happy hour mixed with music and art tonight at the Phillips Collection’s Soiree Carte Blanche event. Bring your iPod to join in a music-mixing contest with a great prize: a free series of classes at the Alliance Française and a Phillips Collection membership. The fun, food, and Frenchiness gets started at 6 PM; admission is $12 at the door.

Friday, November 21: The National Museum of American History is finally reopening after months of delays. Celebrate its newly renovated digs at a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning from 8:30 to 10. A grand-opening festival commences at 10 and continues throughout the day and weekend. Jazz, blues, classical, and Latin music will be played, and actors will recreate important scenes from American history, including the creation of “The Star Spangled Banner” and sit-ins during the Civil Rights movement. Visit americanhistory.si.edu for details.

You may also be interested in . . . Weekend Happy Hours | Thanksgiving Roundup: Races, Parades, Charities, and More | November in Music | November’s Museums

And don't miss our Inauguration 2009 coverage, including this always-updated list of all the parties and galas.

Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday

Thursday, November 13: Even if you voted for the other guy, surely you can get behind an open bar. That’s what’s taking place tonight at MCCXXIII when the Women’s Information Network hosts a postelection happy hour. $10 for WIN members, $20 for nonmembers, and free if you join WIN at the event.

Are you a local blog lover? We sure are (as if you didn’t know that already from our Blogger Beat series). Well, one of our favorite local blogs, the Prince of Petworth, is celebrating his two-year blogaversary (it’s a word, trust us) tonight at Wonderland. There will be live music, drinks, and the Prince himself. 8 PM; free.

It’s a Chicago-based magazine, but that didn’t stop Stop Smiling from putting out an all-things-DC issue, which it’s celebrating tonight at Civilian Arts Projects. The issue contains articles on local crime novelist George Pelecanos and actor Anwan Glover (who will both be in attendance). The release party will feature the music of Ian Svenonius and other DJs. 7 PM; a $5 suggested donation will get you a copy of the mag.

You might also be interested in . . . An Obama Beer | Cheap Theater Seats | DC’s Best Wine Bars | Theater in November | New and Expanded Happy Hour Finder

Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday

Thursday, November 6: Rami Kashou of Project Runway will be at the Phillips Collection this evening for a happy hour and a discussion about fashion. There’ll be a cash bar, live music by Potomac Jazz Project, and lots of opportunities for mingling. $15; 5 PM.

Friday, November 7: Hirshhorn After Hours just sold out its advance tickets, and for good reason—Dan Deacon will be playing at the museum’s popular Friday-night party. The Baltimorean is well known for his electronic music and manic live shows, so it should be a fun one. There are still tickets, but they’ll be on sale only at the door, so make sure to get there super-duper early.

Celebrate the changing leaves of fall every Friday through December 19 from 5 to 7 PM at Equinox’s cider-themed happy hour. The hot-cider cocktails aren’t so cheap at $10 and $11, but chef Todd Gray’s seasonal snacks—such as pumpkin fritters, sweet-potato pot stickers, and venison chili—are free. Come winter, the happy hour will take on a new theme—chocolate—featuring desserts from pastry chef Melanie Parker.