Students are preparing for the Valentine's Day holiday, thinking of dates, gifts and ways to say "I love you." (CU Independent graphic/Adam Milner)
Hallmark cards, boxes of chocolate and red roses are likely flying off the shelves in preparation for the year’s official day of love.
Valentine’s Day falls on Sunday this year, Feb. 14, and is celebrated by people recognizing the ones they love, and showing them that they care. It also offers secret admirers a chance to show their crushes they exist by extending to them an invitation to be their valentine.
For 20-year-old Boulder resident Katie Wright, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to reconnect with her long-term boyfriend, and drop hints regarding what she wants.
“We’ve been dating for over three years,” Wright said. “He doesn’t do as many nice things for me. I have to hint at him what I want. If I didn’t remind him it was the 14th he wouldn’t remember.”
Some students find ways to celebrate despite a lack of a significant other.
“They’re doing singles night at the Sushi Spot on the Hill, [which includes] doing free champagne samples for singles,” said 20-year-old junior psychology major Kelly Kennedy.
Leonardo Labriola, a 19-year-old sophomore international affairs and philosophy major, said he is bitter about being single on Valentine’s Day, but takes it with a grain of salt.
“I am the Valentine’s Day Grinch,” Labriola said. “I hate the Whos and all their Valentine’s Day Who-bil-ation. We’re having a single’s party. It’s actually a Mardi Gras theme, and the girl with the most beads at the end of the night wins $20.”
Labriola said he is looking forward to March 14, a date he refers to as “Steak and a B.J. Day.”
“It’s the equivalent of a Valentine’s Day for guys,” Labriola said.
As far as dates go, there’s always dinner and a movie, which could be nicely complemented by flowers and chocolate. Personalized M&M’s can add a unique twist. For those working with a more generous budget, lingerie, jewelry and perfume make for a romantic gift for both genders.
For the less-conventional romantics out there, there exists a plethora of creative ways to celebrate.
“What about couples massage?” said Christina Perchiacca, a 20-year-old sophomore psychology major.
Perchiacca said she’s going to spend Valentine’s Day with friends.
“We’re going to order the Papa Romano’s heart-shaped pizza,” Perchiacca said.
Other students plan to go cheap.
“I don’t really like the idea of spending money. I think there are things for free you can do to show people you love them,” said Liza Fryberger, a 21-year-old sophomore communication major.
Dan Ariniello, a 19-year-old sophomore advertising major, said he has an affordable yet affectionate Valentine’s eve.
“I’m cooking, and then we’re going ice skating,” Ariniello said.
Try serving breakfast-in-bed to your significant other, making things heart-shaped or dying them red. Make the hole in the toast heart-shaped for a “heart-in-a-hole,” or make heart shaped pancakes. Top with whipped-cream and a cherry, and wash it down with a Shirley Temple.
Other inexpensive ideas include stocking up on candy hearts and chocolate in the dollar aisle of Target. Those with an artistic flair could make their own valentines. Try making a collage card ransom-note-style, cutting out letters or words from magazines and arranging them to form a message.
Writing someone a love poem is an ambitious but thoughtful idea. Bonus points for those who play an instrument and make it a melody. A less-ambitious approach is just putting together a personalized mixed CD.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Ana McIntosh Anna.mcintosh@colorado.edu.
1 comment
I’m normally a V-day grinch too but I sold out and went online looking for last minute gift ideas. Pajamagrams! I’m a sucker! I fell for it and did it for my hubby. He loved getting these delivered to him. So, yeah it’s marketing holiday but why not have some fun? You can still write a poem, song, whatever to “keep it real”.