Tiffany Haynes

Another year has flown past and everyone’s favorite commercial holiday is just around the corner. Feb. 14 is quickly approaching, signaling the hustle and bustle of trying to find that special someone the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day.

Wal-Mart has the typical singing teddy bear and large boxes of chocolates on display. They have devoted an entire aisle in their grocery department to the holiday of love. Consumers can find ladybugs called “love bugs,” any cartoon valentine and a variety of different candy choices. The last-minute shopper can visit Wal-Mart and grab a pre-made bouquet of flowers at an affordable price.

Flowers in Brookings can be purchased at one of the many flower shops that line the streets. Many flower shops have balloon bouquet options and flowers with stuffed animals. At Hy-Vee, one dozen roses sells for $70, a huge markup compared to their 2006 Swiftel Directory yellow page advertisement boasting a dozen roses for $40 (excluding Febuary).

The Collegian offers a way to woo your loved one. Readers can purchase hearts and write sweet nothings to their loved ones. This gift idea is not for the shy couple. All who read the Collegian will read your romantic prose. You can purchase a heart containing 15 words or less for $1.50. Words and money must be turned in to the Collegian office in The Union basement Feb. 10 before 5 p.m.

For those of you who are a little more creative, you can visit www.m&ms.com and customize M&Ms. The site enables you to pick the saying that will be printed on your hard-shelled chocolate treat and the color of the M&M. The company offers five different packaging options, but a minimum quantity must be bought. Sadly, you would have to tell your loved one that his or her gift will be a little late. Because of the huge demand for custom-made M&M’s this Valentine’s Day, the M&M’s wouldn’t get to you before the big day.

At www.bookbyyou.com, shoppers can personalize romance novels. Just type in a few details and you have just written a romance novel starring you and that special someone. This gift costs around $38 and is sure to leave an impression on your loved one.

Personalize a stuffed animal at www.buildabear.com from $29 to $55 and have it shipped straight to you before Valentine’s Day. Dress your new personalized friend up in an adorable love day outfit.

Finding the perfect activity to do on Valentine’s Day with your special someone is always tricky. Dinner and a movie is typically the fall-back date because it’s easy and inexpensive and you know that you’ll both have a nice time. For those looking to spice up the day up, take your date ice skating at Larson Ice Center or take him or her bowling at Prairie Lanes.

Inexpensive gift ideas include: a personalized CD, love notes, making dinner together, watching movies, coupons for back massages or cookies. Spell “I Love You” on the coffee table in Hershey’s Kisses to suprise that special someone.

If you don’t have a special someone to share this love day with, hang out with your pals. Invite your friends over to watch movies or have a board-game night.

Whatever you choose to do on Valentine’s Day, spend it with someone you love and remember. Don’t wait for Valentine’s Day to do something nice for that special someone. Treat every day as if it were Valentine’s Day.