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VALENTINE'S DAY
THE UNIVERSITY OF JARY KANSAN
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2007
Valentine's Day GIFT GUIDE
Combine classic, unique gift ideas
BY NICK MANGIARACINA
1. iPod Nano, 4 GB;
For those who don't want to wait until the new Apple iPhone goes on sale, there is an alternative solution. The 4 GB iPod nano is great for starting up a music collection, as it holds up to 1,000 songs. Though this gift will not serve as a replacement for a well-rounded and loving relationship, you can be sure that your significant other will not be able to tell the difference. Show him or her the meaning of la dolce vita with this small but powerful gift.
Price: $199
Kansas Union Bookstore
2. Teddy Bear:
This simple yet classic item is sure to impress any fine female that you happen to be dating. After all, who can resist the allure of a stuffed face that stares blankly back at you? It is as if it screams out "Squeeze me, oh beloved human." Ah, but teddy bears also serve many purposes outside of cuddling. They can be used for pillows, book rests and as excellent additions to practically any decor. This Valentine's Day, say "I love you" with one of these incredibly cuddly creatures. Pick up a quality one from the Vermont Teddy Bear Company or raid your local toy store.
Price: $50 to $200
http://vtbear.stores.yahoo.net
3. See's Candies
Since 1921, See's Candies have been tantalizing taste buds across the country. It has been said that "Diamonds are a girl's best friend," but let's face it, you may be on a budget under $200. Also, most likely your innocent vixen won't see this one coming. She may
suspect you to go for the chocolate at the last minute, but hey, if you're going to do that anyway, you might as well find her some quality chocolates. Put down the Russell Stover's box that you found on sale at Hy Veen. If you want to show her that you love her, that is not the way to do it. Pick up a box at Nebraska Furniture Mart or get them online.
Price: $5 to $115
www.sees.com
4. Playboy Subscription:
Remember, you're not buying him a subscription to Playboy because of the vast array of naked women featured in each issue, but because you care about your boyfriend's education. Past issues have included authors such as Hunter S. Thompson, Kurt Vonnegut, Margaret Atwood and John Updike. Oh, and let's face it, though you two would like to be together every waking hour of the day, it's just not possible. After he has delved into educational pursuits via the articles, he will likely focus his attention on the naked ladies. Don't worry, though. If your man loves you, he won't allow the silicon-laced ladies to tempt him, for in his eyes you are his only love. After all, the tagline is only "Entertainment for men."
Price: $16 to $25
Price: $16 to $25
Check your local convenience store for his first issue and a subscription card.
5. Waxman Candles:
Waxman Candles has been making candles for more than thirty years. Amid the glorious scents and mellow atmosphere, you can find the perfect gift for the big Valentine's Day date. Waxman Candles has hundreds of different candles and scents to choose from. From typical, cylindrical, scented candles to sculpture-esque candles, Waxman has something for every taste. Show her you're the strong sensitive type by not being afraid to purchase a candle for her. Real men enjoy smelling candles.
Waxman Candles, 609 Massachusetts
St.
6. Rose(s):
Upon running out of ideas, roses serve as an excellent last-minute gift for your sweetheart. Whether you buy her one or a dozen red roses, the symbolism remains the same. Red is the primary color of Valentine's Day because it represents love. If you're on a tight budget, remember that one rose is as meaningful as a dozen. This
will allow you to be cheap but appear classy at the same time.
Price: Under $20
Flowerama, 1700 W. 23rd St.
7. Calendar:
Does he often ask you what day of the week it is even after you've just told him that it's Wednesday? Has he forgotten your anniversary, or perhaps your birthday? Though it may have been tempting to smack him across the face for such offenses, he could have simply forgotten. This is why a calendar is the perfect gift for any forgetful guy. Now he will have no excuse for forgetting important days in your love lives. Calendars are magical things that require no electricity to operate and therefore never break down, get lost or get stolen. Lure him into your clutches with a calendar featuring something he's interested in, and then explain to him the purpose of your gift. Make sure to smother him with kisses if he attempts to argue about the greatness of his awful memory. Oh, and then remember to say "I love you."
Price: $5 and up
Check your local bookstore
— Edited by Kelly Lanigan
What do you think?
CHRISTINA EDWARDS Leavenworth freshman I "want a Build-A-Bear and a pink mug from Starbucks because I love coffee."
BY JASON BAKER
LESLIE CNOSSEN
Topeka sophomore
"I would want a nice date on the couch with a big bowl of ice cream."
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT?
PATRICK SWAIN
St. Paul, Minn., sophomore
"I would want a 30-pack of Natty Light."
SAM JETER Hays sophomore
"I would want an entire bar rented out for me and that special someone."
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Stores rake in business on Valentine's Day BY JESSICA SAIN-BAIRD
Rows of pink and red gifts, romantic cards and teddy bears welcome customers at Rod's Hallmark, 3239 Iowa St.
According to the Hallmark Press Room Web site at more than half of the U.S. population celebrates Valentine's Day by buying a card. Almost 50 percent of those cards are purchased in the six days prior to the holiday, the Web site said.
Marketing strategies for the businesses hardly change, as Holmes said her store continued regular advertising yet began to hand out filers prior to Valentine's Day. Beltram said her store did not advertise additionally for the holiday beyond using their marquee.
It's almost Valentine's Day, and that means an average of 35 to 40 percent more business compared to other times of the year, manager Jennifer Holmes said.
Red roses, balloons and plush items sell the most at Flowerama for the holiday, she said. Holmes said candles and candy remained popular at Rod's Hallmark around this time of year.
Business picks up the most from the weekend before Valentine's Day to the holiday itself. Holmes said, Victoria Beltram, owner and manager of Flowerama, 1700 23rd St., said her store has already felt the rush of Valentine's Day gift buying.
Edited by Will McCullough