Cheap, easy Valentine's Day ideas?
Cheap, last-minute Valentine's Day gifts can still be had! Do not lose hope, all ye procrastinators!
I'm sure you already perused our Valentine's Day deals from last week, but here is advice for buying roses for your boo. Remember, the long-stemmed bouquets will be pricey due to demand, but shorter stems or mixed bouquets may meet muster.
Brent, in the middle of his No-Buy month, alluded to purchasing the components for some homemade Valentine's Day treats. Clearly he doesn't want to give away his secrets, but something handmade, like a chocolate lava dessert, would score brownie points (so would brownies).
At this late date, you won't have an easy time finding a restaurant reservation at a reasonable hour for tomorrow night, but you'll probably save more making dinner yourself. If you want to try your luck, Elizabeth Large of dining@large suggests 10 inexpensive romantic restaurants. Also Sam of the Midnight Sun blog assembled a list of Valentine's Day dates for under $50.
Here are Valentine's Day gift ideas for women and gift ideas for men assembled by our crack multimedia team, who scoured the Interwebs just to inspire you.
NotableM suggested penning a heartfelt note to your significant other. Sincerity is the key, here --- and that's something Hallmark can't sell you.
You could also consider planning the gifting strategically ...
... for maximum impact. I learned after sending flowers to my sister at work once that the gift's value far exceeded the price, because it alerted all her co-workers about her birthday --- additional bang for the buck.
Here's the thing with Valentine's Day marketing ... so often retailers try to steer people (okay, men) toward terribly expensive gifts that aren't very personal. With Christmas, birthdays or any other occasion, the goal is to find a gift that demonstrates you know the person well.
Insert rant about holiday marketing here ... I mean, isn't it more important to celebrate your relationships 365 days a year? Personally, anniversaries seem like a much more logical time to rejoice in your love than marking the same day as every other couple.
It's fun to complain about manufactured desires, but the truly concocted celebration designed to sell candy and cards is Sweetest Day. If you've never heard of it, find some Midwestern transplant to give you a rundown.
UPDATE: You could also head over to the central branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library to watch Love Me Tonight at 10 a.m. or In the Mood for Love at 2 p.m. for free in the Wheeler Auditorium!
(photo: Monica Lopossay/Baltimore Sun)
Comments
What is being done about the AMA ruling that prohibits deductions on an itemized tax return
Nicia, we need some more information to help you answer this question. --- lfk.
Posted by: Nicia Coffey | March 25, 2009 8:31 AM