The time has come where Wal-Mart becomes abundant with red and pink candies, over-sized stuffed animals, fragrant roses, and jewelry shimmering brighter than day.
Valentine’s Day of 2012 was expected to be as high as $17.6 billion in revenue with each person spending around a maximum of $130 each, according to Time-Business and Money.
“As a college student, if I was more financially stable I would do more for my boyfriend, but him cooking me dinner is lovely to me,” said Sydney Walter, sophomore at Tyler Junior College.
Sydney and her boyfriend, Andrew, have been dating over a year.
There is wrong way of doing Valentine’s Day. Showing the upmost love and affection for someone does not have to be expensive. As cliché as it is, “it’s the thought that counts”.
“I like simple things better because with the extravagant things you’re trying to impress them too much,” said Ivory Smith, freshman at TJC.
Office Coordinator for Fine Arts, Alta Gentry, has been married for 42 years. Gentry prefers something simple, and even silly, over something costly and flashy after her many years of marriage. Writing little notes saying, “I love you,” “I appreciate you,” or “I’m so happy we’re together,” means so much more to her and are not taken for granted.
“We started this when we got married,” said Gentry.
With the day narrowing in sooner than later, rely on what the simple joys of life are. Little candy hearts that say “Be Mine” can go a lot further than one thinks.
Some examples of cost effective treats are:
- Box of chocolates $3-5 at Dollar General
- Plastic rose $.50-1 at Dollar General
- Card $1 at Dollar General
- Real flowers $5-15 at Wal-Mart
- Large stuffed animals $6-10 at Wal-Mart
- Candles $1-5 at Wal-Mart
A spaghetti dinner with small candles, a box of chocolates and treating your significant other will costs, at maximum, $15. Simple and romantic.
Another simple idea would be to take your loved one to the Tyler Rose Garden and meander through one of the most famous local rose gardens or take them to the Liberty Hall Theatre, February 14, in downtown Tyler to see a classic, North by Northwest, at 8 p.m. for $10.
Showing your love for someone can be done simply and romantically while also keeping some money in your pocket.
Story by: Mandy Drager
