Valentine’s Day romance need not break student budgets

Written by Elise Welch

Thursday, 12 February 2009 18:51

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you are dreading the holiday due to expenses, fear not. There is no need to spend the extra bucks when all you need are items likely found in your home. Read on for some romantic and inexpensive ideas for activities and gifts for you and your significant other.

First, don’t be stumped by what to do on Valentine’s Day, simply think outside of the box. Rather than going out to Altitude or any nice restaurant think about cooking Italian (this cuisine tends to be more romantic than most).

A romantic favorite is stuffed parmesan chicken and pasta. Get two or more plump chicken breasts and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes in oil and, during the last 10 minutes cut the chicken partially and stuff it delicately with mozzarella cheese, and then crumble parmesan, Ritz crackers and red pepper over the top. Following the directions for the pasta, cook it separately and time its completion with that of the chicken. This impressive meal should not take more than 35 minutes (unless your oven is on the fritz of course). Oh, did I mention candlelight and better-than-paper-plates as a requirement? Please remember ambiance and mood is important on this day!

Looking for something more active? Think sledding. It can be fun and easy! You could also check out the campus activities such as the Friday Night Fever Triple Feature or the art exhibit at the local art museum. Thinking about going to a movie? There is no need to spend additional money when you can rent one of the top 25 romantic movies of all time. Try www. couplescompany.com/Features/CT/Movies/Love.htm for reference. Yes guys, we are talking about the ultimate in chick flicks. You just have to do it while holding back those manly tears. Or yet another inexpensive option would be to go to the Fox Movie Theater if you decide you simply have to have the intimacy of the movie theater.

For some gift ideas for your valentine think simple, but romantic, with this gift idea: a basket full of your sweetheart’s favorite, but affordable items such as a CD mix of your own creation (with all of your valentine’s favorite songs or songs you want to dedicate to him or her), a picture frame with a picture of the two of you, chocolate (of course), sparkling wine and two plastic cups. Goldfish is another basket stuffer but, if used, they must come with the words; “there may be many fish in the sea, but you are my fish I wish to be with.”

Also gentlemen, just because its Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you have to go and get the cliché roses that are so commercialized and expensive. Instead try brighter flowers such as tulips, daffodils or daisies. These bouquets are half the price and have the same charming effect.

With these gift ideas, remember: it is crucial to explain the sentiment, which, after all, is what makes gifts so special.

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