Items such as bouquets of roses, big boxes of chocolate and jewelry dominate Valentine’s Day gift giving.
But for college students, expenses such as tuition, credit cards and rent can make holiday presents hard on the wallet. With a little creativity and thought, students can overcome these challenges to give their loved ones something from the heart without breaking the bank.
Instead of giving a material gift, students can spend some quality time with their sweethearts. “Take them somewhere and give them an experience,” said Suzanne Clark, an English professor. “There are many free events on campus, such as plays at Villard Hall.”
Indeed, the University area is brimming with romantic potential. A stroll by the Millrace or a bike ride in Alton Baker Park are two examples of places a student could take his or her valentine without spending a penny.
Technology can also help students channel their creativity. “A lot of people burn love-mix CDs on their CD burner for their boyfriend or girlfriend,” said junior Neil Vandehey, a journalism major.
Other potential valentine uses for computers include making cards on PageMaker or similar layout programs and sending animated greeting cards to a loved one’s e-mail address from www.123greetings.com. Hand-crafted gifts are another inexpensive way to say “I love you.”
David Christensen, an English major, said the EMU Craft Center provides ways to be creative on a tight budget.
“You can go there and make a pot or a bowl for your valentine, and it doesn’t cost much,” said Christensen, a sophomore.
The Craft Center’s $5 special classes are among the many options for crafty and thrifty students like Christensen.
With a little creativity, edible gifts can also be an inexpensive but appreciated gift. “You could cook something for your loved one, like cookies or a cake. It doesn’t even have to be anything sweet,” Clark said. “That might be a problem for students, though, because many of them don’t have access to an oven.”
Valentine’s gifts don’t necessarily have to be “crafted” to be treasured. Students can use their creativity to write a poem or a song, both of which cost nothing. Clark suggests that students “write a long love letter, by hand, and send it through the postal service instead of e-mail.”
Perhaps the best low-cost Valentine’s Day gift of all is the suggestion from sophomore Michael Washington, a psychology major: “Just tell them you love them.”