It’s that time of year again sweethearts- the day filled with red hearts, roses and endless boxes of chocolate. Valentine’s Day is tomorrow which means another gift giving holiday for that special someone. If you are stuck on a gift idea for your significant other, here are some unique ideas that will hopefully make life a little easier.
It is often said that the typical boxes of chocolates and bouquets of roses have become a cliché and although some girls oppose the “thoughtless” gift, others love the tradition from their man. Boys take note.
Freshman business major, Brittany Lamb, revealed that she still gets smitten when given these classic gifts. “I absolutely love getting chocolates and flowers. In my book it’s not considered a cliché at all,” Lamb praised. “It’s an expected gift this time of year.”
According to gathered online statistics, Americans consumed 24.5 pounds of candy per capita in 2008. However, for the portion of girls that find chocolates and roses to be a bore, here are some different ideas.
Girls love embedding themselves in magazines so a thoughtful idea could be to get your special lady a subscription to her favorite magazine. She will appreciate the little mailbox gift every month. Along with magazines, you can buy her a book or get her a gift card to a book store. Luckily, Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays where gift giving can get creative. Gift giving does not necessarily have to break the bank for us college students.
Another simple, yet thoughtful, gift idea for her is a movie night basket. Include her favorite DVD, a package of popcorn, some candy and a cozy blanket for a romantic night in. According to Better Homes and Gardens magazine “thoughtful, handmade Valentine’s crafts make the day extra special for your sweetheart where the thought and gesture goes a long way.”
As girls will always love jewelry, an easy gift can be found at Kay Jewelers on Route 35. While the prices do vary, one can find an affordable present whether it be earrings, bracelet, necklace, or anything of the sort that a girl will really appreciate.
For those boys who want to splurge a little for their loved one, take note from communication professor Dr. Marina Vujnovic about her most memorable gift.
“My favorite Valentine’s Day gift was a spa day my boyfriend got for me,” Vujnovic recalled. “It is an awesome gift and something every girl needs.” A nice touch for this luxurious spa day treat would be if you both attended.
Ocean Place Resort & Spa is one of the closer luxuries as it is located on Ocean Avenue in Long Branch.
If you are instead purchasing a present for a guy this Valentine’s Day, you have plenty of gift options to choose from. A typical boy is interested in either sports, video games, comedy or music.
If you are dating a jock per say, narrow your search down to his favorite sport. For example, if he likes football, you can purchase his favorite player’s jersey, get his favorite player’s autograph, or even go as simple as buying a football. Other gift ideas could be tickets to a game or you could compile a tailgating kit he could utilize during every home game he attends.
Maybe your man is video game savvy. Options for you include buying a gift card to GameStop, getting a new controller for his system, or buying a game he has not shut up about.
There is a multitude of choices if your boyfriend enjoys a good laugh. Conveniently, Nick Offerman from Parks and Recreation will be appearing at the MAC on March 28. Tickets go on sale this Friday at the MAC and Pollak Theater box offices.
If these three do not sound like your boyfriend, there is always the default of giving him something musical. For instance, you could buy him music sheets if he likes to play a certain instrument, give him an iTunes gift card, or maybe if you are the musically talented one, you could write him a song. Obviously, this can also be a present for a girl.
There are plenty of other options to choose that could be for girls or guys. One choice would be making a build-a-bear that resembles your boyfriend or girlfriend’s interests. If you have some artistic ability, you could always use that to your advantage and either draw or paint a picture. All these gift ideas can easily be accompanied by candy.
Communication professor Matthew Lawrence explains that sometimes, less is more. “Some of my favorite evenings have included cooking together and listening to some records,” Lawrence said. He goes on to reveal that he enjoys “quiet, low-key activities that are intimate in their own way.”
Instead of racking your brains on what to get your significant other, a small adventure to somewhere you have never been or even a concert together could be memorable and enjoyable. Hopefully these ideas put some of you at ease and provided helpful tips and ideas. Despite the giving of gifts, when it comes down to it, Valentine’s Day is all about being with your loved one and enjoying each other’s company.
IMAGE TAKEN from ediblecrafts.com
