Ideas for the hopeless romantic

By SHAY DAVIS

OK, boys and girls. It’s that time of year again — Valentine’s Day.

For those who are fortunate to have a significant other, Valentine’s Day is a day set aside for you to swap sappy CD-love mixes and boxes of chocolates with. But if you’re feeling short on love’s day, we have many creative ideas for the hopeless romantic in you.

For her:
Don’t just give flowers; grow them, too.
If you’re tired of giving the same bouquet of flowers, try giving her the seeds also. Tell your girlfriend that once her Valentine’s bouquet has wilted, the flowers will live on in her personal garden. Purchase a packet of rose bud, sweet pea or daffodil seeds at any home improvement store. Grab a bag of potting soil and tell her you’ll plant the seeds with her.

For him:
Forget the take-out.
Although he says he doesn’t mind eating out, we all know he’d like a night of pampering, including a home-cooked meal. Try to figure out his favorite cuisine and practice cooking the meal with family members. The last thing you want is a false positive when it comes to expertise in the kitchen. By the end of your Valentine’s Day dinner, he’ll be asking, “What’s for dessert?”

For her:
No need for reservations.
This old idea has a new twist. Instead of packing a picnic full of club sandwiches and potato chips, pick up her favorite Chinese food. But don’t head out to Woodward Park in the afternoon, wait until dusk and have your dinner picnic while watching the sunset. Be sure to bring extra blankets and stay late and watch the stars come out. She’ll be sure to snuggle up close to you to keep her warm.

For him:
He’s the scavenger.
You don’t have to be a sports critic for this one. Find out his favorite team. Purchase tickets for the next “game” that he’s been dying to go to and make a scavenger hunt for him to find the tickets. Get him to purchase a baseball cap with his team logo or other clues that give subtle hints of his final present. The final clue should lead him to you with his anticipated gift. By the end of the night, you can bet that he’ll be your No. 1 fan.

If these sappy suggestions don’t win your lover’s heart, you can always go to a fast food joint for a quick bite. Nothing says “I love you” like a McRomance.