monkey!

February 14, 2008

How to take the retail money grubbing demon out of Valentines Day

This will be a quick one! On my way to work today, listening to McArthur in the morning on 103.9 The Hawk, he made a rant about how Valentines Day sucks.

His rant was the standard one: Valentines Day has become a way for retail to take your money, forcing you to buy over-priced chocolates, flowers, and other various gifts. He is perfectly right. The mall has been full of Valentines Day deals for weeks now, constantly raising prices, even on the most basic things (A standard Dark Chocolate bar normally at $1.49 was $2.29 at Zehrs .. and it’s not even a valentines type gift, it’s just regular chocolate!)

I totally agree with him and I hate what retail stores do. But there are very easy ways to show how much you love your spouse, without the need to spend a lot of money on over-priced items.

Instead of buying chocolates and going out for dinner, stay in!

This valentines I have planned a very nice dinner at my place for me and Miranda. I’m making a steak dinner (She looooves steak) with specialty baked potatoes and asparagus. For dessert, I’ve baked my own cookies and will serve them with some chocolate icecream. Sure, this costed me some money, but nowhere near what I would spend at a restaurant or even a box of chocolates. Plus, it has meaning. I’m taking the time to do all of this, making her something I know she will love, and instead of buying chocolates I made my own. Regardless of how much know-how you have in the culinary world, she will be impressed because you took the time, and you focused on what she loves.

Flowers are nice, and you aren’t getting out of it.

Perhaps unfortunately for some. Flowers are pretty much a given for Valentines. A nice bouquette of roses will run you about $30 so it’s not too hard on the cash, and it will make her feel great. Pick the correct type of flowers, depending on your relationship. If flowers are too much out of your budget, get her a great card and right a heart-felt message in it, letting her know how much you truly mean to her.

It doesn’t have to be perfect.

Last night I was at my parents and while I was there, Miranda dropped by my apartment unexpectedly (I was expecting her later, when I would already be home). I had set down some roses and a teddy bear I bought for her in my room so I could have it ready for tomorrow. She found it a tad early obviously! This of course, is no issue. Who cares if she didn’t get them on the exact date? It was an unexpected situation but she still appreciated them. Plus, the teddy was soft as hell and no woman can resist that.

Make it a fun simple night between you two.

You don’t have to go out in the town for Valentines Day. It should be a day for just you two, to celebrate your love just a bit more then usual. Find a great movie at Blockbuster either together, or one that you know she will love. After dinner, sit down with dessert and enjoy the movie. All those endorphins from the chocolate, the food, (if you picked the right one), the movie will make for a great evening before heading to bed!

That’s just a few things I wanted to say on the topic. I am no expert on Valentines Day or relationships. I am only 23 after all! Regardless,  I have not stressed over this Valentines Day at all, and I know it will be, and has so far been a very relaxing, enjoyable day.