Valentine’s Day: A special day to spend with your significant other or just another Hallmark holiday?
Whatever your views may be, you can be certain you’ll hear the age-old question floating around campus as Cupid’s Day draws near: “What do I get?” And if you find yourself pondering this very question while gaping in horror at the sea of red and pink in CVS or Stop ‘ Shop, here’s a list of possibilities to impress your sweetie:
For the Ladies:
The Usual: I’ll just go out and state the obvious: girls like flowers and chocolate. End of story? No. While girls do like these presents, they’re not your only option, gentlemen. Let’s face it: flowers can be expensive and they die. Chocolates are yummy, but stir up those long-forgotten New Year’s resolutions to go to the gym and drop the pounds. So what else is there?
Nose Goes: A nice body lotion from Bath and Body Works, or even a local convenience store, smells good, is cheaper than perfume and is calorie-free. You can pick up one or two of a particular scent or go for a combo pack.
The Written Word: If your girlfriend is a voracious reader, a book from her favorite author and a pretty bookmark is a great gift. A certificate to Borders or Barnes ‘ Noble allows her to snag a good read and cup of coffee.
The Little Things: Take a page from the Bard’s sonnets. A simple gesture like writing a poem or love note can go a long way. It’s thoughtful and doesn’t cost a thing. If you can hum a tune and put the poem to song, more power to you. And don’t forget the power of Facebook: a sweet wall message is a great way to show you’re thinking of her. Let’s just keep the mushy to a minimum, kiddies. Thanks to the news feed, we can all see it.
For the Gents:
Oven Lovin’: Sorry, ladies, but Valentine’s Day is not just an occasion for the males to lavish attention on us (though we don’t like to admit it). The guys deserve some attention too and what better way to a man’s heart than by tantalizing his taste buds? Whipping up his favorite dinner or baking him some cookies is a great way to show you care.
Electronics: Though we’d like to think we’re the only loves in our gents’ lives, we do have to contend with two other mistresses: ESPN and Xbox ( and PlayStation, Wii… you get the idea). Guys love gadgets and what better way to spoil them than to pick up a gift certificate to Best Buy or GameStop?
The Little Things: The love notes apply to us too, ladies. Slipping a note somewhere special for him to find or even sending a letter to his mailbox on Valentine’s Day is a nice surprise. You could even make him a CD mix of his favorite songs and throw in one or two that will remind him of you.
For the Singles:
Not just for the couples! Valentine’s Day is a time to acknowledge those whom you care about and to show your affection. Just because we’re not in elementary school anymore doesn’t mean we can’t grab a pack of Looney Tunes cards and spread the love. If you’re feeling bold, stick a Smarties to them. Or, you can just hang around with your friends and poke fun at the gushy couples. Just do it with love.
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