The day most guys dread and women cherish, the universally known “Hallmark Holiday,” Valentines Day is rapidly approaching and many college students (guys) on a tight budget are looking for cheaper solutions that don’t make them look cheap.
“The trick for guys is to put thought into whatever it is they do. It’s not about the price or being a Romeo necessarily, just showing that they care,” said junior Kristin Shelton.
Rough economic times, and limited college budgets don’t necessarily rule out meaningful Valentines Day gestures. Here are a few suggestions to fit any guy’s budget in any economic conditions:
Photo ideas
Gather photos of you and your lady and assemble a picture collage or montage. This is easy and cheap to do with photos you already have. Take your album to a photo store and use any and all photos, not necessarily romantic pictures, but any of her favorite places and friends (and you) work as well. Cost: $15
Personalized candy basket
Prepackaged chocolates are the cliché Valentines gift. Find out what her favorite kind of candy is. What was her favorite as a child? What is her comfort food? Buy a bunch of it and package it up for her. She will love the thought and think of you when she eats her favorite candy. Cost: $12
DVDs
Does your lady have a favorite movie? Is there a memorable movie that you watched on a first date or especially enjoyed together? If so, get them and offer to watch them with her. Remember not to complain and cuddling might earn bonus points. Cost: $20
Classic mix tape
Classic, but a little cliché, choose romantic songs that remind her of you or “your songs” and put them on a CD or digital play list for her. She can rock out to you every time she gets in her car. Cost: $5
Toys
Did she have a memorable favorite toy as a child? A certain Barbie doll, Care Bear, Cabbage Patch Kid, American Girl doll, that she remembers cherishing? A favorite toy can bring back fond memories and show her that you know her, two good things. Children’s toys are also usually relatively cheap. Doesn’t have a favorite toy? Try Build a Bear, it is cheap and she will always think of you when she sees the stuffed bear you built together. Cost: $10-20
Books
Along the same lines as the toy idea, does she have a favorite book she remembers reading as a child? “The Velveteen Rabbit,” “Good Night Moon,” “Charlottes Web,” “Bridge to Terabithia,” all common favorites. Find a vintage copy for her and offer to read it together. Cost: $10-20
Cookies
Buy the ingredients and bake her some cookies. Then decorate them with her, it is a cheap idea and you guys can have fun and enjoy some cookies afterwards. Cost: $7
Make her dinner
Cooking her dinner is also a bit cliché but very meaningful. Buy the ingredients for her favorite food and make it the best you can. If it’s a little off it won’t hurt but bonus points if you cook something delicious. Don’t forget her favorite dessert. Cost: $20
Those are some economical choices to impress your lady without emptying your wallet. All under $20 there should be something for all college budgets. Have some extra cash-try combining some of the ideas. Remember its ok to save some money just don’t be cheap.
