by Anna Raboin
Co-Editior-in-Chief
Valentine’s Day is literally around the corner, this Monday, February 14th. This means romantic ideas and trying to impress that one special person. Most couples feel like they have exhausted every tradition. For high schoolers, what other choice is there than dinner and a movie? Teenagers have to keep ideas relatively cheap and easy, leaving little inspiration for creativity. Here are some simple and affordable date and gift ideas for this Valentine’s Day.
Date Ideas:
1. Make each other dinner and dessert.
This is a fun way to spend time together and work on some culinary skills. Pick something simple to make: spaghetti, hamburgers, paninis, etc. Make dinner together, set the table nicely, and enjoy. Then, after dinner, dip strawberries in chocolate or buy sugar cookies at the store and frost them together.
2. Classic movie marathon.
Rent some classic romantic movies (Casablanca, Dirty Dancing, Gone With The Wind) and spend the night eating popcorn and cuddling on the couch. Add hot chocolate and marshmallows to make it even more cozy.
3. Make Valentines together.
Go to Dollar Tree and buy some bright paper, stickers, glitter, doilies, etc. Spread out on the kitchen table and make Valentines for each other and friends to give out on Monday. It’s just like you’re in elementary school again, and it’s fun to get creative. To make it even more romantic (or funny,) write your own poems on your Valentine for your significant other.
4. Go ice skating.
Hitch a ride to a local rink (like the Chelmsford Forum) and rent skates. Help each other out if one of you doesn’t know how to skate. Ice skating is fun no matter how old you are, and you’ll have an excuse to hold hands and get close.
5. Have more time?
Create a scavenger hunt for your boyfriend or girlfriend. Hide clues around the house, yard, or neighborhood ultimately leading them to the perfect gift. Don’t have the perfect gift? Get some ideas from the list below.
Gift Ideas:
1. Valentine jar.
Get a hold of a jar (from home) of any size. Cut out pieces of bright paper and write a message on each. You can use quotes, your favorite things about your significant other, or memories. Fill up the jar and decorate it with a ribbon (anywhere from $3.50-10.00 at Target) or stickers and present it to them on your date. Tell them to read one message every day. It’s a personal and almost free gift that they will enjoy for a long time.
2. Scrapbook.
Either purchase a small scrapbook (anywhere from $12.00-$30.00) or make your own from construction paper and string. Take your favorite photos from the time you’ve spent together and glue them on the pages. Write your memories and sweet messages underneath the pictures.
3. A classic.
Yes, chocolates and roses are always a go to gift, but it’s a pricey and typical solution. So to mix it up a little, buy a single rose and treat her to something more thoughtful than just boxed chocolates. Take the time to get her favorite candy and do something creative with it. Put it in a box you decorated yourself to make it more meaningful.
4. Something cozy.
Everyone loves playing in the snow. Get your significant other warm gloves, a hat, or scarf ($15.00-25.00 at American Eagle) to keep them warm.
5. A coupon book.
You can buy these in stores, but it’s more fun to create your own coupon book. String together some pieces of paper with favors or promises written on them for your boyfriend or girlfriend. Some ideas could be, “A date to your favorite restaurant,” or “I promise to watch the big game with you, even though football isn’t my thing.” Simple ideas that you can both appreciate are best.
Any of these ideas are sure to impress that special someone.