Sydney Chambers

Staff Writer

    Valentine’s Day is approaching much quicker than many of us are aware of, and soon we will have to decide what to buy for our, “special someone.”  Sometimes, getting gifts for your significant other can be very stressful and expensive.  Here are a few ideas for an inexpensive, thoughtful, and original present for your boyfriend or girlfriend.

1. 1. Reasons I Love You Jar
   

This is my personal favorite. I did this for my boyfriend for his birthday. It was inexpensive.

What You’ll Need:

-  A jar, with a lid is preferable

-  Construction paper

-  Either a computer to type on, or paper and pen

-  Scissors

-  Tape or glue

-  Lots of time

    First, take the time to think of how many reasons you want.  I went up to 101 reasons, but you could go more or less.  A friend of mine did the same, except with a smaller jar and 50 reasons.  It all depends upon how much time you want to spend on this.  For 101 reasons, it took maybe two hours.  While it would be more “thoughtful” to handwrite the reasons, it might take you unnecessary time.  Typing your reasons might be better.  If you type your reasons, be sure to put a large amount of equal space between each reason.  You also might want to measure the jar to check how “big” your reasons can actually be.

    When you’re done writing or typing and printing your reasons out, cut each reason into pieces.  Then, fold your reasons.  Fold them however you want!  I folded mine in an “accordion” style to make it appear like there was more paper in there.

    After you cut, fold, and put your reasons in the jar, take the construction paper and begin to cut designs and decorate it.  I put three thin stripes, of his favorite color red , and white on the jar. I also put a large red circle, with a smaller white circle on the inside saying, “To: Luke, Love: Sydney.”  On one side of the jar I typed an extra “reason,” making my 101 reason.  This reasons was very long.  On the lid, I put a red circle that covered the entire lid.

    This craft is thoughtful, but if you are giving it to someone you haven’t been dating a while, might seem strange.  I would suggest only do this craft if you two have been dating for a long period of time and you consider yourself “comfortable” around each other.

2.  Scavenger Hunt

This one, although a little more expensive than the first, will be fun for the both of you two.

What You’ll Need:

-  Some sort of durable material, such as poster board, or canvas - but don’t make it too big since you might be hauling it around

-  Lots of time

-  Money

-  Ability for one of you to drive

    First, think of some places that are significant to you and your special someone.  Think of places, like where you went for your first date, restaurants, the place of your first kiss, or places you two would do things together.  For example, I would choose the his favorite restaurant, the movies, Swirl’s, a shopping spree for him (no, not us this time ladies) at the mall, then going to his house to play his favorite video game.  See, I picked the movies and Swirl’s because that’s where our first date was.  The shopping spree isn’t required, especially for boys who hate shopping.  But, you don’t have to buy them clothes, you could even buy them video games, some new cleats for soccer, you get the picture.  And if your boyfriend isn’t into video games, don’t take my suggestion, you could even go play basketball, get tickets and go to a concert (if there is any on Valentine’s day).  Get the picture?

    You don’t want the “scavenger hunt” to be just, “Go here, go there. Tada.” You have to make it fun.  Take the canvas, or poster board, whatever you’re using and make a map to try to figure it out.  It can either be an actual map of Paducah, or you could do a map of riddles.  I saw how one woman made her map of riddles taped with her husband’s favorite candy taped on the board, such as “Let’s go where we had our first Hershey’s Kiss, take me to the movies.”

    Of course, this one is a little more cheesy than the first project, but can be more fun if both you and your significant other cooperate.  They need to enjoy this, just as much as you!  Also, anywhere you go, you pay for it.  Don’t let your boyfriend or girlfriend pay, this is what you planned and you should be responsible enough to take care of that.  But, if you need them to drive because for whatever reason, you cannot, that is perfectly acceptable.

3.  Mix CD

This is probably the quickest, and maybe the cheapest gift you could get your special someone.  This may even work if you’re crushing on someone, and want to confess your feelings for them on Valentine’s Day!

What You’ll Need:

-  A blank CD (sort of given)

-  A list of songs that are both meaningful to them, and they enjoy.

    This one is a little more obvious for how to make it, just stick it in a computer, add the songs, give it to them, you’re done.  The most important part is what songs you pick.  Pick some that are their favorite songs, songs that are meaningful to the both of you, or talk about how much you love them.  This gift could also be paired with another gift.

4.  Indoor Picnic

This idea has the same concept of a candlelit dinner, but is much more casual and simple.

What You’ll Need:

-  Some picnic props (a basket, a tablecloth, paper goods)

-  Finger foods and drinks

-  Cards, board games

    What you could do is lay down a tablecloth, or a blanket on your living room floor and set up a miniature picnic inside.  Make your girlfriend or boyfriend their favorite kinds of sandwiches, fruit, and get drinks.  Maybe you’ll even want to be different, and do an indoor sushi picnic.  You should also make them their favorite desert!  After eating, you two can sit together and play your favorite card and board games.  This will help you two bond together and will be very fun.

5.  Tissue Flowers

Since getting an actual bouquet of flowers can cost up to $100, opting for these handmade, creative flowers may be your best bet.  On top of it, they never die!

What You’ll Need:

-  Tissue Paper

-  Green pipe Cleaner

    First, cut about 4 to 6 pieces of tissue paper, about 8x10 inches.  The exact size doesn’t matter too much.  Next, fold the paper into an accordion.  After, take the green pipe cleaner and tie the center of the folded flower.  Then, pull each piece of paper towards the top center of the flower, making sure to separate each sheet of paper from the others.  This will form the petals of the flowers.

    Obviously, this present is more suited to give to a female.  But, if you want to give your friends a small gift for Valentine’s day, this is both cheap and cute.