2008 Woodie Awards
Valentine Gift Ideas
Jennifer Hannan '10
Issue date: 2/14/07 Section: Features
Have you ever known someone who keeps everything? You know the type. They hold onto everything from last season's boots to last week's lunch. Well, I'm one of those people. Recently, however, I've decided to "de-clutter" my clutter.
During this "de-cluttering" I came across an old box that I hadn't seen in years. I opened it and found something interesting: a wrinkled Valentine's Day card. Its glitter was almost gone, and the feathers (yes, feathers) were falling off, but the message inside was still clear. Printed in large, black crayon were the words, "Deer Jenn, Hapy Valintine's Day! Luv, Andrew."
I can admit the card wasn't exactly Hallmark. It did, however, hold an appeal for a little girl whose only experiences with "romance" included the latest Disney movies. This was when Valentine's Day was simple.
So when exactly did buying expensive and overpriced gifts come to ultimately define Valentine's Day? Of course, I'm not going to sugarcoat anything. Wearing rose-colored glasses was never my idea of a good fashion statement. For example, let's say tomorrow Andrew brought me a feather-adorned paper heart. I'd be a little disappointed. Somehow, the "I made it myself just for you" line doesn't work unless you're either seven years old or Emeril who just cooked a three-course meal.
I know what you're thinking. "If I can't give the cheesy, "from the heart" gift or the overpriced, "trying too hard" gift, then what do I buy [insert name] for Valentine's Day?"
Stop worrying about buying the most expensive presents. Stop waiting until the last minute to buy your presents. Please, stop making last-minute, uncooked macaroni hearts, especially if it's your third consecutive year giving it. Find (or do!) something for your boyfriend/girlfriend that you know they'll love. Something that proves you actually made an effort.
Whatever your gift is-a necklace, a scrapbook, a three-course meal (for all you Emerils)-just make sure it's given for the right reason. Sorry, I.O.U.s don't count.
For us singles, let's not use the "it's a commercialized, tainted holiday" excuse this year. Expand the conventional idea of a "valentine" to include everyone you care about. Send your friend a silly e-card with that weird, dancing cupid baby. Buy a couple boxes of chocolate for the people you care about. Or, just keep the chocolate for yourself. No one has to know the Godivas were actually bought by you.
Considering this new outlook, I've decided to not throw away Andrew's card and save my "de-cluttering" for another day. Right now, I have a date with a box of Godiva.
During this "de-cluttering" I came across an old box that I hadn't seen in years. I opened it and found something interesting: a wrinkled Valentine's Day card. Its glitter was almost gone, and the feathers (yes, feathers) were falling off, but the message inside was still clear. Printed in large, black crayon were the words, "Deer Jenn, Hapy Valintine's Day! Luv, Andrew."
I can admit the card wasn't exactly Hallmark. It did, however, hold an appeal for a little girl whose only experiences with "romance" included the latest Disney movies. This was when Valentine's Day was simple.
So when exactly did buying expensive and overpriced gifts come to ultimately define Valentine's Day? Of course, I'm not going to sugarcoat anything. Wearing rose-colored glasses was never my idea of a good fashion statement. For example, let's say tomorrow Andrew brought me a feather-adorned paper heart. I'd be a little disappointed. Somehow, the "I made it myself just for you" line doesn't work unless you're either seven years old or Emeril who just cooked a three-course meal.
I know what you're thinking. "If I can't give the cheesy, "from the heart" gift or the overpriced, "trying too hard" gift, then what do I buy [insert name] for Valentine's Day?"
Stop worrying about buying the most expensive presents. Stop waiting until the last minute to buy your presents. Please, stop making last-minute, uncooked macaroni hearts, especially if it's your third consecutive year giving it. Find (or do!) something for your boyfriend/girlfriend that you know they'll love. Something that proves you actually made an effort.
Whatever your gift is-a necklace, a scrapbook, a three-course meal (for all you Emerils)-just make sure it's given for the right reason. Sorry, I.O.U.s don't count.
For us singles, let's not use the "it's a commercialized, tainted holiday" excuse this year. Expand the conventional idea of a "valentine" to include everyone you care about. Send your friend a silly e-card with that weird, dancing cupid baby. Buy a couple boxes of chocolate for the people you care about. Or, just keep the chocolate for yourself. No one has to know the Godivas were actually bought by you.
Considering this new outlook, I've decided to not throw away Andrew's card and save my "de-cluttering" for another day. Right now, I have a date with a box of Godiva.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Jay
posted 2/14/07 @ 10:01 AM EST
"Stop worrying about buying the most expensive presents."
your'e so right.. I pity those who needs expensive presents to feel loved.
here something new for e-cards. (Continued…)
Ogen garnet
posted 12/18/07 @ 5:32 AM EST
My brother bought five n?a?p Queen Blanket from Brookstone store at Couponalbum.com & saved $40 by using code AF6DEC..!!
Emma
posted 1/18/08 @ 6:38 PM EST
I love finding creative Valentines Day gifts that are totally unique.
Finding unusual gift ideas can be a lot of fun. Whether it's for Valentines day or some other occasion, I get a real kick out of finding something quite unique. (Continued…)
Lisa
posted 1/21/08 @ 12:25 PM EST
I love finding creative Valentines Day gifts that are totally unique.
Finding unusual gift ideas can be a lot of fun. Whether it's for Valentines day or some other occasion, I get a real kick out of finding something quite unique. (Continued…)
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